# Ether Solutions > Automate Boring Work - Feel the Difference --- ## Pages - [Newsletter - Business Beyond Automation](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/newsletter-business-beyond-automation/): Ether Solutions publishes a newsletter on LinkedIn called "Business Beyond Automation" which addresses broad RPA automation topics. - [Supply Chain Automation with RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/supply-chain-automation-with-rpa/): Supply Chain Automation with RPA Software Robots to deliver productivity by removing manual work in day to day tasks. - [Manufacturing Automation with RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/manufacturing-automation-with-rpa/): Manufacturing Automation with RPA Software Robots to deliver productivity gains for the routine regular business processes executed everyday. - [Thank you](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/thank-you/): Thank you for the download or subscription request or other contact. We look forward to contacting again with you soon. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/privacy-policy/): Ether Solutions' Privacy Policy is aligned with IT industry best practice and reflects the consultancy services that are provided. - [Terms And Conditions](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/): Terms And Conditions for using the website provided by Ether Solutions. Find more information here on our Terms and Conditions page. - [Modern Slavery Policy](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/modern-slavery-policy/): Modern Slavery Policy - Ether Solutions' Modern Slavery Policy is aligned with IT industry best practice. Find out more. - [Contact](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/contact/): Contact Information for Ether Solutions: Ether Solutions contact information. Telephone numbers, email addresses and contact form. - [Services](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/services/): Services Provided To Clients - Services that Ether Solutions provide using UiPath software robots for automation of business processes - [Automation - RPA as a Service (RPAaaS)](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automation-rpa-as-a-service-rpaaas/): Automation RPA as a Service (RPAaaS) - RPA as a Service moves the classic automation out of the data centre and allows economies of scale. - [Where Can RPA Be Used?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/where-can-rpa-be-used/): Where can RPA be used across business departments to deliver effective automation in terms of typical teams performing the processes. - [90 Day Automation Method](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/90-day-automation-method/): 90 Day Automation - The 90 Automation Method covers people, process and technology taking an idea, into a plan and action. - [RPA - UiPath's eBook](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-uipaths-ebook/): UiPath's introduction to RPA is an e-book is a starting point for the new users that Ether Solutions as a partner is pleased to provide. - [Why Do We Need Robots?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-do-we-need-robots/): Why do we need robots is answered in a video from UiPath as it is a common question for business leaders to raise. - [UiPath's Robot eBook](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipaths-robot-ebook/): Ether Solutions as a UiPath partner is pleased to provide "Robot Best Thing" an e-book that covers automation by software robots. - [UiPath Kickstart Project](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-kickstart-project/): Documentation and training are available for UiPath, experienced consultants can Kickstart a Project implementing RPA software robots. - [About Us](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-specialist-about-us/): RPA Specialist: About Us - Ether Solutions combines people and a passion for technology to deliver productivity improvements. - [RPA FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-faq/): Frequently Asked Questions on RPA with answers to explain what RPA is and what it is able to provide for businesses. - [RPA Company Ether Solutions Profile](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-company-ether-solutions-profile/): UK focused RPA Company Ether Solutions provides UiPath consultancy services to deliver improved Productivity solutions with RPA Automation. - [UiPath Architecture](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-architecture/): The UiPath Architecture is explained including the robot communication with the cloud orchestrator and the allocation of licences. - [RPA Case Studies](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-case-studies/): Ether Solutions selection of RPA case studies from UiPath RPA projects completed for clients who are benefiting from the automation. - [What Can RPA Do For You?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/what-can-rpa-do-for-you/): What can RPA do for you as a business is answered in terms of the capabilities and benefits provided by automation with software robots. - [Ether Ethos](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/ether-ethos/): Ether Solutions Ethos - People, passion for technology and dreams of improved productivity through automation with software robots. - [UiPath - RPA solution](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-rpa-solution/): A UiPath RPA solution provides a broad range of automation functionality with integrations to leading technologies and packages. - [RPA Careers With Ether](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-careers-with-ether/): Ether Solutions as a specialist UiPath RPA consultancy, offers RPA permanent roles, contract roles, associate roles and home worker roles. - [UiPath Partner](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-partner/): Ether Solutions is a UiPath Partner providing both software and consultancy services for businesses adopting automation. - [Company Listings](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/company-listings/): Company Listing Websites that reference Ether Solutions: We are referenced frequently under Automation and Productivity Improvements. - [Why RPA Is A Good Solution](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-rpa/): Why RPA is a question answered in terms of the benefits that are delivered from automation using software robots. - [What is RPA?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/what-is-rpa/): What is RPA (Robotic Process Automation) explained using examples to illustrate the capabilities of software robots to automate processes. - [Kofax Capture](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/kofax-capture/): Kofax Capture provides document scanning capabilities that can process digital files and directly interact with paper scanning devices. - [Benefits of RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/benefits-of-rpa/): The Benefits of RPA are mainly in Productivity and Quality but there are other benefits that can be available depending upon automation. - [Kofax Transformation Modules](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/kofax-transformation-modules/): Kofax Transformation Modules - KTM - provides the data recognition and extraction capabilities to process data from documents. - [How Managers Can Achieve Business Objectives with RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-managers-achieve-business-objectives-with-rpa/): How Managers Can Achieve Business Objectives with RPA - Use RPA to deliver automation which improves productivity and hence performance. - [Kofax VRS](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/kofax-vrs/): Kofax VRS - Enhancing OCR. Use Kofax VRS to enhance OCR. With Ether Solutions. Contact us to find out more. - [Kofax Licences](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/kofax-licences/): Kofax licence arrangements are complex, Ether Solutions provide advice on the legacy and current options including SUA. - [RPA Implementation](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-implementation/): RPA Implementation can be successful with an approach of Discovery, Build, Operational activity and Infrastructure activity - [When To Use RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/when-to-use-rpa/): When to use RPA is explained in terms of the criteria used to select processes for automation with software robots. - [RPA Process Checklist](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-process-checklist/): A checklist to determine if a process is a good candidate for RPA implementation. The checklist is available for download. - [RPA ROI Calculator](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-roi-calculator/): A Calculator to determine the ROI for an RPA implementation that automates a process including the cost of software robots. - [How to use RPA?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-to-use-rpa/): How to Use RPA to Deliver productivity gains for a business and recognising the need for people in the loop to deliver complete results. - [RPA Process Review and Quote](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-process-review-and-quote/): Submit your process for review to determine its suitability for RPA and receive a quote for the build of automation. - [RPA Use Cases](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-use-cases/): List of RPA use cases where automation of tasks is likely to deliver positive benefits to a business in terms of productivity gains. - [RPA Jargon](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-jargon/): The jargon around RPA is extensive, the terms and acronyms are explained with definitions to help businesses considering RPA. - [Who Uses RPA?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/who-uses-rpa/): Who uses RPA to automate processes explained in terms of industry sectors and the departments that typically use RPA. - [RPA Examples Demo Videos](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-examples-demo-video/): Video demonstrations of RPA software robots performing tasks including the extraction of data from the web, entry of data into excel, etc. - [Increase Productivity](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/increase-productivity/): Increase Productivity is a common objective. Automation is one way to deliver a sustained increase productivity. - [Productivity FAQ](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/productivity-faq/): Productivity FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions for businesses that are embarking on improving productivity and understanding the subject. - [UiPath](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-software/): UiPath software from UiPath Inc is used by Ether Solutions to deliver automations for businesses to achieve productivity improvements. - [RPA - Robotic Process Automation](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-robotic-process-automation/): RPA - Robotic Process Automation: Find out more including details of Ether Solutions implementation packages. - [RPA - Robotic Process Automation Information](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-robotic-process-automation-information/): RPA - Robotic Process Automation Information - Information on RPA and what it does for businesses considering automation. - [RPA - Software Robots](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-software-robots/): RPA - Software Robots provide automation for repetitive tasks undertaken on computer systems which delivers improved productivity. - [Automation](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automation/): Automation of Repetitive Tasks - Using software robots can require a questions to be answered. Ether Solutions addresses the questions. - [UiPath Consultancy](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-consultancy/): UiPath Consultancy is provided by Ether Solutions to assist businesses successfully implement software robots and build automations. - [Why Automate?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-automate/): Why Automate is the question that every business asks when considering RPA and is answered in terms of the productivity gains. - [RPA Support Service](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/support-service/): A support service for RPA software robot implementations is important to keep the automations working when external changes occur. - [When to Automate?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/when-to-automate/): When to Automate is a question that business address when considering RPA as mechanism to gain productivity improvements. - [RPA Project Example](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/typical-rpa-project/): A typical RPA project for a business automating one process with software robots has people, process and technology aspects to consider. - [How To Select a Process for Automation](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-to-select-a-process-for-automation/): How To Select a Process for Automation - Considering the criteria which identify best candidates for automation. - [Software Robots for Directors](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/software-robots-for-directors/): Software Robots for Directors explained in terms of the capabilities and the benefits available from automation, plus a download brochure - [UiPath Prices - Licences](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-prices-licences/): UiPath Licences and prices can be a complex topic, Ether Solutions provide knowledge and experience to help businesses understand the options - [Manager's Guide to Automation using Software Robots](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/managers-guide-to-automation-using-software-robots/): Manager's Guide to Automation using Software Robots is an e-book that answers many questions for businesses considering automation. - [RPA benefits - Infographic](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-benefits-infographic/): Pick your RPA benefits from several that are available depending upon the tasks that being automated by software robots. - [Getting Started with RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-getting-started/): Getting Started with RPA - An approach of Discovery, Proof of Concept, Design, Build, Test and Train, Production Deployment. - [Blogs](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-blogs/): RPA Blogs - RPA articles and Productivity Articles - Covering automation with software robots to deliver benefits - [Robotic Process Automation - UiPath experts](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/): Robotic Process Automation - UiPath Experts - Automate Boring Work with UiPath RPA software robots for businesses. --- ## Posts - [From 0 to 100: Scaling Your Business with RPA in Months](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/scaling-your-business-with-rpa/): Scale your business with RPA that delivers automation rather than recruit lots of staff. RPA delivers consistent processing cost effectively. - [Why IT Leaders want RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-it-leaders-want-rpa/): IT Leaders want RPA to automate the large number of business processes covered by the Service Catalogue of an IT Department - [Compare Automation - n8n - Make - Zapier - Appian - UiPath](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/compare-automation-n8n-make-zapier-appian-uipath/): Compare automation from n8n, Make, Zapier, Appian and UiPath. At a high level identify differences in automation is achieved and priced. - [RPA in Business Supply Chain Delivering Benefits](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-in-business-supply-chain-delivering-benefits/): RPA in the Supply Chain delivers benefits including reduction in manual effort, improved accuracy and timing flexibility - [Advantages and Disadvantages of RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-rpa/): Advantages and Disadvantages of RPA (Robotic Process Automation) compared with doing nothing for a business process. - [How RPA Can Slash Operational Admin Costs by up to 30%](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-rpa-can-slash-operational-admin-costs-by-up-to-30-percent/): How RPA Can Slash Operational Admin Costs by up to 30% by automating manual repetitive work found in most business processes. - [Business Survival Automate Boring Work Before Competitors](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/business-survival-automate-boring-work-before-competitors/): business survival can be achieved by automating boring work before competitors, to gain a productivity and efficiency advantage. - [7 Signs You're Wasting Time on Tasks That Could Be Automated](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/7-signs-you-are-wasting-time-on-tasks-that-could-be-automated/): Signs that manual tasks performed in the business could be automated. This helps determine where Automation should be considered. - [Debunking 50 RPA Myths](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/debunking-50-rpa-myths/): Debunking 50 RPA myths that are encountered in the media to provide answers to explain why the myths are false. - [5 Reasons Your Competitors are Adopting RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/5-reasons-your-competitors-are-adopting-rpa/): Here are 5 reasons that business competitors are adopting RPA and gaining the benefits to their business operations. - [Recruit more staff or use RPA?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/recruit-more-staff-or-use-rpa/): Recruit more staff or use RPA is a decision for any growing business with increasing workload. Automation enables best use of existing staff. - [How to be More Productive in the Workplace](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-to-be-more-productive-in-the-workplace/): How to be More Productive in the Workplace by using RPA to automate manual tasks performed by computer systems. - [Doing More with Less Effort](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/doing-more-with-less-effort/): Doing more with less is easy to say but can be difficult to deliver. The use of RPA to automate manual tasks is a way to achieve more. - [Why Automate?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-automate/): Automation delivers core benefits of Productivity and Consistency. The question becomes Why Not Automate as there is minimal risk. - [Why Are Businesses Interested In Productivity?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-are-businesses-interested-in-productivity/): Businesses are interested in Productivity as makes an organisation more competitive. Improvements in Productivity usually increase profits. - [Team Workload – How do you Square the Circle?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/team-workload-how-do-you-square-the-circle/): Team Workload – How do you Square the Circle of re-allocating work during staff holidays, jury service, long term sickness, paternity leave - [When To Automate A Task?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/when-to-automate-a-task/): The decision on When to Automate can be based on selecting suitable tasks and the capacity to undertake the automation task definition. - [Innovation Ideas for Business - Does your Board Expect You to Innovate?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/does-your-board-expect-you-to-innovate/): Company boards expect you to Innovate. One approach is to Automate existing business processes by using RPA software robots. - [Automation to Grow a Business](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automation-to-grow-a-business/): Business Automation - To Grow A Business does not rely on endless recruiting of staff but uses technology to deliver productivity. - [Why Should We Use RPA?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-should-we-use-rpa/): Why Should We Use RPA? It's a good question. The answer? RPA delivers Productivity and Consistency in task execution. - [Automate Those Tasks](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automate-those-tasks/): Automate those tasks to gain productivity for the business and the team. Use software robots to implement the repetitive tasks. - [Reseller Billing Can Benefit From RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/reseller-billing-can-benefit-from-rpa/): Reseller Billing can benefit from RPA to automate the cost plus margin calculations that are core to added value services. - [UiPath Jumpstart](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-jumpstart/): When starting a UiPath development, the ability to Jump Start it by deploying UiPath experienced consultants delivers rapid benefits. - [What is RPA used to do and why is RPA Popular?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/what-is-rpa-used-to-do-and-why-is-rpa-popular/): RPA is used to automate manual tasks performed on computer systems. It is popular as it delivers productivity and consistency of processing. - [Reasons why businesses are investing in Robotic Process Automation](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/reasons-why-businesses-are-investing-in-robotic-process-automation-2/): Reasons why businesses are investing in Robotic Process Automation start with reduced costs & improved productivity. Followed by consistency. - [Can you avoid human error in business processes?