This is a question which often follows “What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)”?

Essentially some software (called a “Software Robot” or “Bot”) simulates a person working on a computer. The “Software Robot” can simulate reading information displayed on the screen, can simulate typing on the keyboard and simulate mouse activity e.g. clicks. This enables a “Software Robot” to perform actions on computer systems just like a person. The repetitive process activity done by a person can be automated, hence “Robotic Process Automation”.

The “Software Robots” can work alongside a person, interacting with them, a bit like super “Shortcut” or a “Macro”. They act as a “Digital Assistant” to empower users to be more productive.

Alternatively, “Software Robots” can work “UnAttended” when the complete set of process tasks can be automated without people being involved. Freeing users to perform other tasks.

Ever heard a consultant say “Work Smarter not Harder”?

Much has been written on Work Smarter, but not so much on “How” to achieve it.

I was asked recently about “Where can RPA be used?” (RPA - Robotic Process Automation)

In response I suggested that the manager ask his team, if each of them was given an assistant, what work would they pass to the new employee?

Routine, repetitive work emerged as the ideas from the team, as a new assistant would need little training to do the tasks and the team could focus on engaging with customers rather than the administration.

I was reading a post by Emiliano Sutil recently that touched on “Value Stream Mapping”. It is a lean-management method for examining the impact of a process on outcomes. I think it is particularly suitable when considering automation of repetitive routine work that could be performed by RPA software robots.

Or perhaps the question is “Why is RPA required?”

The answer is rapidly becoming “Our competitors are already using it.”

RPA, Robotic Process Automation, may sound technical, but it is a simple message – You could spend hours each day doing routine work on your computer, or you could get an RPA software robot to do it for you. What is the best way for you and your colleagues to spend your time?

“To err, is human”, true but it does have a cost, an impact on a business and often results in a disappointed customer.

The greater the monotony of the work activity, the higher the error rate in most situations according to research with a typical level being 4% of transactions.

How many errors will you make today?