Fundamentals of Robotic Process Automation

Fundamentals of Robotic Process Automation

The information technology field seems to come with a never-ending procession of new ideas and programs that you must learn to stay ahead of the game. Robotic process automation is the latest in this long line, and it may be one of the best. However, it can go over the heads of some who try to understand it. With that, consider the fundamentals of robotic process automation.

Explaining Robotic Process Automation

When you hear or see the word robot, you probably think of either a boxy character who says things like “beep” and “boop” or the Terminator. Robotic process automation, or RPA, involves neither. The robots in this instance are within the software, which is to say there are no physical bots of which to speak.

These digital RPA bots can perform rudimentary human tasks—specifically, tasks that require a lot of hours but not a lot of brainpower.

Understanding How RPA Is Useful

You’ve likely had employees complain about busy work at some point. It’s the kind of work that needs to get done, but no one wants to do it because it’s rather dull.

RPA can replace humans—thus freeing up your employees to focus on more important tasks—in instances where the work is rule-based, contains defined inputs and outputs, has a predefined trigger, and has sufficient volume. If all of the above apply to areas in your line of work, those tasks are the perfect candidates for robotic process automation.

Using RPA Optimally

In many instances, the best place to use RPA automation tools is in finance. Much of the financial sector involves moving numbers from one place to another and adding or averaging them. RPA saves your employees from this repetitive work and frees them up to focus on things that require human intuition.

Now that you know the fundamentals of robotic process automation, we hope you have a deeper understanding of how machine learning can take the weight off many of your employees and set the stage for a more efficient company moving forward.

Why Businesses Should Use RPA To Automate Business Processes

Why Businesses Should Use RPA To Automate Business Processes

The fact that you’re reading about robots doing work humans don’t want to is indicative of the incredible technological strides humanity has made in the last few decades. Only a few short years ago, people would need to grit their teeth and perform this tedious work, but today, that is no longer the case. Read on to learn why businesses should use RPA to automate business processes.

What Is Robotic Process Automation?

Robotic process automation, or RPA, is an emerging technology designed to automate the necessary but tedious tasks done as rudimentary business processes. You know the ones we’re talking about—scouring through financial records, cross-referencing names and dates— all the unpleasant, boring tasks.

Software bots become virtual workers that can perform time-consuming tasks instead of devoting your living workforce to these processes.

Quicker Completion of Tasks

Humans are great, but they aren’t as quick to devour data as computers. Staffing costs and resources are a significant consideration of every management team, and RPA allows you to focus your people on tasks where people are still required. As you save money by not wasting the time of your workforce, you’ll also notice that projects are completed more quickly with a robot.

That said, implementing RPA requires a little time up-front to start automated workflows for your bots to follow. However, once the initial investment is made, you’ll see immediate results.

Enhanced Finances

Financial processes are one area where mistakes can devastate a business. Robotic process automation can help your accountants by doing the busy work that needs to get done. From payroll to financial planning, letting your bots complete these tasks will save your company precious time and money.

Upgraded Data Security

Human error is a factor you need to consider as a manager. Robots can’t make human errors—it’s literally impossible. When you employ robotic process automation, your data will stay safe from mix-ups and miscommunications.

Now that you know why businesses should use RPA to automate business processes, upgrade your system with smart bots that can take some of the weight off your employees’ shoulders.