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/can-you-avoid-human-error-in-business-processes/): How to reduce errors and increase quality of work in business processes by using automation which delivers Consistency. - [How Does RPA Work?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-does-rpa-work/): How does RPA work? RPA works by simulating the actions of a person, reading the screen, keyboard typing, moving & clicking mouse. - [What is Productivity and Why Productivity is Important?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/what-is-productivity-and-why-productivity-is-important/): Productivity is the amount of output created from the input. Productivity is Important as it drives the profitability of a business. - [Best Ways to Improve Productivity](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/best-ways-to-improve-productivity/): Best Ways to Improve Productivity - Achieved by focussing on systems and not the motivation of individuals. - [Toxic Productivity](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/toxic-productivity/): Toxic Productivity - Is the mental state of worrying too much. It occurs when too focussed on details and ignoring the big context. - [Are Efficiency And Productivity The Same?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/are-efficiency-and-productivity-the-same/): Efficiency and Productivity are similar, but they impact a business in different ways. Productivity is the aspect companies usually focus on. - [9 Tips for a successful RPA deployment](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/9-tips-for-a-successful-rpa-deployment/): Successful RPA deployment can be achieved by adopting common approaches. The benefits of Automation are available by leveraging experience. - [How Much Repetition In Your Week?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-much-repetition-in-your-week/): How much task repetition occurs in your week will determine the potential for the impact of automation and the benefits it can deliver. - [Pride of Automation Solutions](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/pride-of-automation-solutions/): Automation of tasks in a business process generates a sense of pride for both management and workers, as it delivers great benefits. - [Staff Are Worth It!](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/staff-are-worth-it/): Staff are worth investing in by deploying RPA to automate routine tasks enabling individuals to focus on human skills and Productivity. - [Feel Like A Robot?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/feel-like-a-robot/): Repetitive tasks performed in high quantities can make people feel like a robot. Such tasks are candidates for Automation with RPA. - [Does Automation need RPA and AI?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/does-automation-need-rpa-and-ai/): Automation can be achieved with RPA software robots. where business rules are well defined. By including AI more tasks can be automated. - [How Long to Implement RPA?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-long-to-implement-rpa/): Implementing RPA can be a few weeks depending upon the complexity of the tasks being automated. Best to focus on the "Happy" path. - [AI needs RPA today!](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/ai-needs-rpa-today/): AI needs RPA today to deliver the automation for the context of AI Prompts and to action the results generated by the AI response. - [How to select a process for Automation](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-to-select-a-process-for-automation/): Selecting / choosing a process for RPA Automation requires consideration of many factors. Primarily is the task repetitive and fully digital. - [RPA investment SWOT analysis](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-investment-swot-analysis/): RPA investment SWOT analysis covering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the expenditure required. - [Get Work Done With No One There!](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/get-work-done-with-no-one-there/): Get work done with no one there is possible through Automation using RPA software robots to perform tasks on computer systems. - [Why Is RPA Needed?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-is-rpa-needed/): RPS is needed to deliver productivity for routine repetitive business process tasks that are able to be performed on computers. - [Zapier RPA - Is Zapier An RPA Tool For Automation?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/is-zapier-an-rpa-tool-for-automation-2/): Zapier is not an RPA tool but it can automate some tasks. The Zapier website is clear on the scope of the automations that can be achieved. - [Why automate early in a recession](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-automate-early-in-a-recession/): By automating early in a recession the benefits of consistency and productivity are available sooner which is a better competitive position. - [Cost of Doing Nothing](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/cost-of-doing-nothing/): There is a Cost of Doing Nothing It is an opportunity cost which can be high if competitors make progress while nothing is achieved. - [RPA for Free](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-for-free/): RPA is available for Free as the benefits from the Automation will rapidly pay for the costs. The ROI will often deliver a payback in months. - [Software robot costs £1 per hour](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/software-robot-costs-1-per-hour/): Software robot costs £1 per hour when the full capacity is utilised that is less than a minimum wage employee. - [Software Robot - Paid For By R&D Tax Credits?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/software-robot-paid-for-by-rd-tax-credits/): R&D tax credits are one way to pay for the implementation of RPA software robots. The cost will qualify as business activity. - [Virtual Operation - Not Bound By An Office](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/virtual-operation-not-bound-by-an-office/): Ether Solutions now operates as virtual business with no physical office, reaping the benefits of not being bound by an office. - [Robotic Process Automation - Ideal For Document Management](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/robotic-process-automation-ideal-for-document-management/): Documents are created but how often are they effectively tagged when filed. The task of tagging documents is ideal for RPA software robots. - [Chatbots vs RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/chatbots-vs-rpa/): Chatbots and RPA are different technology but they can be deployed together. RPA performing the actions identified in Chatbot dialogues. - [Excel Skills or a “Cut & Paste” expert?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/excel-skills-or-a-cut-paste-expert/): Is the power of Excel used or is it a log with lots of cut and paste activity to track information. Automate Excel actions with RPA - [RPA for dummies? – No for People](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-for-dummies-no-for-people/): RPA is a benefit to people who otherwise would manually execute computer activities. RPA delivers productivity and consistency. - [Is TIM WOODS responsible for RPA?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/is-tim-woods-responsible-for-rpa/): The pneumonic TIM Woods identifies how Lean Principles are aligned with RPA software robot usage to deliver automation of tasks. - [Is RPA The Glue For Digital Transformation With SaaS Clouds?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/is-rpa-the-glue-for-digital-transformation-with-saas-clouds/): RPA can be used to build integrations between SaaS Cloud applications event when no API is available. RPA can work with GUI and APIs. - [Could The Kids Do Your Work?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/could-the-kids-do-your-work/): The Kids could do your work if it is repetitive and follows rules determined for the business process. It is a candidate for automation. - [90 Day Automation Method](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/90-day-automation-method/): 90 Day Automation Method for Automation brings together people, processes and technology to achieve business benefits. - [Automation - Factory, Warehouse, Office?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automation-factory-warehouse-office/): Automation may be familiar in Factories and Warehouses but it can also be used in offices. RPA Software Robots automate office tasks. - [Automation – have you done “Value Stream Mapping”?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automation-have-you-done-value-stream-mapping/): Value Stream Mapping can help identify where automation can be effectively used as low Value tasks are often suitable for automation. - [Work Smarter - Software Robot vs Assistant?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/work-smarter-software-robot-vs-assistant/): Work smarter using a software robot or an assistant. For consistent tasks, a software robot is better, an assistant is best with varied tasks. - [RPA Awareness in SME reaches 35%](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-awareness-in-sme-reaches-35/): SME business leaders are becoming aware of the potential from RPA software robots to deliver benefits of Productivity and Consistency. - [Workforce impact of RPA at SMEs](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/workforce-impact-of-rpa-at-smes/): RPA can impact the workforce at SME businesses by providing cost effective automation of repetitive tasks enabling higher Productivity. - [Exit – Rebuild – Recruit Staff?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/exit-rebuild-recruit-staff/): Exit Covid, Rebuild business activity and Recruit Staff. A complex challenge that can be solved through Automation with RPA software robots. - [Could RPA change your Oracle e-Business usage](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/could-rpa-change-your-oracle-e-business-usage/): There are many manual tasks performed on Oracle e-Business. The digital and repetitive nature makes then candidates for Automation. - [Easter Holiday – Robot To Help?](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/easter-holiday-robot-to-help/): Easter Holidays generate issues for staffing levels so that the required workload can be achieved. An RPA software robot could be the answer. - [Alibaba 996 – Digital Worker 247](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/alibaba-996-digital-worker-247/): Alibaba may encourage 996 working but UK businesses can compete using Digital Workers for automation operating 24x7. - [Risk of RSI? - Get a Software Robot - RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/risk-of-rsi-get-a-software-robot-rpa/): Repetitive tasks performed frequently present the Risk of RSI. The use of a software robot to perform the tasks can eliminate that risk. - [Pregnant - Maternity Leave - Robot Interim](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/pregnant-maternity-leave-robot-interim/): Maternity Leave - work to continue & the potential for a Mother to return. An RPA software robot makes an Interim option. RPA Use Case - [2020 the year for Hyperautomation](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/2020-the-year-for-hyperautomation/): 2020 for Hyperautomation bringing together Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) using AI powered OCR. --- ## Services - [RPA](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/service/rpa/): RPA information on how software robots can deliver productivity gain benefits for business by automating manual tasks. - [UiPath](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/service/uipath/): UiPath - RPA Software Robots and AI for Automation. Ether Solutions implement the technology for businesses. - [Automation Using Software Robots](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/service/automation-using-software-robots/): Automation using software robots to deliver productivity gains by replacing manual tasks releasing staff from routine repetitive work. --- ## Headers - [Sticky Header](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/header/sticky-header-style-1/): Ether Solutions deliver automation solutions using UiPath. RPA Consultancy services for practical UiPath implementations. - [Header](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/header/header-style-5/): Email Us support@ether-solutions. co. uk Call Us 0845 643 4410 Services Manufacturing Automation with RPA Supply Chain Automation with RPA... --- ## Footers - [Footer](https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/footer/footer-1/): Subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter (New window) : “Business Beyond Automation”. Discover how automation with RPA and AI can unlock... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages > Ether Solutions publishes a newsletter on LinkedIn called "Business Beyond Automation" which addresses broad RPA automation topics. - Published: 2024-07-11 - Modified: 2025-05-28 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/newsletter-business-beyond-automation/ Newsletter - Business Beyond Automation Business Beyond Automation - NewsletterEther Solutions publishes a bi-weekly (Once a fortnight) newsletter on LinkedIn called "Business Beyond Automation". The scope of topics covers the broader aspects of how automation with RPA (Robotic Process Automation) can impact a business. A list of the editions is below and you subscribe to the newsletter using LinkedIn. Please let us know if you have any automation topics that you would like to see addressed by the newsletter. Newsletter Editions (Order is by publishing date - most recent first)Testing the Ultimate Business Activity for Automation How Service can be Enhanced by Automation How RPA can reduce operational costs by 15%or more! AI - Automation Intelligence - It is life but not as we know it RPA Past, Present and Future 9 Business Challenges Resolved by RPA RPA Business Supply Chain Delivering Benefits Advantages and Disadvantages of RPA Automation Makes Time 4 Reasons RPA Trumps Traditional Automation Recognise the Problem - The First Step Manufacturing Logistics: Friction or Symiosis Agentic Automation : The Competitive Edge for Mid-Market IT Managers RPA Benefits - Do you want them all? Workload Peak - Automate IT What are the triggers for Automation? Logistics Office Automation - Taking the pressure off Manufacturing Automation - The missing Part Getting Started with RPA - Lessons Learnt Solving the problems of Small and Medium sized Businesses (aka SME / SMB) with RPA Automation in a world of data Will Semantic AI Turbo Charge RPA Software Robots? Do interfaces... --- > Supply Chain Automation with RPA Software Robots to deliver productivity by removing manual work in day to day tasks. - Published: 2024-04-17 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/supply-chain-automation-with-rpa/ Supply Chain Automation Supply Chain Automation with RPA Software Robots to deliver productivity by removing manual work in day to day tasks. This is not automation for the warehouse, this automation is for the office environment where people are working on computer systems. Although the supply chain is all about physical movement of goods, all the logistics operations rely upon supporting paperwork. Many of the documents are now held and transmitted as digital files, the data they contain provides the definition and authorisation for each movement. What can be automated? Any business process that is performed manually could be automated. The day to day activities that concern: Quote preparation and sending Sales orders Fulfilment assembly orders Shipping despatches and collections Invoicing Clients Proof of Delivery Reconciliation Returns Reconciliation Accounts Payable Invoices The general support business processes could also be considered for automation: Staff rostering / holiday approvals Staff qualification and certification checks Transport / Fork Lift / vehicle checks New and existing customer checks Customer credit checking New and existing supplier checks Compliance reporting checks There can many other specific business processes that could be automated. Please contact us to discuss. Who else is Automating Processes? Automation is taking places across all sectors in the supply chain including: Warehousing Transportation 3PL - Third Party Logistics 4PL - Fourth Party Logistics 5PL - Fifth Party Logistics Plus associated services such as: Customs Agents Freight Forwarders Ports Shipping Businesses Automating the Supply Chain This is an eBook produced in conjunction with UiPath,... --- > Manufacturing Automation with RPA Software Robots to deliver productivity gains for the routine regular business processes executed everyday. - Published: 2024-04-16 - Modified: 2025-02-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/manufacturing-automation-with-rpa/ Manufacturing Automation with RPA Manufacturing Automation with RPA Software Robots to deliver productivity gains for the routine regular business processes executed everyday. This is not automation for the shop floor production line or the warehouse, this is automation for the office environment where people are working on computer systems. What can be automated? Any business process that is performed manually on computer systems could be automated. Examples are the day to day activities that concern: Quote preparation and sending Sales orders Stock Orders / Inventory management Production / Job Orders Shipping despatches Invoicing Clients Proof of Delivery Reconciliation Returns Reconciliation Accounts Payable Invoices The general support business processes could also be considered for automation: Staff rostering / holiday approvals Staff qualification and certification checks New and existing customer checks Customer credit checking New and existing supplier checks Compliance reporting checks There can many other specific business processes that could be automated. Please contact us to discuss. How to Select a Process for Automation may help with your own research. Who else is Automating Processes? Automation is taking places across all sectors in manufacturing including: Automotive and Transport Manufacturing Chemical Manufacturing Electronics Manufacturing Flooring manufacturing Food and Drink Manufacturing Furniture Manufacturing Machinery Manufacturing Plastics Manufacturing Textile Manufacturing Wood Manufacturing and Timber Processing Window Manufacturing Here are a couple of clients where Ether Solutions has published Case Studies - Amtico Flooring and Fine Tubes Ltd Automating Manufacturing This is an eBook produced in conjunction with UiPath, on the automation opportunities in Manufacturing. --- > Thank you for the download or subscription request or other contact. We look forward to contacting again with you soon. - Published: 2024-01-19 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/thank-you/ Thank You Thank you for requesting an action on Ether Solutions website. Following GDPR best practice, an email has been sent. (Check spam folder in case email has not been recognised) Email sent to : Only after the link in the email has been clicked which meets the "Opt-in" standard will the action be undertaken. If your email has already been registered with Ether Solutions, the action will be undertaken without delay. --- > Ether Solutions' Privacy Policy is aligned with IT industry best practice and reflects the consultancy services that are provided. - Published: 2024-01-09 - Modified: 2024-03-01 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/privacy-policy/ Privacy Policy The Law Ether Solutions understands that UK Law has been created to protect the privacy of individuals. Ether Solutions has since 2000 been registered with the Information Commissions Office as part of Data Protection compliance. Purpose of Web Site Ether Solutions has developed this web site as part of its marketing efforts to generate business for the company. The primary use of the site will be to commence a dialogue with individuals within other organisations who have an interest in Ether Solutions services and software. Collection of Information Ether Solutions collects information through several routes. Parts of the site may request contact information for correspondence with the company, during your expressions of interest in a service, during a request for a quotation, during your registration for a seminar. In all these cases, Ether Solutions is only interested in your role within an organisation and is not interested in private / personal details. Ether Solutions complies with the principles of GDPR such that the collection of data is: Processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner Collected only for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes Adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which it is Processed Accurate and where necessary kept up to date, or represents historic records e. g. Audit trails Made available to Data Subjects where they reasonable execute appropriate lawful requests To help keep our databases current and to provide you the most relevant content and experiences, we may combine... --- > Terms And Conditions for using the website provided by Ether Solutions. Find more information here on our Terms and Conditions page. - Published: 2024-01-09 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/ Terms and Conditions These terms and conditions apply to the website. AgreementBy using this site you signify your assent to this disclaimer. If you do not agree, do not use this site or download any materials from this site. CopyrightAll of the content on this site is the Copyright of Ether Solutions created since 2000. The contents of the site may not be distributed, reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written conscent of Ether Solutions. Any "Deep Linking" to the pages on this site must present the complete page including headers and footers so that no impression is created that the contents are part of another site. TrademarksEther Solutions and the Ether Solutions logo are trademarks of Ether Solutions Limited. Ether Solutions acknowledges all other trademarks, registered trademarks, logos and product names mentioned in this site which are the property of their respective owners. WarrantyEther Solutions has used reasonable endeavours to create the content of this site but no warranty of any kind is expressed or implied. Personal informationAny information that is provided to Ether Solutions through use of this site, or supplied through the submission of information on input forms contained in this site, will be treated with appropriate reasonable care according to its intended use. Ether Solutions operates according to the Data Protection laws of the UK. See the Privacy page on this site for further details. Links to Third-Party SitesEther Solutions has created a number of links to third party sites from within the... --- > Modern Slavery Policy - Ether Solutions' Modern Slavery Policy is aligned with IT industry best practice. Find out more. - Published: 2024-01-09 - Modified: 2024-03-01 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/modern-slavery-policy/ Modern Slavery Policy Ether Solutions is committed to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the abolition of modern slavery and human trafficking. As an equal opportunities employer, we're committed to creating and ensuring a non-discriminatory and respectful working environment for our staff. We want all our staff to feel confident that they can expose wrongdoing without any risk to themselves. Our recruitment and people management processes are designed to ensure that all prospective employees are legally entitled to work in the UK and to safeguard employees from any abuse or coercion. We do not enter into business with any organisation, in the UK or abroad, which knowingly supports or is found to be involved in slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour. Our Supply Chain Due to the nature of our business, we assess ourselves to have a low risk of modern slavery in our business and supply chains. As a small business our supply chains are limited. We procure goods and services from a restricted range of UK and overseas suppliers. --- > Contact Information for Ether Solutions: Ether Solutions contact information. Telephone numbers, email addresses and contact form. - Published: 2023-12-17 - Modified: 2025-03-04 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/contact/ Contact Office AddressContact Information for Ether Solutions as a Virtual operation is available for email or by phone. There is also a form so that details can be supplied and we will contact you. We no longer retain a permanent office, but operate fully online. Our phone numbers have not changed. Physical post is strongly discouraged but can be sent to our Registered Office address shown below. Telephone: 0845 643 4410Aylesbury: 01296 752 742 Registered Office Ether Solutions Limited, 6 Purbeck Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 9UU Company registered in England and Wales, number: 3866124 VAT registration number: 752 2226 55 Sales sales@ether-solutions. co. uk General info@ether-solutions. co. uk Enquiries enquiries@ether-solutions. co. uk SCHEDULE A CALLPlease use our Microsoft Calendar to book an initial discussion: Book a MeetingLet's Talk RPA and AutomationContact us by phone or email, we would be please to chat about RPA and Automation. Perhaps you have a question about Software Robots or determining what makes a good process for automation? Reach out to us for a chat and gain the benefit of our experience. Sometimes a conversation can help clarify the scope and potential for ideas about automation which can save a lot of google searches or ChatGPT questions that yield generic answers. Information Available on RPA and AutomationEther Solutions extensive knowledge of RPA and Automation ranging from RPA Benefits, RPA ROI, RPA Implementation to UiPath Projects can be found on the site. Contact Information for Ether Solutions is above if you would like to phone or... --- > Services Provided To Clients - Services that Ether Solutions provide using UiPath software robots for automation of business processes - Published: 2023-12-13 - Modified: 2024-12-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/services/ ServicesEther Solutions provides services to enable businesses to Automate tasks. The Automation will replace manual work that is undertaken on computer systems. The Services work for clients across the Automation journey. At the start of the thinking about Automation and how it will deliver the Productivity benefits for the business, Ether Solutions knowledge and experience can assist with planning an Automation programme. Through the detailed work on the business process tasks which could be automated as they meet the criteria for Robotic Process Automation (RPA), followed by the architecture of the Software Robots to create a robust implementation. To achieve the build of the Automation and its subsequent support there is our UiPath Consultancy service. RPA - Robotic Process AutomationRobotic process automation (RPA) automates traditional manual desktop tasks that are predictable, repetitive, well structured and considered routine. The tasks can be performed on either a scheduled basis, triggered by an event or manually initiated. For the average office employee tedious tasks, like filling in forms, making repetitive calculations, cross checking information with other systems or web sites, are notoriously error prone and time consuming. Often such tasks are part of standard business processes. READ MORE RPA - Software RobotsRobotic process automation (RPA) automates traditional manual desktop tasks by using software robots. The software robots interact with computer systems using the existing Graphical User Interface (GUI) that people already use. The RPA software robots can effectively see information that is presented on a screen, operate the mouse and type on the... --- > Automation RPA as a Service (RPAaaS) - RPA as a Service moves the classic automation out of the data centre and allows economies of scale. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automation-rpa-as-a-service-rpaaas/ Automation - RPA as a Service Automation using RPA as a Service – What is the attraction? Software as a service is widely used where the facility is an application such as CRM (Hubspot, SalesForce, etc), Finance (Xero, Quickbooks, Freshbooks, etc. ), ERP (Netsuite, Infor, etc. ). RPA as a Service is relatively new. It uses the abbreviation RPAaaS. It is similar in that the functionality is provisioned in the cloud. This delivers the usual benefits of paying for the service provided, without the concern of creating an infrastructure for the RPA robots to execute. RPAaaS ConstraintsRPAaaS has similar limitations to other service models. Such as custom options are not likely to be available and the integration with other aspects of an IT architecture will be the main challenge. Many RPA software vendors provide both an “Attended” capability where the robot works alongside a human in tandem with their actions and an “UnAttended” capability where a robot operates based on messages, data or events. The RPA as a Service model is only used for the “UnAttended” operations. RPAaaS ConfigurationAs RPA is normally used to automate work which would otherwise be performed manually, the connection of the cloud servers executing the robots to an organisation’s IT architecture is similar to the connection of a remote worker’s PC. Where clients are using their own software robots on their cloud servers for the automation, the security and configuration issues are very similar. In the RPA as a Service scenario the issues are more... --- > Where can RPA be used across business departments to deliver effective automation in terms of typical teams performing the processes. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/where-can-rpa-be-used/ Where can RPA be used? RPA is best used where activities are: Repetitive Prone to error Rules based Involve digital data Time critical Suffer from seasonal peaks Automation could apply in any part of a business. Below are some of the typical areas in a business where RPA Robots can be deployed to automate tasks. In considering where RPA is used, factors such as the volume of routine activity and the timing of the activity can influence the priorities. HR Teams UiPath have produced a great document that Ether Solutions are pleased to share - RPA for HR Creating a More Human Workplace. pdf Candidate vetting checks Staff on-boarding Compliance activities (e. g. Training certifications) Supply Chain Teams Contract Management Freight Management on supplier / courier portals Returns processing Order processing Proof of Delivery collation Inventory Management Supplier on-boarding and periodic compliance checks Finance Teams Master Data Management - setup and changes Supplier Invoice processing and approval Sales Invoice generation and distribution Incentive claim management Customer credit checks Data reconciliation checks IT Teams Helpdesk services Password Resets New Starter account provision / Staff leaver account locks Provision of Cloud services Sales and Marketing Teams Data transfers to CRM Validation and updates of CRM information Information capture from News websites and Social Media General RPA usage Please contact us to discuss how RPA Robots could be used in your business. The day to day activities that can be performed by staff with little knowledge of the business are often suitable candidates... --- > 90 Day Automation - The 90 Automation Method covers people, process and technology taking an idea, into a plan and action. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/90-day-automation-method/ 90 Day AutomationThe “90 Day Automation” delivers Automation Results and covers processes, technology, people, skills and culture. To achieve the “Swivel Chair evolution” the method recognises that simply buying some software will not achieve the real change that a business requires. To comply with Health and Safety guidelines, all office staff have "Swivel Chairs". It is these staff who benefit from the automation of the business processes. PROCESS Examining existing processes to determine where automation can be effectively applied is the starting point. As the details of the process are discovered, the variations that are required will become visible. These variations need to be designed into the solution either as part of the automation or routed for human processing. This typically includes considering both a fully automated “Happy Path”, a partially automated and partially manual process. Determining what to keep as an existing manual process can ensure the success of the automation. TECHNOLOGY By using the UiPath Automation Cloud, it is possible to get technical activity started very quickly. Some planning is required for the design and provisioning of technical environments for the robots to operate and be supported in line with other IT software. The existing IT applications which are to be used in the automation will not need to be changed. The software robots will require appropriate security and governance to ensure effective on-going operations. PEOPLE & CULTURE For the people aspects it covers the education of the:office staff who currently perform tasks manuallymanagers of the teams IT... --- > UiPath's introduction to RPA is an e-book is a starting point for the new users that Ether Solutions as a partner is pleased to provide. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-uipaths-ebook/ RPA - UiPath's eBook Ether Solutions as a leading UiPath partner is please to share this eBook published by UiPath as an introduction to RPA. You can scroll through the PDF document or view it in a separate window. N. B. If the PDF does not display, please refresh the page or right mouse click in the iframe box and select "reload" or click to view the PDF in a new browser window Please contact us to discuss how RPA Robots could be used in your business. --- > Why do we need robots is answered in a video from UiPath as it is a common question for business leaders to raise. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-do-we-need-robots/ Why do we need robots? THIS VIDEO CREATED BY UIPATH EXPLAINS WHY WE NEED ROBOTS Ultimately it is about "Time". The one thing that we are limited by is Time. The challenge for any business is to make the most effective use of the staff time that is available. By automating routine repetitive tasks, staff can spend their time more effectively on delivering value for the business and gaining more satisfaction from their efforts. The video contains quotes from different users at a variety of businesses in a range of different roles who answer the question about "Why we need Robots? ". For any business considering the implementation of RPA, there is a always the challenge from people who are new to the technology and the benefits it brings, that is typically articulated in the question "Why do we need Robots? ". The video is the copyright of UiPath. As a UiPath partner, Ether Solutions is pleased to provide a link to the video. All rights acknowledged. https://youtu. be/UxgDphmu6SQ? si=OdKVugOTgjBdw-gY --- > Ether Solutions as a UiPath partner is pleased to provide "Robot Best Thing" an e-book that covers automation by software robots. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipaths-robot-ebook/ UiPath's Robot eBook Ether Solutions as a leading UiPath partner is please to share this eBook published by UiPath on why a robot is best thing for you. You can scroll through the PDF document or view it in a separate window. N. B. If the PDF does not display, please refresh the page or right mouse click in the iframe box and select "reload" or click to view the PDF in a new browser window Please contact us to discuss how RPA Robots could be used in your business. --- > Documentation and training are available for UiPath, experienced consultants can Kickstart a Project implementing RPA software robots. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-10-23 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-kickstart-project/ UiPath Kickstart Project Kickstart your UiPath RPA implementation project. Getting started on an automation programme requires a first UiPath project. There are many factors to consider in order to make a success of using UiPath to automate a business process. As the enthusiasm from selecting UiPath for automation is high, there is an opportunity to Kickstart the initial project to build on the momentum and deliver results. In order to achieve the “Jumpstart” that some organisations seek, the UiPath Kickstart Project uses Ether Solutions consultants to perform the development activities. The knowledge and experience of the consultants enables automation of business functionality to be delivered in a short time frame, without the learning curve delays encountered from client staff needing to acquire knowledge about the UiPath software. Ether Solutions Consultants understand the UiPath Architecture and UiPath Licences, so that discussions can focus on what is required for the initial project as well as how it can support future automations. The different aspects of the 90 Day Automation method can be followed whether the development route includes a “Proof of Concept” for UiPath RPA, a “Prototype” automation with UiPath, or a “Pilot” software robot with UiPath. In each case adopting a UiPath Kickstart Project approach to deliver the development activity ensures a head start to progress the project plans. Getting a UiPath implementation started is more than just the technology, the impact on the people and the process need consideration. Although the initial focus at the start will be on the... --- > RPA Specialist: About Us - Ether Solutions combines people and a passion for technology to deliver productivity improvements. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-specialist-about-us/ About Us ETHER AT A GLANCE As an RPA Company, Ether Solutions aspires to improve business productivity by providing Consultancy services for RPA (Robotic Process Automation) , this includes using Artificial Intelligence (AI) where appropriate to enhance the capability of solutions in areas such as Document Understanding and Email analysis. Being an RPA Specialist ensures our depth and breath of knowledge about where and when RPA can be most effectively used. Our advice on using RPA helps customers achieve successful RPA implementations that are technically effective and deliver benefits for the business. Our experience enables rapid development of Automations with UiPath, with designs that are practical, robust and scalable. Our - Why, How, What WHY - Stop people performing repetitive boring work. HOW - Implementing Automation solutions using RPA and AI. WHAT - Replace the need for Manual work with an Automated solution. MISSION STATEMENT As an RPA Specialist, Ether Solutions' mission is to help improve productivity for businesses across the UK by Automating Boring Work. UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION Ether Solutions is at the forefront of productivity enhancement through RPA and AI, offering tailored solutions that enhance existing processes. Ether Solutions go beyond RPA implementation; it's about understanding each client's unique challenges and opportunities, then delivering automation solutions that drive real, measurable results. ETHOS Ether Solutions ethos can be summarised as People, Passion and Dreams. People - Ether Solutions staff are the company's principal asset, they have all of the human strengths of Determination, Courage, Commitment, Loyalty, Inspiration and Flexibility,... --- > Frequently Asked Questions on RPA with answers to explain what RPA is and what it is able to provide for businesses. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-faq/ RPA FAQ RPA Frequently Asked Questions The followinq questions are frequently asked during investigation into RPA and the implementation of RPA. If you have specific questions not covered by the following answers please contact us, we would be pleased to provide an answer as well as add it to this FAQ section. Ether Solutions believes that there are no "Daft" questions, so please ask. There is no order of importance to the list. The questions are numbered simply for easy reference. 1. How does RPA works? RPA is a software solution and does not involve physical hardware. It works by doing "Human Type" actions on predictable tasks like copying data from document to system (i. e. quotation to order), collating data, generating report etc. RPA can execute repetitive tasks that a human would otherwise do on a computer system. The technology has matured to a level where accuracy and speed are core features. It continues to evolve and simplify the effort to create and deploy solutions. 2. Is RPA very expensive? There is a wide spectrum of RPA vendors and the price range varies according to the functionality as well as the complexity of the software. Solutions can cost a few thousand for simple solutions through to enterprise level budgets for global corporations. 3. Is it difficult to implement and maintain RPA? There has been a lot of hype about RPA implementations. They can be deployed in sensible "Chunks" or they can be large projects with teams of people working... --- > UK focused RPA Company Ether Solutions provides UiPath consultancy services to deliver improved Productivity solutions with RPA Automation. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-company-ether-solutions-profile/ RPA Company Ether Solutions Profile RPA Company - Ether Solutions - based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, UK ETHER SOLUTIONS OVERVIEW Mission - Help improve Productivity in the UK. As an RPA Company, Ether Solutions provides consultancy services for RPA - Robotic Process Automation, this includes using Artificial Intelligence (AI) where appropriate to enhance the capability of solutions in areas such as Document Understanding and Email analysis. The technology solutions provide practical ways to improve Productivity through Automation. Being an RPA Company, Ether Solutions focus is on RPA solutions. Ether Solutions partners with other specialist providers where clients require a broader programme of work. Where does Ether Solutions provide services? From our base in Aylesbury we currently work for clients across the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Although, the majority of our clients are in the UK Super Cluster area of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire plus the associate areas of Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Warwickshire, London and Birmingham. So where ever you need an RPA Implementation solution Ether Solutions can be there to provide the right consultants whether it is in Oxford, Milton Keynes, Cambridge, London, Birmingham, Northampton, High Wycombe, Aylesbury, Bedford, Kettering, Huntingdon, Bicester, Buckingham, Amersham, Luton, Didcot, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead or Banbury. As a specialist RPA Company, Ether Solutions can deliver solutions across the UK by operating remotely. This keeps costs low and is good for the environment by minimising business travel. Carbon Impact of ConsultancyEther Solutions identifies the cost of carbon offsets into each of its... --- > The UiPath Architecture is explained including the robot communication with the cloud orchestrator and the allocation of licences. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-07-18 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-architecture/ UiPath Architecture Redundancy, Resilience, high availability are all terms associated with planning an enterprise architecture for automation and are all possible with the Ui Path Architecture. For scenarios where UiPath Orchestrator is used on-premise, specific architectures can be deployed and these are detailed in UiPath documentation. The UiPath Orchestrator has a number of specific components such as robot logging that are capable of use with a number of technologies. When considering architectures for UiPath automation that involve using the UiPath Cloud the following points can be addressed. UiPath Cloud has been built to deliver high availability. When creating each Tenant within a UiPath Could account, there is the option selection the geographic region (e. g. Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, etc). Many businesses only operate in one region, therefore defining Tenants in other regions is unlikely to beneficial. Once a deployment requires more than one robot, architecture options become available. It is possible to configure multiple robots to execute simultaneously on one server. Similarly, multiple servers can be configured each to host a number of robots. Each server and each unattended robot that is to be used needs to be defined in the UiPath Automation cloud. The combination of robots and servers can be used to distribute automation workload to achieve different balances, priorities, etc. The configurations are often referred to as “Active – Active” and “Active – Passive”. For each unattended robot the domain and user name need to be defined for the server on which it will execute.... --- > Ether Solutions selection of RPA case studies from UiPath RPA projects completed for clients who are benefiting from the automation. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-03-01 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-case-studies/ RPA Case Studies Ether Solutions has delivered services to a wide range of clients. As a technical specialist, Ether Solutions believes that it is important to be flexible in the way that it engages with a client, sometimes the engagement is direct and sometimes in is collaboration with major System Integrator companies. This flexible approach has provided Ether Solutions with experience in many different industry sectors but it is only where Ether Solutions have been a discrete project that a case study has been created. A selection of case studies are shown below. If you are seeking information for a particular industry that is not shown, please contact us and we would be pleased to provide details. AMTICO FLOORING Ether deployed robots that collate Proof of Delivery (POD) details from a variety of couriers and store details in ERP system. VIEW CASE STUDY EORI Ether deploys UiPath software robots to process the Customs declarations required following Brexit. VIEW CASE STUDY FINE TUBES Ether implements UiPath solution to automate scanning activity for key operations. VIEW CASE STUDY JT GROUP Ether implements UiPath robot for Customs declaration automation. VIEW CASE STUDY MOBILE DOCTORS A leading medical case handler benefits from UiPath automation VIEW CASE STUDY PEARL ACCOUNTANTS Ether implemented UiPath automation for accounting tasks. VIEW CASE STUDY PREMIER MEDICAL GROUP Ether deliver a UiPath Robot to process Customer Services email inbox. VIEW CASE STUDY RETAIL-FCL Ether implements UiPath software robot to monitor status of ATM networks. VIEW CASE STUDY Quintain Ether deployed... --- > What can RPA do for you as a business is answered in terms of the capabilities and benefits provided by automation with software robots. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/what-can-rpa-do-for-you/ What can RPA do for you? The question "What can RPA do for you? " comes up a lot when you say that you implement software robots for RPA solutions. Sometimes effectively the same question is asked as "Who is RPA for? " These are natural questions as the general awareness about software robots and the potential usage of RPA is new for many organisations outside of the Global corporations. The simple answer is that software robots enable a business to get better value from their investment in staff - that deals with the "What". For every business that have staff working on computers in an office, they could benefit from software robots delivering automation to improve the value from the staff - that answers the "Who". The software robots are best used where the computer activities are: Repetitive Prone to error Rules based Involve digital data Time critical Suffer from seasonal peaks Software robots provide generic capabilities which is why the "Who is RPA for" has such a broad answer. What RPA can do is automate the computer activities which removes "Human Errors", delivers increased "Speed of processing" as robots typically work at 10 times the rate of a person and increases "Processing Capacity" as software robots can work 24 hours a day, seven days a week; Together these drive down operating costs and increase both productivity as well as quality. Once a process has been automated, nobody ever wants to go back to manual processing. Who would want... --- > Ether Solutions Ethos - People, passion for technology and dreams of improved productivity through automation with software robots. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/ether-ethos/ Ether Ethos People Ether Solutions' staff are the company's principal asset, they have all of the human strengths of Determination, Courage, Commitment, Loyalty, Inspiration and Flexibility, as well the human frailties of sickness, stress, etc. Passion Ether Solutions staff have a passion for the technology with which they work and truly believe it can be effectively deployed to benefit business. They would like to be able to energise others with the capabilities of the technology. Dreams Ether Solutions staff have a shared Dream, of building a larger better Consultancy team to improve the activities of more client's businesses and improve their staff through the effective use of exciting technology. Ethics And Values Ether Solutions has been founded on a well defined set of Ethics and Values which are summarised below. For Staff Development of staff through training and assignment experience Honesty and Trust are fundamental Determination and commitment are essential for success Understanding and Compassion are important Human qualities For Clients Staff will act with total Integrity Staff will provide advice on an impartial basis Staff will deliver the service in a Professional manner For Other Organizations Ether Solutions will work with other reputable organisations for mutual benefit Ether Solutions will partner with organisations to deliver services to clients Ether Solutions will advertise and market its services using web sites, social media, trade shows, online directories, etc. --- > A UiPath RPA solution provides a broad range of automation functionality with integrations to leading technologies and packages. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-12-16 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-rpa-solution/ UiPath - RPA Solution A UiPath RPA Solution provides a broad range of automation functionality with the ability to incorporate an array of integrations for leading technologies and packages. Ether Solutions as a leading UiPath partner is please to share this eBook published by UiPath as an introduction to RPA. You can scroll through the PDF document or view it in a separate window. N. B. If the PDF does not display, please refresh the page or right mouse click in the iframe box and select "reload" or click to view the PDF in a new browser window UiPath Platform for RPA UiPath delivers RPA – Robotic Process Automation functionality. UiPath has a broad range of functionality that delivers solutions that can provide "Robotic Assistants" for people as well as complete "Robotic Workers". These are often called "Attended" and "Un-Attended" bots. The orchestration capabilities enables the "Robotic Workers" to be scaled to meet enterprise workload requirements for global organisations. Ether Solutions uses the capabilities to assist organisations to gain the benefits from RPA whether it is for a single process or a major digital automation of a business operation. Ether Solutions works with clients to identify suitable processes for RPA, create "Proof of Concept" and trial activities before building full robot solutions to implement the functionality. A UiPath RPA solution can start small with a single robot working on isolated tasks, but the technology has architecture for an enterprise solution. The important factors such as security information can be stored... --- > Ether Solutions as a specialist UiPath RPA consultancy, offers RPA permanent roles, contract roles, associate roles and home worker roles. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-careers-with-ether/ RPA Careers with Ether Skills and Knowledge Ether Solutions recruits and retains skilled staff to deliver quality services to its clients. Through the company's focus on RPA - Robotic Process Automation, Forms Process Workflow, Document Management, Document Capture Process and AI functionality; it has developed a team with generic Consultancy / Analysis skills in the methods and techniques of this market sector. This knowledge is used to provide clients with advice. In addition, specific technical skills in the products below have been developed in order to provide clients with complete solutions, undertake enhancements / customisations for existing installations: UiPath Studio - developing robots UiPath Orchestration - deploying unattended robots UiPath Orchestration - deploying attended robots UiPath - Document Understanding UiPath - AI Center UiPath - Cloud Automation Ether Solutions is a merit based culture dedicated to the development of its staff and the provision of service to its clients. As part of its professional approach to the provision of technical services to clients, Ether Solutions encourages staff to obtain recognised certification from UiPath, as well as participate in recognised trade bodies, such as: British Computing Society Current Vacancies and Applying for Positions: RPA Consultants To be considered for these positions, you must have some experience with UiPath software. This could include: UiPath Community edition UiPath Studio UiPath Robot UiPath Orchestrator You should have good communication and presentation skills coupled with the ability to work well within a team. A ‘passion’ for technology is also key. Spending the majority of your... --- > Ether Solutions is a UiPath Partner providing both software and consultancy services for businesses adopting automation. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-12-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-partner/ UiPath Partner Ether Solutions are a leading UiPath Partner in the UK. As a UiPath Partner, Ether Solutions has experience of implementing the UiPath software products to meet a wide range of business requirements including:RPA - Robotic Process AutomationRobotic Assistants - Helping business users become more productiveRobotic Workers - Un-attended processing day and night, getting jobs done consistently, accurately and an effective priceRobot Orchestration - Management of a team of Robots so that tasks are completed and collective goals achievedAs well as implementation services, Ether Solutions provides a support service by phone and email, to assist clients when issues arise with their UiPath implementations. UiPath - Robotic Process Automation - RPAAs a UiPath Partner, Ether Solutions actively markets software robots as a solution to business problems. A few companies are actively using RPA and where they have already selected to use UiPath technology, Ether Solutions consultancy services may be of interest to augment a company's own skills. For many businesses the level of awareness and knowledge about the potential use of software robots is low as it is an emerging capability. Ether Solutions works with such organisations to discover the existence of business situations that provide an opportunity for RPA to be part of the solution. Being a UiPath Partner, Ether Solutions consultants make extensive use of the UiPath Academy to enhance their knowledge and skills by following the wide range of courses. As UiPath expands its core product with more functionality and delivers additional products into the market, there... --- > Company Listing Websites that reference Ether Solutions: We are referenced frequently under Automation and Productivity Improvements. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/company-listings/ Company Listings Company Listing Websites that reference Ether Solutions are shown on this page. Ether Solutions advertises and uses free listings on several different business directories. Our listing information varies depending on the type of listing both in terms of the products and services we offer. Ether Solutions does not control the information on these sites, but details on Ether Solutions may be of interest of visitors to these directories hence Ether Solutions decision to list its details. There are many directories available across the web, the ones listed here are not a recommendation by Ether Solutions. Ether Solutions provides B2B services and this is reflected in the list of directories. The information that Ether Solutions presents on each of the sites does vary slightly so that it is tailored to the potential audience of that directory. Ether Solutions periodically reviews its listing in the business directories and may remove its entry at any time. General Business ListingsSiteApproved BusinessFind The NeedleCompanies listFree Index1st DirectoryUK Small Business DirectorySmart Business DirectoryB2B ListingsChoice DirectoryGeographic RelatedSiteBuck Business FirstCollaborate MKIn UK LocalTouch Hemel Hempstead Marketing of Ether SolutionsTo promote the business, Ether Solutions engages in various marketing activities. This includes paid for entries the "Approved Business" directory and the "Find the Needle" directory. This makes the entries for the company on those sites more likely to be found. As well as publishing a Newsletter on Linked "Business Beyond Automation", Ether Solutions produces "Guest articles" that are published on complimentary websites plus blog articles for this... --- > Why RPA is a question answered in terms of the benefits that are delivered from automation using software robots. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-01-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-rpa/ Why RPA? Why would RPA be of interest to you and your business? RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is getting a lot of coverage in the media at present, often covering RPA and how it can be used with AI (Artificial Intelligence). Once the question "What is RPA? " has been answer, the next question is usually "Why RPA? ". The reason why RPA is likely to be of interest is that by using software robots to replace work people do at computer screens and keyboards, a valuable asset of people’s time becomes available. To explain how RPA works is conceptually quite simple. When a person interacts with a computer they Read from the screen, they Type on the keyboard, plus Move and Click a mouse. A Software Robot simulates the actions of a person. The automation can Read the contents of the screen, can simulate Typing on the keyboard and simulate Moving the mouse plus simulate mouse Clicks. The simulation causes existing software to responds as if a person had completed the actions. This is why RPA is consider "Non-Intrusive", the existing software is not changed by the use of RPA. RPA Delivers Benefits Why is RPA used in business? People spend hours each day working on computers. A lot of that effort is doing "Manual Work" to follow business processes on computer applications. RPA software robots can simulate people performing that Manual Work. The robots do the work and the people can do something else. Yes, there are benefits... --- > What is RPA (Robotic Process Automation) explained using examples to illustrate the capabilities of software robots to automate processes. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-03-05 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/what-is-rpa/ What is RPA? An introduction to Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can start by addressing the question "What is RPA? ". RPA – Robotic Process Automation, can sound complicated but fundamentally it can best be described in a few examples:Copy & Paste from a spreadsheet into a computer application (e. g. HR, Finance, Stock)Copy & Paste from a computer application to populate a spreadsheetCopy & Paste from Web site information to enter into an internal computer application (e. g. Competitor prices)Copy & Paste information from an internal system to add into a web site (e. g. Supplier portal)Extract (Copy & paste) information from an email into a computer applicationExtract (Copy & paste) information from a document into a computer applicationFind and compare values between computer applications, web sites, documents, etc. Copy or move files on a file system based on specific criteriaOf course, in detail it can be much more than the above with the application of logic and rules but it is essentially anything a person would do at their computer. There are many use cases for RPA and Ether Solutions case studies illustrate the range of scenarios for RPA. In addition the UiPath website contains more customer case studies. People follow business processes when working on computers. They read from the screen, they type on the keyboard, they move and click the mouse. RPA is able to mimic the actions that person would perform. Process Automation - No more and No LessIn answering the question "what is Robotic Process... --- > Kofax Capture provides document scanning capabilities that can process digital files and directly interact with paper scanning devices. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-03-01 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/kofax-capture/ Kofax Capture Do Documents drive your business? Many business processes start by processing documents that originate from outside the organisation. Capturing documents and extracting information that they contain is an essential part of an organisations operations. Ether Solutions implement scanning with Kofax Capture to create images of the documents and to extract business data efficiently. Kofax Capture automates and accelerates business processes by capturing all types of paper, email, and electronic documents, transforming them into accurate and actionable information. As one of the leading Kofax resellers, our highly skilled consultants have enabled our clients to implement electronic document capture and process automation strategies which have rapidly increased their productivity, lowered costs, reduced business risks and improved communication. Each business will have its own specific document handling requirements but one example which is widely addressed using Kofax Capture is the “Know Your Customer (KYC)” requirements for financial organisations where the documents are the start of business processes, this is typical of a "Scan to Process" scenario where the activity is used to extract information from the source documents. Historically the most common scenario for scanning has been to "Scan for Archive" in order to create a long term electronic record of a document. Ether Solutions would be pleased to discuss any document scanning requirement that your business is considering. --- > The Benefits of RPA are mainly in Productivity and Quality but there are other benefits that can be available depending upon automation. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/benefits-of-rpa/ Benefits of RPA What are the Benefits of RPA (Robotic Process Automation)? This question is often asked. In a typical answer, there is a focus on cost savings but actually there are other factors which are potentially more important. The benefits are categorised into two groups, Productivity and Quality. PRODUCTIVITY BENEFIT RPA is effective for repeatable processes which have predictable interactions with IT applications. Why not amend the IT applications and remove the need for RPA? Such processes can lack the scale or value to warrant change by traditional IT development. Where Cloud applications are involved, there may not be any provision for change or custom development. RPA tools can improve the efficiency without changing the underlining IT systems. The automation can be described as "Non-invasive". Deployed RPA software is normally called a "Robot". Robots do what a human can do, by interacting with IT applications through a user interface and following rules to make decisions. The software robots perform the "Manual Work" that people would otherwise undertake. Unlike a human, Robots do not need to sleep so they can work 24 hours a day. Robots do not have holidays or go sick they can operate 365 days a year. In reality, there will be some periods of down time to allow for software upgrades. In a typical week, a person might work 40 hours whereas an RPA Robot can work 7 x 24 = 168 hours. That is 4. 2 times the capacity of a person. RPA Robots work... --- > Kofax Transformation Modules - KTM - provides the data recognition and extraction capabilities to process data from documents. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-03-01 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/kofax-transformation-modules/ Kofax Transformation Modules Ether Solutions uses Kofax Transformation Modules (KTM) to provide a Rules based recognition facility when processing scanned images and extracting information. Without using document templates, Kofax KTM provides an effective solution to the recognition data with documents that have a variety of presentations. When you are not able to control the layout of documents to be processed, Kofax KTM delivers the solution. Do More with Less Kofax Transformation Modules (KTM) is a suite of add-on applications for Kofax Capture that streamline the transformation of documents into structured electronic information ready for delivery into business processes. By replacing manual, error-prone and expensive document sorting and data entry processes with automatic classification, separation and data extraction, Kofax Transformation Modules (KTM) allows you to: Increase processing speed — Leverage high speed computer systems to process documents in just a few seconds, reducing delays and helping you meet service level targets. Reduce operating costs — Drastically reduce the manual labour required to process high volumes of documents and reduce the number of costly downstream processing exceptions. Increase visibility of documents and data — Store documents electronically along with comprehensive index information that allows you to search and retrieve them efficiently. For your business this means faster customer service, greater profitability and reduced risk of compliance failure Unmatched Power for Automating Document Driven Processes Across the Enterprise Kofax Transformation Modules (KTM) features intelligent document recognition technologies that can classify, separate and extract any document, regardless of type, content or format, so customers... --- > How Managers Can Achieve Business Objectives with RPA - Use RPA to deliver automation which improves productivity and hence performance. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-managers-achieve-business-objectives-with-rpa/ How Managers achieve business objectives with RPA As managers explore Robotic Process Automation (RPA), they face a key challenge: identifying where this technology can help meet business goals. This short guide shows how to achieve those objectives. Objectives can differ. They might include "increased productivity," "lower operational costs," "more flexible responses to workload," "work done 24/7," or "fewer errors. "RPA is software that automates rule-based, often dull tasks done by humans on computers. It applies across industries, reducing the load of tedious tasks on managers and employees. This allows them to focus on more rewarding work, boosting job satisfaction. Complete the form, and the guide will be emailed to you. --- > Kofax VRS - Enhancing OCR. Use Kofax VRS to enhance OCR. With Ether Solutions. Contact us to find out more. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-03-01 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/kofax-vrs/ Kofax VRS VRS – Virtual Re-Scan The Kofax VRS Elite product automatically examines documents and applies the correct settings to deliver high quality scanned images. Using Kofax VRS Elite is like having a quality control operator working to clean all of your toughest documents and reveal your data. Ether Solutions recommend the use of VRS for all scanning solutions. It is an essential part of the processing of paper which by its physical nature can be marked and distorted. Benefits Improve accuracy of character recognition (OCR and ICR) Lower document preparation time and enable remote scanning Achieve ROI quickly with increased efficiency by using VRS. Software Features Intelligent Rotation - Simply drop a batch of documents into your scanner and let Kofax VRS Elite analyze the content on each page and determine which side is up Intelligent Cleanup - Capture crisp, clean images from your most challenging documents, including blueprints, wrinkled paper and security paper Hole Punch Removal - Eliminate hole punch markings by filling holes with the surrounding page colour Blank Page Deletion - Intelligently delete blank pages when you scan a batch of single-sided and double-sided documents Perfect Images - Get process ready images with superior image quality, making scanning easier for your users and enabling better recognition and extraction rates Colour Detection - Detect and retain colour in mixed batches of colour and black-and-white documents without pre-sorting Colour Smoothing - Normalize the background colour of any document or replace it with white Automatic Crop and Deskew -... --- > Kofax licence arrangements are complex, Ether Solutions provide advice on the legacy and current options including SUA. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-03-01 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/kofax-licences/ Kofax Licences As a leading Kofax partner, we are able to provide Kofax licences at competitive prices. This includes: Kofax Capture (KC) Kofax Transformation Modules (KTM) - Data Recognition Kofax VRS Elite So whether your requirements are for a desktop scanner Kofax Capture licence, a work group or enterprise Kofax KTM processing paper, emails and watched folders, Ether Solutions would be please to provide you a quote. Ether Solutions are able to provide services to assist with any licence installation or configuration. By keeping our overheads low we can offer saving for existing Kofax customers on their annual maintenance ("Software Upgrade Assurance - SUA"), so on your next renewal notice why not contact us for an alternative quote? You have nothing to lose! Ether Solutions has a track record of helping companies re-gain confidence in their Kofax solution when an original Kofax reseller has left them ignored. Many Kofax resellers have stopped supplying the technology in recent years but Ether Solutions has continued to be a Kofax partner. Before you throw out Kofax and look for another vendor, please contact us to see if we can help get you back to a position where Kofax can continue to deliver on your investment in licences. --- > RPA Implementation can be successful with an approach of Discovery, Build, Operational activity and Infrastructure activity - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-implementation/ RPA Implementation How to achieve a successful RPA implementation? This question is often asked at the start of considering a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) activity and there are many possible approaches to an RPA implementation. Deciding which approach is a conversation to be held between a client and Ether Solutions where they factors can be discussed and balanced to reach a conclusion. There can be many stages to an RPA Implementation depending upon business that is operating the processes and the level of automation knowledge available in the business. One of stages for some businesses is the selection of RPA technology. As Ether Solutions only implements UiPath solutions for RPA projects. There is no technology selection shown in the following activities. This is a typical approach for an RPA implementation undertaken by Ether Solutions. Discovery Process Workshop to exchange knowledge of “What RPA can do” Identify and review existing business processes as candidates for RPA (see How to Select a Process for Automation) Conduct business case analysis for RPA of candidate processes (See RPA ROI Calculator) Agree success criteria Agree change management approach Agree risk and compliance approach Agree technical architecture and resources (see UiPath Architecture) Build Activity Undertake POC (Proof of concept) for any unusual features in automation Formulate development plan and work breakdown Agree testing plan, methods, criteria and resources Implement robot software infrastructure with development and production environments plus potentially one or more test environments Design robot(s) including use of features for security, audit trail, monitoring, backup,... --- > When to use RPA is explained in terms of the criteria used to select processes for automation with software robots. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/when-to-use-rpa/ When to use RPA? "When to use RPA? " is a question often asked during RPA discovery. As CIOs and CTOs start to understand what RPA actual is and why RPA could be used, the next question is often “When to use RPA? ”. As RPA is the use of software robots to implement “Robotic” / repetitive tasks on computer systems that follow defined business rules, the answer to the question of “When to use RPA” can be found by first looking for situations in the current business operations. Consider the following questions: Are there any highly qualified professionals performing mundane / repetitive tasks on the computer? Are there teams of people working on the same set of tasks day after day? Are there teams who frequently bring in temporary staff? Does the workload suffer from seasonal or periodic peaks that require staff to work extended hours? Options for RPA Usage In considering which processes are suitable for RPA, a number of factors need to be considered. Ether Solutions provides a process checklist to help with the analysis and the page "How to select a Process for Automation" for some guidance. Once a need for automation has been identified, there will be potentially a number of solutions. One option will be to amend the computer applications so that they more closely fit the business activity. If the applications are custom built that might be achievable but if they are a package from a major vendor like Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, any... --- > A checklist to determine if a process is a good candidate for RPA implementation. The checklist is available for download. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-process-checklist/ RPA Process Checklist To assist with determining whether an existing business process is a good candidate for automation with RPA, Ether Solutions has developed a checklist to capture attributes of a process. Although the checklist has been developed using Ether Solutions broad experience there can of course be specific weightings that amplify attributes in some situations. We hope you find the checklist useful when considering different potential business processes for automation. Please contact Ether Solutions if you would like to discuss the checklist or any analysis you do using the checklist. Download Process Checklist The advice on how to select a process for automation compliments the checklist. Once a candidate process has been identified, the ROI Calculator can be used to estimate the costs and benefits. In addition, Ether Solutions would be pleased to provide a quote for the automation of the process. To request a quote enter details. --- > A Calculator to determine the ROI for an RPA implementation that automates a process including the cost of software robots. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-roi-calculator/ RPA ROI Calculator There are many aspects to consider when performing an ROI (Return on Investment) calculation for an RPA implementation project. This page provides the facility to perform an ROI calculation but it is based on a number of assumptions which may or may not be true for each organisation. Ether Solutions would be pleased to assist in specific ROI calculations (Telephone : 0845 643 4410) but we believe the details below provide a reasonable starting point however we would be delighted to hear of any suggestions for improvements. To determine the Robotic Process Automation cost, the software, people and infrastructure elements are all considered. For the purposes of the calculator only the manpower effort saved is considered, the other RPA benefits arising from quality and processing speed are not included. When using the form, use the TAB key or click the mouse outside of a field and the calculation / re-calculation will take place for the input sections. Click the "Calculate" button at the top or bottom to perform a complete calculation. By hovering the mouse over the blue icons, a description of the field will be displayed. To start click the "Calculate" button below to use the defaults. Look at the results then change any values for your scenario and click on the "Calculate" button again to see the impact of the change. Calculate Working Environment This section is about defining the working environment where the business process activity is performed. Days in year This is the... --- > How to Use RPA to Deliver productivity gains for a business and recognising the need for people in the loop to deliver complete results. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-to-use-rpa/ How to use RPA? "How to use RPA? " is a question raised by many businesses as they become aware of RPA. How to use RPA depends on the specific situation but it is about “Taking the Robotic repetitive activity out of the Human activity”. There can be a number of ways of removing the repetitive activity, the first question is whether the activity is “Isolated / Contained”? If the activity can be isolated, in that it has a digital input and a digital output, then the subsequent question is about timing. When does the activity occur and what is the trigger event? Depending on the answers to these question, the best way to use RPA might be in an “un-attended” background activity that does not require any human interaction. An alternative set of answers may mean that RPA is best used in an “Attended” mode by a human interacting with the RPA process by giving it tasks, responding to prompts from the RPA software robot, etc. How to use RPA is not constrained to just two options of “Un-attended” and “Attended”, there can be a combination of these uses. (See UiPath Prices – Licences). There are likely to many potential business processes that are suitable for automation. How to Select a Process for Automation can set criteria to determine the tasks with the highest priority. The Pareto Rule applies to RPA In considering how to use RPA, the normal approach is to look at the typical case situation (e.... --- > Submit your process for review to determine its suitability for RPA and receive a quote for the build of automation. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-process-review-and-quote/ RPA Process Review and Quote RPA PROCESS REVIEW AND QUOTE To assist with determining whether an existing business process is suitable for automation with RPA, Ether Solutions provide a Process Review service. Ether Solutions work with organisation staff to examine the current business process, including how it is operated, discover metrics about its usage, the knowledge required to perform the activity, etc. By using Ether Solutions knowledge of RPA, the Review will determine the best way to implement RPA for either parts of the process or the whole process and identify the areas where benefits will be achieved. A great way to start the review is to provide a video of the process being performed. This will be used in our discussion with you and enable a quote for the creation of an RPA software robot to be produced. Please contact us to arrange for Ether Solutions to conduct a "Process Review" with you on your business process. To start a process review yourself, please see "How to Select a Process for Automation" What is a Process? It is a fundamental question. A Process is a collection of tasks or activities that deliver a specific business outcome. Processes can be defined at different levels. Such as "Accounts Receivable" which is made up of many other smaller processes such as "Invoice creation and sending", "Creating and sending customer Statements", "Recognising and attributing payments", etc. In the context of automation, a process is a collection of tasks that an individual will perform.... --- > List of RPA use cases where automation of tasks is likely to deliver positive benefits to a business in terms of productivity gains. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-use-cases/ RPA Use Cases There are many use cases that occur in business situations where these activities take place. The following list of use cases provides an indication of the generic situations which will need to be interpreted to identify specific situations in individual companies. Knowing when to use RPA and when not to use it is often a key decision to ensure success of a solution. Most businesses will use a number of application packages (e. g. Finance, ERP, HR, Logistics). Each application package will provide core functionality, but where there is a business requirement that is not delivered in the current functionality or where it is split across application packages a solution could be bespoke custom development or RPA. Custom application development is a good option if the requirement is: Long term requirement APIs to the application pages are available The transaction level is high Business can wait for development to progress through IT development queue RPA is a good option: Short / medium term requirement Application packages may change functionality The transaction level is low or medium Business needs a solution quickly and does not want to employ people to perform the work This is a list of use cases which can be implemented with RPA: Web site or cloud application extract data and save to Excel Use data from Excel to populate web application Copy data from one web application to another web application Check data value alignment / comparison between web applications Monitor Email Inbox and... --- > The jargon around RPA is extensive, the terms and acronyms are explained with definitions to help businesses considering RPA. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-jargon/ RPA Jargon RPA – Robotic Process Automation, can be associated with a lot of jargon. An explanation of the common terms is below. Term Description Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence is referred as the ability of a system to use its cognitive intelligence to learn how to interpret unstructured content, use relationships and patterns to build a fuzzy structure around it, and then leverage this structure to respond in a similar form as the input itself. BPM Business Process Management tools are process optimisation solutions with process design, execution (through workflows and orchestration of different technology systems), and monitoring capabilities through the use of analytics. BPO Business Process Outsourcing refers to the purchase of one or more processes or functions from a company that is in the business of providing such services as a third party provider. Chatbot Software which uses NLP to interact in a conversational dialogue with a human COE Centre of Excellence, a group that builds and retains the RPA skills in the organisation which acts as a service provider to the different business groups as they each undertake their specific automations. Cognitive automation Cognitive automation refers to the ability of a system to learn how to interpret unstructured content, such as natural language, and use analytical capability to derive and presence inferences in a pre-defined /pre-structured fashion. Document Understanding Through the use of OCR and Artificial Intelligence, documents of various structures and layouts can be processed. This is called Document Understanding. Hyperautomation Hyperautomation is a combination of... --- > Who uses RPA to automate processes explained in terms of industry sectors and the departments that typically use RPA. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/who-uses-rpa/ Who uses RPA? The question "Who uses RPA? " is generally part of researching RPA. RPA could be used by anybody. As RPA provides generic capabilities they can be deployed in any business area for the benefit of any individual. Historically RPA has been implemented where there are large teams of people working on large volumes of tasks. These scenarios have provided the scale for cost benefit equations to be favourable when the costs of RPA implementation have been high. More recently, RPA has evolved to be much more cost effective, more resilient, more robust and easier to implement. As the costs for creation of software robots to implement RPA solutions have reduced the range of people using the technology has broadened. Daniel Dines the CEO of UiPath the major RPA software vendor has stated “A software robot for every desk”, which although seems a little ambitious it could prove to be the case. Every computer user from a CEO or a CFO, to an accounts payable clerk or call center agent, perform a number of the same tasks each day. Potentially any of these could be automated with software robots. They might be small tasks, but if they save 15 minutes a day, every day, they could add significant value. Software robots can be viewed as “Personal Assistants” that help get regular tasks completed at one end of the spectrum through to the background use of software robots to perform tasks potentially 24 hours a day to deliver higher... --- > Video demonstrations of RPA software robots performing tasks including the extraction of data from the web, entry of data into excel, etc. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-examples-demo-video/ RPA Examples Demo video RPA – Robotic Process Automation, can sound complicated but fundamentally it can best be illustrated in a few examples EXAMPLE 1 - EXTRACT INFORMATION FROM A WEB PAGE This example uses the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce site, finds some member details and places them into an Excel spreadsheet, then formats the data. The UiPath software robot, could be configured to extract information from any website (e. g. HMRC, Amazon, Bloomberg, BBC, DHL) or Cloud (e. g. Salesforce, Oracle, Workday, ServiceNow) or internal application ERP, CRM, HCM, ... etc. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=alVhWzPgtQg EXAMPLE 2 - LOAD DATA INTO AN APPLICATION FROM EXCEL This example uses an Excel spreadsheet of company data and creates the accounts into a cloud CRM called "SalesFresh". A UiPath software robot is able to get data from Excel and enter it into any application. The target application could be a Cloud service (e. g. Salesforce, Oracle, Workday, ServiceNow) or internal application ERP, CRM, HCM, ... etc. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=7A0MD3QRWKo EXAMPLE 3 - MIGRATE DATA FROM ONE CLOUD CRM TO ANOTHER CLOUD CRM This example has the UiPath software robot reading data from the "SalesFresh" CRM and entering it into "Hubspot" CRM. Although the software robot is shown migrating data which is a great solution which a new application is being adopted, the robot could be configure to synchronise the data between the systems, or verify the consistency of the information. Verification can be particularly useful where internal data can be... --- > Increase Productivity is a common objective. Automation is one way to deliver a sustained increase productivity. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-03-03 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/increase-productivity/ Increase Productivity Increase productivity is an objective for many managers and businesses. The challenge is how to make the increase in productivity, what can be changed to deliver the improvement. There is plenty of theory and advice available about motivating teams of people. Motivated people deliver productive outcomes for a business. INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH AUTOMATION At Ether Solutions we focus on practical changes that can deliver clear productivity benefits. By Automating repetitive tasks in business processes, benefits are achieved that increase productivityThis style of Automation is called Robotic Process Automation (RPA). It uses software robots (aka "Bots") to perform the same tasks that an employee would perform. The robots can simulate the activities that a person would when they do the tasks, namely: Reading from a computer screenTyping on a keyboardMoving and clicking a mouseThe software robot performs the same task that a person would complete. By automating the "Robotic" routine tasks in a worker's activity, it frees time for the worker. This enables a worker to concentrate on the exceptions, the unusual and other higher value tasks. Productivity is improved as the amount of human effort to produce the same output is reduced. Yes, there is a resource cost to the software robots but this normally less than the cost of human workers. When the robots operate at near capacity the operating costs can be in the region of £2 per hour which is significantly less than a person's minimum wage! Automate Report WorkEmployees working from home (WFH) has... --- > Productivity FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions for businesses that are embarking on improving productivity and understanding the subject. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-03-03 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/productivity-faq/ Productivity FAQ Productivity Frequently Asked QuestionsThe followinq questions are frequently asked about productivity and ways to improve productivity / increase productivity. If you have specific questions not covered by the following answers please contact us, we would be pleased to provide an answer as well as add it to this FAQ section. Ether Solutions believes that there are no "Daft" questions, so please ask. In Ether Solutions mission to improve Productivity in the UK, we hope that this information is of service to anybody seeking knowledge on Business Productivity. There is no order of importance to the list. The questions are numbered simply for easy reference. 1. What does productivity mean? Productivity is the effectiveness of productive effort, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input. Or put another way, how much effort and resources are required to create one unit of output. Although absolute values can be used to compare across organisations, many businesses are more concerned with the improvement or increased in productivity. This takes away the detailed calculations and focusses on more output from the same staff or the same amount of output from less staff. 2. What is marginal productivity? Marginal Productivity is the difference in productivity when things change. The term Marginal Productivity is often associated with the "Law of Diminishing Marginal Productivity". This considers the combination of variable inputs and fixed inputs. The theory is that increases in the variable inputs can improve marginal productivity but the rate of... --- > UiPath software from UiPath Inc is used by Ether Solutions to deliver automations for businesses to achieve productivity improvements. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-03-01 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-software/ UiPath UiPath Software UiPath software products are market leaders in the supply of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software. Ether Solutions are a UiPath partner. Ether Solutions builds UiPath robots and UiPath Orchestration software to implement RPA solutions for clients. UiPath robots can be created to interact with web pages (e. g. web sites, Salesforce, Workday, ServiceNow, Oracle), desktop applications (e. g. MS Office, Email, PDF) and Citrix interfaces to applications such as SAP, as well legacy "Green Screen" applications on mainframes, RS 6000 and AS/400. Ether Solutions works with clients to identify processes that are suitable for RPA and uses its technical skills to build the robots. UiPath implementations range from a single robot performing a discrete task to hundreds of robots working together in an orchestrated operation to process thousands of tasks at an enterprise scale. The software is flexible and by using proven designs can be implemented in a variety of different ways. There are a number of leading RPA tools available in the market such as Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, Kofax Kapow, NICE, PegaSystems, UiPath and WorkFusion. The leading industry analysts such as Gartner and Forrester rate the products slightly differently but both agree that UiPath is one of the major players globally and consistently recognised as part of the top Three. As Ether Solutions only works using UiPath, it removes the distraction of RPA vendor decisions which enables full focus on the automation needs of the customer and how to best design, build, scale and maintain... --- > RPA - Robotic Process Automation: Find out more including details of Ether Solutions implementation packages. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-03-03 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-robotic-process-automation/ RPA - Robotic Process Automation Robotic process automation (RPA) automates manual computer tasks that are predictable, repetitive, and considered routine. The tasks can be performed on either a scheduled basis, triggered by an event or manually initiated. For the average office employee tedious tasks are notoriously error prone and time consuming. Tasks like filling in forms. Or making repetitive calculations, or cross checking information with other systems or web sites. RPA allows processes to be undertaken by a robotic workforce. RPA is fast, perfectly accurate, tireless, and easily scalable. With UiPath RPA software, tasks that require no human intervention are known as “unattended”. Tasks that are partially automated are called “attended”. As tasks are performed by robotic processes, employees are able to perform other activity. The introduction of RPA is achieved by automating the tasks undertaken by an individual person. This can develop into teams of Robots working continuously day and night, 7 days a week, to complete enormous quantities of work. Typically RPA software robots work at 10 times the speed of a person - you couldn't type that fast! As the number of Robots grows, they need to be managed and coordinated. This is achieved with UiPath's Orchestrator product. Enabling priorities, dependencies and errors can be controlled. (Learn more about UiPath Architecture)Ether Solutions work with clients to identify tasks that are suitable for Robotic Process Automation. A solution needs to determine a balanced use of Robots and human activity. An important step in the potential introduction of RPA... --- > RPA - Robotic Process Automation Information - Information on RPA and what it does for businesses considering automation. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-robotic-process-automation-information/ RPA- Robotic Process Automation Information Information on RPA - Robotic Process Automation, starts with "What" it is and "What it Does". Robotic Process Automation (RPA) automates traditional manual desktop tasks that are predictable, repetitive, well structured and considered routine. The tasks can be performed on either a scheduled basis, triggered by an event or manually initiated. For the average office employee in the UK tedious tasks, like filling in forms, making repetitive calculations, cross checking information with other systems or web sites, are also notoriously error prone and time consuming. "Get More Work Done. Same Staff. " RPA allows these processes to be undertaken by a robotic workforce that is fast, perfectly accurate, tireless, and easily scalable. These are the Benefits of RPA. RPA Software There are many RPA software products available in the UK but Ether Solutions works UiPath as it is widely regarded by the industry analysts as one the leading three. With UiPath RPA software, tasks that require no human intervention (“unattended”) can be performed by robotic processes, empowering employees to perform other activity, and partially automate those tasks that do require some human involvement (“attended” automation). RPA Uses Cases can be discovered in many businesses. The introduction of software Robotic processing starts by automating the tasks undertaken by an individual person, but this can develop into teams of Robots working continuously day and night, 7 days a week, to complete enormous quantities of work. Typically RPA software robots work at 10 times the speed of a... --- > RPA - Software Robots provide automation for repetitive tasks undertaken on computer systems which delivers improved productivity. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-software-robots/ RPA - Software Robots Robotic process automation (RPA) automates traditional manual desktop tasks by using software robots. The software robots interact with computer systems using the existing Graphical User Interface (GUI) that people already use. The RPA is "Non-Intrusive" and does not impact the existing software applications. The robots can effectively see information that is presented on a screen, operate the mouse and type on the keyboard. As it is a software solution there is no physical device / robot involved. The software robot does not actually cause the mouse to move or the keys to be pressed on the keyboard, it is all virtual. The RPA software robot simulates the activity. The important point is that as far as the applications are concerned, the interaction is the same as if a person was performing the activity. There are big benefits from RPA software robots operating by using the GUI such as: The applications do not need to be changed, so the same validation of any input is maintained The access is just like a person, the software robot operating on a desktop (Virtual), the security controls are the same Software robots are doing what people do, if they encounter an issue, it is easy for a person to replicate the situation and resolve it. RPA Software Robots and People Depending on the activity that an RPA software robot is assigned to perform, it could partially automate the task and interact with a person. This scenario is called “Attended” mode.... --- > Automation of Repetitive Tasks - Using software robots can require a questions to be answered. Ether Solutions addresses the questions. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-14 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automation/ AutomationAutomation of repetitive office tasks using software robots. Every business process performed by a person on a computer, will involve reading from the screen, typing on keyboard, plus moving and clicking the mouse. It is this digital work that can be automated. There are many questions that arise when the topic of automation is discussed. Different groups will see automation from different perspectives but as a society there is a general acceptance of the changes delivered through automation. Questions often include (Click to get answer to the question):Automate when? Why automate? How will automation impact my job? Can we automate this? Will automation deliver benefits? Is automation more trouble than it is worth? Can you switch automation off? In different parts of the website, Ether Solutions provides answers to these questions and more. Ether Solutions is not involved with working with Physical Robots that are seen on factory production lines and warehouse operations. Automation - Robotic Process AutomationFor the type of automation that Ether Solutions implements, there is a Frequently Asked Questions page (FAQ). This short video introduces RPA - Robotic Process Automation and how it works. Want to know more details about how businesses use RPA? Get our e-book or contact us on 0845 643 4410 for a chat. Automation for ProductivityOne of the motivations to consider automation is the desire to increase efficiency or improve productivity. They are not quite the same thing. Efficiency and Productivity are discussed in a blog article. To answer the many questions concerning... --- > UiPath Consultancy is provided by Ether Solutions to assist businesses successfully implement software robots and build automations. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-07-17 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-consultancy/ UiPath Consultancy Ether Solutions’ UiPath consultancy services are focused on delivering practical benefits to our clients. Delivering automations with UiPath that provide improved processes for a client's business. In providing Robotic Process Automation consultancy for clients, Ether Solutions believes that with 60+ RPA tools in the market it is better to specialise in UiPath rather than risk its consultants being asked to work with different software on each RPA implementation. Ether Solutions is able to offer best value to clients by leveraging the experience gained across RPA implementations. Our expert consultants have considerable experience of working with different aspects of UiPath software and they are capable of delivering quality results. At Ether Solutions, as a UiPath Partner we work to ensure that our consultants consistently update themselves with the latest UiPath developments so that the knowledge to advise and assist clients is the best. The core areas of our UiPath consultancy services include:UiPath installation and deployment configurationUiPath consultancy for design and configuration of software robotsUiPath Orchestrator consultancy for configurationUiPath robot development standards and project documentationUiPath trouble shooting reviews and investigationsUiPath team organisation, Centre of Excellence and robot operationsThrough the provision of first rate UiPath consultancy services, Ether Solutions are able to provide advice, investigate current issues, amend configurations and build custom / bespoke functionality or integrations. Please contact us to discuss your UiPath requirements whether you are just starting with a UiPath Proof of Concept or an established UiPath team. Ether Solutions recognise that in providing Robotic Process Automation consulting... --- > Why Automate is the question that every business asks when considering RPA and is answered in terms of the productivity gains. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-10-25 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-automate/ Why Automate? Why Automate? Why do businesses need to automate? Automation saves time! “Yeah, automation is good but let’s wait until the New Year” For people time is the one common and limiting factor. For business time is also important, and although a few companies have been around hundreds of years, the average life of a company in the UK is 8. 5 years. So it could be said that time is even more important for a business than for an individual. Delaying automation is putting a company at a disadvantage as competitors will have the same opportunity to automate and could achieve it first. With time being money in business, saving time justifies automation. Although this is true and is a primary consideration when thinking about automation, there are other benefits from automation. Quality improvement from consistency is a major factor when looking at automation. Humans make errors, it is a natural human trait, but the cost of fixing the few errors can be very high in terms of finance and reputation. The picture illustrates the “Time Saved” and the “Time Spent to Automate” balance that is normally used to determine if it is worth implementing automation. This can be a simple mathematical calculation, but it can also need to be considered with some human factors. For example, in Japan part of the reason stated for UiPath’s success with RPA is that it helps banks in Japan address a problem of staff working too many hours on computer systems.... --- > A support service for RPA software robot implementations is important to keep the automations working when external changes occur. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/support-service/ RPA Support Service Ether Solutions understands the importance of ensuring that your business critical systems interruptions are minimised. Ether Solutions provide a comprehensive support service with options for telephone support, remote connection and regular scheduled on-site visits. The Support Service is complimentary to the software service delivered by the software vendor (e. g. UiPath). Ether Solutions service focuses on the configuration as it is deployed for your business and optionally covers any custom / bespoke code which has been deployed in the solution. Ether Solutions support service standard hours are between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday, however we are flexible and happy to discuss any bespoke support requirements. The knowledge and experience gained from taking on support for clients with systems established by other suppliers enables our staff as a first priority to ensure the system is fully audited, documented and (where appropriate) replicated using virtual technology. Where previous suppliers have not provided detailed documentation, this can be a reassuring activity and enhances the ability for the support service to deliver reasonable resolution times. Ether Solutions provide a support service option for a "Pro-active" approach, so that current knowledge of the applications is maintained and hence available to provide timely response to any incident. The service is positioned as a "2nd Line" support and not intended to deliver "1st Line" operational running support ("Fail & Fix"). Should you wish to discuss Support Services from Ether Solutions please contact us. Support Desk Ether Solutions operate a dedicated support desk from... --- > When to Automate is a question that business address when considering RPA as mechanism to gain productivity improvements. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/when-to-automate/ When to Automate? For many the “Why Automate” is taken as a given, the main question becomes “When” should automation be implemented. Although it is possible to automate in many situations, it is only going to be effective and worthwhile to automate “When”: Process being automated is stable There is a foreseeable volume of usage of the process into the future There is a need to improve the quality of the processing by reducing errors and improving consistency There is a desire to improve the speed with which each item is processed There often needs to be an extra “Catalyst” or “Trigger” to make the “When” become “Now”. The extra factors that change the general desire for automation into a priority can be events such as: More work needing to be processed by the same team A peak in work that occurs more frequently (Once a year, to monthly or weekly) The same quantity of work needing to be completed as the number of team members reduces (staff sickness, maternity, company leavers, staff budget cuts) Existing processes being expanded in tasks due to legislation / increased risk The “Triggers” are necessary as business processes already exist and there is always a tendency to adopt a “Not broken Don’t Fix” approach as well as other demands being higher priority. The decision on “When to Automate” will require managers who have the vision and determination to make a difference, to improve, to not settle for existing performance, to desire better quality. Automation... --- > A typical RPA project for a business automating one process with software robots has people, process and technology aspects to consider. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/typical-rpa-project/ RPA Project Example An RPA project example that is typical for Ether Solutions starts with a customer engaging with the idea of Automation. The customer usually has a candidate process where they think automation with RPA would be a good fit During the initial discussion, Ether Solutions gains an understanding of the customer’s expectations and the activities involved in the candidate process. Based on the information gathered from the discussions, Ether Solutions formulates a proposal for the customer which includes: Solution architecture UiPath Robot licences Development process Testing approach Plan for Creation of development, test and production environments Plan for knowledge transfer on the usage of UiPath robots and sometimes knowledge transfer for UiPath developments Plan for early support during initial solution operation Ether Solutions knowledge and experience enable the customer to see their expectations being realised. With the first process automated and being operated by the customer, Ether Solutions can continue to support the customer with future automations or continue to provide knowledge transfer as a customer builds their own UiPath robot development capability. Although this is a typical pattern for a UiPath RPA project undertaken by Ether Solutions, there are many variations that can be created to meet the specific needs of individual customers. The usual reason that customers engage Ether Solutions when they have an idea for the automation on a process, is to gain access to the knowledge and experience to ensure a successful outcome. Many customers will need to validate the projects and the ROI... --- > How To Select a Process for Automation - Considering the criteria which identify best candidates for automation. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-27 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-to-select-a-process-for-automation/ How to select a process for Automation Is Process “X” Suitable for Automation? What are the criteria or factors used for the decision? The first challenge when starting to consider automation is to identify a suitable candidate process. The challenge is knowing which processes are the right ones to automate. For this context, the scope is business processes that are usually performed by staff on computers typically working in an office. INTRODUCTION One approach, could be to discover the processes that have been automated by similar businesses or competitors. This might be difficult to achieve as businesses do not publish such information. A second approach would be to look at the case studies published by automation software vendors. These contain some broad indications of the processes which have been automated. Both these approaches can provide some guidance. They will raise the question of whether the processes in your business are actually the same as found in other companies. A third approach could be to engage a Process Consultant to undertake a review and document all your processes. The Process Consultant could recommend where automation would be appropriate. Any investment in reviewing and documenting processes will delivers its own benefits. However, it is rare for a “Process” expert to also be an “Automation” expert. They will rely on experience, checklists and other criteria to identify the processes. With access to checklists and guidance on the factors, would you be able to select suitable processes? Yes, of course you would. This could... --- > Software Robots for Directors explained in terms of the capabilities and the benefits available from automation, plus a download brochure - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-07-03 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/software-robots-for-directors/ Software Robots for Directors Software Robots offer potential for automation of many tasks undertaken by office staff. Ether Solutions understand that there is a need to for Company Executives, Directors and Managers to gain knowledge on automation using software robots. An informative briefing document can be requested by completing your details below. Download PDF - 5 pagesThe concise document highlights the key information for automation with software robots. The document can be used as an "Introduction" or "Guide to Software Robots". It describes the relationship between software robots and "Robotic Process Automation" (RPA). The briefing document together with our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page will provide the introduction to the subject that many managers require. Many industry analysts have identified automation using software robots as key topic for businesses across the UK whether operating nationally or in specific regions. The World Economic Forum has also stated automation to be relevant for all industries in the current environment. --- > UiPath Licences and prices can be a complex topic, Ether Solutions provide knowledge and experience to help businesses understand the options - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-prices-licences/ UiPath Prices - Licences The approach to UiPath Prices is essentially based on the a payment of a fraction of the value that the software functionality can deliver. The UiPath product range has grown a lot in recent years, although the core remains the software robot. Licences are subscription based normally for 12 months but longer periods can be agreed. UiPath Prices are set on payment for the full period in advance. UiPath will deal directly with Licences for large global companies plus national Governments, for all other organisations UiPath uses “Regional Distributors” with “Local Resellers”. This structure is designed to reflect the size of purchases being made as well as providing a cost effective service. UiPath sets the price for its licences. As part of UiPath's public financial statements it declares information about the UiPath Enterprise Licence success in terms of the number of clients with ARR greater than $1 Million. Such clients are a long way from the majority of clients who have annual UiPath costs in the $10,000 to $100,000 range. Ether Solutions is an Authorised Reseller of UiPath licences. Ether Solutions provides complete solutions of UiPath Licences and Implementation Services, but can equally provide just UiPath Licences where organisations perform their own implementation, or just Implementation services where businesses have already purchased UiPath Licences. UiPath has introduced a "Direct" to business option for customers in the USA that is intended to be a "Self Service" model. UiPath Price Plans Changes made in 2024, has created three... --- > Manager's Guide to Automation using Software Robots is an e-book that answers many questions for businesses considering automation. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-07-31 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/managers-guide-to-automation-using-software-robots/ Manager's Guide to Automation using Software Robots Managers often find themselves being challenged to meet demanding business objectives such as: Delivering more value with less resources Finding ways to make the business more competitive and Improving business operations by exploiting new technology. With a heavy workload and limited capacity, these tough objectives are a problem for many Managers. RPA can help meet these objectives. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a software solution that automates rule based, often monotonous tasks that are performed on a computer, by a human. RPA can be used to automate tasks in any industry, reducing the burden of tedious, repetitive tasks on managers and employees, freeing them to focus on more rewarding jobs, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction. To find out more, please fill out the form below to download the guide.  By completing the form, the Guide will be emailed to you. --- > Pick your RPA benefits from several that are available depending upon the tasks that being automated by software robots. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2024-07-17 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-benefits-infographic/ RPA Benefits - Infographic Please contact us to discuss how RPA Robots could be used in your business - 0845 643 4410. The above infographic conveys the different aspects that can contribute to the overall Return on Investment (ROI) that can be achieved from an RPA implementation. The text from the infographic is repeated below in order ensure it is available for screen readers, etc. , where the extraction of text from images is difficult. RPA - Robotic Process Automation, delivers benefits for organisations by using software robots to replace human activity on computer systems. The robots simulate reading, typing and clicking. EFFICIENCY & PRODUCTIVITY Robots work at typically 10 times the speed of humans so more work can be completed in the same timeRobots can work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week which delivers a lot of processing capacity compared to a person working for 8 hours, 5 days a week Robots can be added or removed quickly compared to recruitment or re-assignment of people QUALITY & CONFIDENCE Robots deliver better quality by being accurate saving effort caused by natural human errorsRobots perform repetitive tasks so humans avoid suffer boredom and can undertake more interesting stimulating workRobots meet compliance requirements as the activity performed is a consistent predictable pattern including generation of auditable recordsRobots treat confidential and sensitive information like all data they do not have the human tendency to gossip. GENERAL BENEFITS RPA implementation can be grown in weeks, starting with a single robot and evolving... --- > Getting Started with RPA - An approach of Discovery, Proof of Concept, Design, Build, Test and Train, Production Deployment. - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-getting-started/ Getting Started with RPA Getting started with UiPath RPA can be achieved by following the approach outlined below. After doing some Google research. Reading some UiPath Whitepapers. Watching some UiPath marketing videos. Looking at industry analyst’s reports on RPA. You will have reached a view that UiPath could be a good technology for your business. Now the question becomes “How to get started with UiPath”? Yes, UiPath provides a download for its Studio product, so you could get the software and start. You will need to gain an understanding of the UiPath Architecture and the way UiPath licences work. A version of UiPath Studio is also available as web application. It contains the same core functionality as the downloadable version but there are some differences. The downloaded Studio will execute on a PC / Server / Virtual machine within the network used by normal business user. This is different to web version of Studio which executes on a server hosted by UiPath. This will need appropriate network access to the business environment for any resources / systems. Start with UiPath ArchitectureConsidering where UiPath RPA software robots will execute, how they will access systems and data is necessary for the starting architecture. There are different types of software robots licences which need to be determined. Considerations abut scalability, performance, resilience and back up are all part of designing the automation using the UiPath architecture. Get started with UiPath SkillsUiPath provides a lot of training materials on the UiPath Academy and there... --- > RPA Blogs - RPA articles and Productivity Articles - Covering automation with software robots to deliver benefits - Published: 2022-12-29 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-blogs/ RPA Blogs This set of RPA Blogs have been created by Ether Solutions to address various aspects of RPA usage to solve Automation challenges in businesses that are looking to gain productivity benefits. The RPA blogs are sequence by the date posted hence paging through them may be required to find the material for the specific RPA topic of interest. 10 June 2024 David 7 Signs You’re Wasting Time on Tasks That Could Be Automated Read More Comments Off on 7 Signs You’re Wasting Time on Tasks That Could Be Automated 28 March 2024 David Debunking 50 RPA Myths Read More Comments Off on Debunking 50 RPA Myths 13 March 2024 David 5 Reasons Your Competitors are Adopting RPA Read More Post a Comment 6 December 2023 Peter Recruit more staff or use RPA? Read More Post a Comment 26 November 2023 Peter When to Automate – Duplicate of main page? Read More Post a Comment 20 November 2023 Peter How to be More Productive in the Workplace Read More Post a Comment 10 November 2023 Peter Doing More with Less Effort Read More Post a Comment 2 November 2023 Peter Why Automate? Read More Post a Comment 26 October 2023 Peter Why Are Businesses Interested In Productivity? Read More Post a Comment 16 October 2023 Peter Team Workload – How do you Square the Circle? Read More Post a Comment 16 September 2023 Peter When To Automate A Task? Read More Post a Comment 10 September 2023 Peter Innovation... --- > Robotic Process Automation - UiPath Experts - Automate Boring Work with UiPath RPA software robots for businesses. - Published: 2022-12-29 - Modified: 2025-06-11 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/ Feel the Difference Automate Boring Office Work More Work Done , Same Staff - Software Robots doing the Routine Tasks Software Robots 25 + Years Of Experience Robotic Process Automation Automation - Robotic Process Automation (RPA) - UiPath Lack of time and skilled people are often the struggles businesses face. Challenged by a heavy workload and high levels of repetitive, mundane tasks, staff can feel overworked, undervalued, and human error rates start increasing. Managers have the added responsibilities of reducing business risk whilst being considerate of financial implications. RPA has many benefits which enable staff to get more work done! Ether Solutions are RPA specialists dedicated to using technology to automate business processes. As RPA experts we enable our clients to see a dramatic increase in productivity and quality of the existing work. With a focus on Manufacturing Automation and Supply Chain Automation, plus businesses with associated services (e. g. Customs Agents). Ether Solutions can provide added value to all industries and sectors, by: Automating processes Increasing efficiency Reducing operating costs Offering a good ROI Ensuring security and privacy protection 1 Automation Using Software Robots Automation of repetitive office tasks using software robots... . Read More 1 UiPath UiPath are market leaders in the supply of... Read More 1 RPA Information on RPA - Robotic Process Automation, starts... Read More Robotic Process Automation Problems solved by RPA Automation can address:Capacity and BottlenecksErrorsStaffingOperating CostsComplexity More work than staff available A backlog of work Too many Human errors in processing Inconsistent processing... --- --- ## Posts > Scale your business with RPA that delivers automation rather than recruit lots of staff. RPA delivers consistent processing cost effectively. - Published: 2025-06-04 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/scaling-your-business-with-rpa/ - Categories: Uncategorised From 0 to 100: Scaling Your Business with RPA in Months We are in era where rapid business growth can be facilitated by Robotic Process Automation (RPA). The transformative power of Automation delivered by RPA, enables a business to grow from 0 to 100 or more, simply by adding Software Robots. If the business opportunity is available, the business systems are no longer a constraint. There is no need to recruit lots of extra staff to meet the enhanced levels of business, RPA can take the strain. Understanding the Power of RPA Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is technology that automates repetitive tasks, simulating / mimicking human actions that occur on computer applications. Namely, reading from the screen, typing on the keyboard plus moving and clicking the mouse. By leveraging RPA Software Robots, businesses can automate mundane and time-consuming processes, freeing up valuable resources to focus on strategic initiatives. From data entry and invoice processing to customer service and HR operations, the applications of RPA are for any and almost every business process performed on computers. The Benefits of Implementing RPA There are four main areas for the benefits: Increased Efficiency: By automating routine tasks, RPA significantly improves operational processing times. Cost Savings: RPA enables organizations to achieve cost savings as it is cheaper to operate than people performing the same activity. Enhanced Accuracy: With RPA, businesses can ensure greater accuracy and consistency in their operations, removing the risk of human errors. Scalability: RPA solutions are highly scalable, deploying additional Software... --- > IT Leaders want RPA to automate the large number of business processes covered by the Service Catalogue of an IT Department - Published: 2025-04-14 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-it-leaders-want-rpa/ - Categories: Uncategorised Why IT Leaders want RPA Most IT Leaders want to see IT effectively used in the IT teams as well as in multiple business departments. With a large part of IT activity being concerned with keeping IT operations working, there is an emphasis on quality services. Ask any business manager and they are likely to say they need IT to work, so they can deliver their activities for the business. Structuring Services To help organizations align IT services with their business needs and deliver value, ultimately improving efficiency and service delivery there are widely recognized framework for IT Service Management (ITSM). The best known is ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library which covers both Service Management and IT Asset Management. ITIL has 5 phases of a service lifecycle, namely: Service Strategy Service Design Service Transition Service Operation Continual Service Improvement The Services collectively form a Service Catalogue. It is one of the core components of a Service Operation application. Typically, a business user will engage with such a system through the use of "Tickets". Other aspects of Service Operation will cover Incident Management, Problem Management, Change Management and Asset Management. Why is Automation attractive? An investment in leading applications such as ServiceNow and Ivanti will deliver the capability to run an IT department, but they need a lot of manual effort to operate the processes. RPA is generic technology to automate processes that are performed on computers. Every service in a Service Catalogue has been defined. It is by... --- > Compare automation from n8n, Make, Zapier, Appian and UiPath. At a high level identify differences in automation is achieved and priced. - Published: 2025-02-18 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/compare-automation-n8n-make-zapier-appian-uipath/ - Categories: Uncategorised Compare Automation - n8n - Make - Zapier - Appian - UiPath This is quick comparison of different automation products that businesses will typically consider when reviewing software to automate business processes. There is no implied order of importance. As a short comparison only a few aspects of each product are highlighted. About n8n n8n is a low-code product. Source code is available and can be hosted on own servers. It is good for technical teams who want to build complex workflows faster. Using n8n there is a drag n’ drop GUI which can be used alongside Javascript for more advanced workflows. The product has advanced functionality for implementing multiple triggers, as well as branching and merging workflows. With 300+ integrations and customizable HTTP requests, n8n enables any API to be integrated into a workflow. Price is per workflow. About Make Make is a platform for creating processes in automation systems with a focus on API integration. Make provides simple “Blocks” to deliver the functionality of APIs and avoid the need for developing code. The blocks can be connected with a simple drag-and-drop. The blocks are also known as ‘Modules’ and the visual connections between them are known as ‘Scenarios’. Make is hosted on AWS cloud. Price is per Operation (Task). There are many Operations in some workflows. About Zapier Zapier is a no-code automation tool that lets you connect your apps into automated workflows. It is good for handling simple tasks that don’t require complex conditional logic making it... --- > RPA in the Supply Chain delivers benefits including reduction in manual effort, improved accuracy and timing flexibility - Published: 2025-01-29 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-in-business-supply-chain-delivering-benefits/ - Categories: Uncategorised RPA in Business Supply Chain Delivering Benefits Business Supply Chains are dynamic which requires careful management, efficiency and accuracy. The flow of information across the business processes is where Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can deliver significant benefits. RPA automates repetitive tasks that are performed on software systems, from order processing and shipping adjustments to inventory management. The Supply Chain Processes which commonly benefit from RPA Typical processes that benefit from RPA are: Order Processing and Accounts Payable: RPA streamlines the extraction of details from documents. For order processing the automation can extract data from various order types. This reduces keying errors, simplifies order entry and fulfilment tasks. Similarly, the extraction of data from invoices within the accounts payable processing streamlines the activity. RPA is great at doing detailed matching of invoice data with issued PO details which allows people to focus their effort on discrepancies and mismatches rather than the routine reconciliation of values which align. Onboarding of Suppliers and Partners: The creation of new master data for suppliers and partners together with the appropriate due diligence activities can be quote onerous. RPA can automate the data entry and checks of onboarding processes. There can be significant benefit from the speed and accuracy to the onboarding where changes are being implemented due to operational disruption. Compliance is important, by using RPA the tasks do not get forgotten. Scheduling of Shipments and Tracking Progress: As RPA can automate data entry for shipments, it can set the specific conditions that are required... --- > Advantages and Disadvantages of RPA (Robotic Process Automation) compared with doing nothing for a business process. - Published: 2025-01-14 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-rpa/ - Categories: Uncategorised Advantages and Disadvantages of RPA After going through a journey of discovering Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and learning a little of the benefits available with technology, business leaders often formulate the question “What are the advantages and disadvantages of RPA? ”. The aim of this blog post is to be product agnostic. It is the Pros and Cons of RPA technology which effectively apply across all RPA products. For context in thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of implementing RPA, the base line position is “Do Nothing”. Of course, an implementation of RPA could be considered in comparison to an investment in the implementation of other technology or another business initiative. Advantages of RPA The deployment of RPA delivers the Replacement of manual activity with software robots performing tasks. The benefits that can be achieved from the technology are: A gain in productivity with more work being completed with less staff effort A reduction in processing and data errors as software robots do not make human errors that typical arise from a lack of concentration A reduction in the processing costs for completing tasks provided that the majority of the RPA capacity is utilised Sensitive data not being viewed by a person and there cannot be “Leaked” by human interaction (aka “Gossip” or after a person has left an organisation) Once automation becomes available it can be operated 24 x7 if required and can be scaled according to the required workload Effective segregation of duties can be achieved through the... --- > How RPA Can Slash Operational Admin Costs by up to 30% by automating manual repetitive work found in most business processes. - Published: 2024-11-06 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-rpa-can-slash-operational-admin-costs-by-up-to-30-percent/ - Categories: Uncategorised How RPA Can Slash Operational Admin Costs by up to 30% In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, optimising operational costs is crucial for sustained success. Robotic Process Automation (RPA), is a proven technology that has been transforming industries by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows. RPA can dramatically reduce operational administrative costs by up to 30%. The continual need for efficiency As businesses grow, so do their operational complexities. Business processes are defined so that the growing number of staff can repeat the activity consistently. Each business process may involve many tasks. There is often interaction between business processes for example an order process, leading to a delivery process and an invoice process which are followed by a payment reconciliation process. With processes that are executed many times by staff, the activity becomes routine, mundane and can be considered as administrative. 1. Understanding RPA and Its Benefits Robotic Process Automation (RPA) uses software robots or "bots" to automate repetitive tasks that are performed on computers. By mimicking human actions, RPA bots can execute tasks with speed, accuracy, and scalability, leading to significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. The RPA bots replace the manual work that people perform by reading from the screen, typing on keyboards plus moving and clicking the mouse. RPA benefits include: Cost reduction as RPA bots are relatively good value to operate Increased accuracy as RPA bots do not make human errors – they process consistently RPA bots can operate 24/7, which is 168 hours a week... --- > business survival can be achieved by automating boring work before competitors, to gain a productivity and efficiency advantage. - Published: 2024-10-21 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/business-survival-automate-boring-work-before-competitors/ - Categories: Uncategorised Business Survival Automate Boring Work Before Competitors Business Survival Business Survival is about being better than competitors in the same market space. Just like the story of two men in a forest confronted by a hungry grizzy bear. Survival is not being faster than the bear, it is just being faster than the other man. Automate Boring Work Why is Automating Boring Work so important for UK businesses? Global outsourcing trends show that work is continuing to move to low cost areas such as India, China, Indonesia, etc. Outsourcing has its own challenges with supply chain stability, resilience, cyber security, data residence, etc. Before Competitors Using technology to Automate Boring Work, delivers better productivity and better financial results yet keeps the activity under control in-house. As automated processes can be performed quicker and cheaper than competitors, there is an advantage. Discover More Ether Solutions can provide Everything you want to know about Automation for office work. The What, Why, When, Where, Who and the How. This is complimented by the RPA FAQ. Confused about Automation and AI, that is explained. Need to think about costs so examine the RPA ROI Calculator and the Benefits of RPA. Delve into the UiPath Architecture and UiPath Licences. Does that cover everything you need to know? Perhaps some RPA use cases will deliver some more understanding and there are Ether Solutions Case Studies. A short briefing for your Directors. You will recognise that it is about People, Process and Technology so here is a... --- > Signs that manual tasks performed in the business could be automated. This helps determine where Automation should be considered. - Published: 2024-06-10 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/7-signs-you-are-wasting-time-on-tasks-that-could-be-automated/ - Categories: Uncategorised 7 Signs You're Wasting Time on Tasks That Could Be Automated 1. Manual Data Entry Consumes a Significant Staff Hours Each Day If the team spends a substantial amount of time manually entering data into spreadsheets or databases, or applications (e. g. ERP, HR), it is a clear sign that automation is needed. Automating data entry tasks not only eliminates human errors but also frees up valuable staff time that can be redirected towards higher value activities. 2. Drowning in Email Correspondence Email overload is a common challenge for businesses, leading to inefficiencies and delays in communication. Implementing email automation tools can streamline your inbox, automate routine responses, and prioritize important messages, allowing your team to focus on high-value tasks instead of being bogged down by administrative work. More complex processing is required to determine intent in emails and extracting any reference information in the text. Once such processing is implemented, the automation can either perform the required actions or correctly route the email to appropriate customer service agents to engage with the customers. 3. Inconsistent Processes Lead to Errors and Delays If a business relies on manual processes, they can vary from one employee to another as it is performed. The variation can result in errors, which consequently cause delays in the final correct position being achieved. Automating repetitive tasks ensures consistency and accuracy, reducing the risk of mistakes. 4. A Team Spends Hours Generating Reports Manually Generating reports can be a time-consuming and tedious task, especially when done... --- > Debunking 50 RPA myths that are encountered in the media to provide answers to explain why the myths are false. - Published: 2024-03-28 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/debunking-50-rpa-myths/ - Categories: Uncategorised RPA Myths Answered These are Myths specifically about RPA (Robotic Process Automation) using software robots. There is no order of importance in this list of 50 myths. Myth 1 - ChatGPT will replace RPA Answer – ChatGPT is good at responding to a prompt. RPA is about automating processes. RPA can use ChatGPT as a resource to determine intent or extract data from a document, which RPA can then use to execute an action. Myth 2 - Automation is costly Answer – RPA can start from the equivalent cost of a full-time employee on minimum wage (e. g. £2,000 per month). RPA delivers a lot of capacity for processing, the more of the capacity that is used the lower the effective processing cost. Myth 3 - Automation requires changes to existing systems Answer – Automation using RPA is able to use the same GUI screens that a person would use to perform the same task. RPA is able to also make use of application API or other technical interfaces where they are available. By using the GUI screens there is no requirement to make any change to the systems that automation is interacting with to perform the task. Myth 4 - Automation will make most job roles redundant Answer – Automation is able to perform many tasks. The automation of repetitive tasks will free people’s time so that they can focus on high value work which is more interesting to perform and better utilises human skills. Myth 5 - Automation... --- > Here are 5 reasons that business competitors are adopting RPA and gaining the benefits to their business operations. - Published: 2024-03-13 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/5-reasons-your-competitors-are-adopting-rpa/ - Categories: Uncategorised 5 Reasons Your Competitors are Adopting RPA In today's competitive business market, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has emerged to streamline operations, enhancing efficiency, and drive productivity. Competitors are embracing RPA and reaping the benefits. 1. Efficiency Enhancement RPA revolutionizes mundane tasks by automating repetitive processes, freeing up valuable time for team members to focus on higher-value activities. By eliminating manual activity, RPA ensures accuracy and accelerates task completion. The boost to business process execution for office staff can have a ripple effect to other parts of the business. 2. Cost Reduction RPA enables significant cost savings by minimizing human errors, reducing manual effort, and provides the potential for optimizing resource allocation. By reducing the unit cost to execute business processes there is the potential for savings or re-allocation of budgets. Of course, with any automation the biggest savings are made when the automation capacity is close to full utilisation. 3. Improved Accuracy and Compliance Human errors can be costly and detrimental to business operations. RPA ensures consistent accuracy in executing tasks, minimizing the risk of errors and enhancing compliance with regulations. Repeated execution of business processes on by staff on computer systems is often seen as boring work. The more mundane the task, the harder it is for people to give full attention 100% of the time and therefore errors creep in. Some errors will be caught during the execution of the business process allowing immediate correction by the operator. This has a relatively small impact in terms of the... --- > Recruit more staff or use RPA is a decision for any growing business with increasing workload. Automation enables best use of existing staff. - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/recruit-more-staff-or-use-rpa/ - Categories: Uncategorised Recruit more staff or use RPA? With increasing workloads from GDPR and other compliance tasks, many teams are being asked to achieve more work. What are the choices? Recruiting more staff has often been the answer. It certainly can motivate a team if great people with just the right skills and knowledge can be found quickly. Of course, that assumes that there is office space, etc. for them. The general position is that it takes considerable time and effort to recruit people, provide them the training and knowledge about how the team work before they become productive. RPA, Robotic Process Automation, offers an alternative. The deployment and training of a software robot can take a few weeks. It will only be able to do “Repetitive” tasks that it is trained to do, but these are often the tasks team members don’t like performing, so handing them to a robot is normally welcome. The use of RPA can change the dynamics of a team, as each member can focus on the important activities, with the software robot undertaking the detail on the computer systems. Unlike an additional team member, a software robot can be left to work overnight and at weekends. By getting basic tasks completed out of hours, team members can arrive each day with the material produced by the robot being ready for them which could be reports on activity from the previous day to the latest information extracted from web sites overnight. RPA software robots deliver productivity. Which... --- > How to be More Productive in the Workplace by using RPA to automate manual tasks performed by computer systems. - Published: 2023-11-20 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-to-be-more-productive-in-the-workplace/ - Categories: Uncategorised How to be More Productive in the Workplace Being highly productive in the workplace is a common goal shared by individuals and companies alike. With modern advancements, various tools and strategies have emerged that can significantly enhance productivity. Among them, RPA (Robotic Process Automation) has shown promising results. In this post, we delve into how embracing RPA and other strategies can boost productivity in the business environment. UNDERSTANDING RPA AND ITS IMPACT Robotic Process Automation or RPA, is a technology used to automate repetitive tasks previously carried out by humans. This technology is adept at mimicking human interactions with digital systems, thus freeing up time for employees to focus on more strategic, creative aspects of their work. RPA STATISTICS According to a report, companies that have adopted RPA have seen a 20% increase in productivity. Another noteworthy point is that RPA is predicted to be a $20. 1 billion industry by 2030. These statistics underscore the growing relevance and the potential of RPA in augmenting productivity in the workplace. HOW RPA BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY With RPA, businesses can automate mundane tasks. For instance, data entry, which is known to be a time-consuming task, can be handled efficiently by RPA, allowing employees to focus on more critical aspects of their work. This not only accelerates processes but also reduces the likelihood of errors, thereby enhancing overall productivity. AUTOMATION FOR BUSINESS GROWTH Automation, in general, is a broader spectrum, where RPA is a part. UIPATH AND BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY UiPath is a platform that... --- > Doing more with less is easy to say but can be difficult to deliver. The use of RPA to automate manual tasks is a way to achieve more. - Published: 2023-11-10 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/doing-more-with-less-effort/ - Categories: Uncategorised Doing more with less How to do more with less? A common challenge for business. HOW CAN A BUSINESS DO MORE WITH LESS? More with less means increasing productivity. Will better staff motivation work? Hyping motivation works but only for the short term. It is not sustainable week and week. Paying staff overtime to handle the additional workload is not good for staff life balances. Bring in temporary / agency staff can work but is probably “More with More” – not really an answer. WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO BUSINESS? One option is Automation. Automation can be applied where there are repetitive tasks – think of each execution of a business process. Physical Robots deliver automation in factories and warehouses. Software Robots deliver automation for office work. Robots can work 24 x7 which is a lot of capacity. If you compare a Robot's capacity to a worker who does 8 hours a day , Monday through Friday, the Robot provides 4. 2 times the capacity! Don’t think 100% automation, think of automation helping staff do the routine enabling staff to concentrate on the “Exceptions”, the “Unusual”, etc. In most situations, it is about finding the best of both robot activity and human activity so that they work in harmony. -- || -- Please see Productivity FAQ page for details on some of the terms / jargon used above. --- > Automation delivers core benefits of Productivity and Consistency. The question becomes Why Not Automate as there is minimal risk. - Published: 2023-11-02 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-automate/ - Categories: Uncategorised Why Automate? Why do businesses need to automate? Automation saves time! “Yeah, automation is good but let’s wait until the New Year” For people time is the one common and limiting factor. For business time is also important, and although a few companies have been around hundreds of years, the average life of a company in the UK is 8. 5 years. So it could be said that time is even more important for a business than for an individual. Delaying automation is putting a company at a disadvantage as competitors will have the same opportunity to automate and could achieve it first. With time being money in business, saving time justifies automation. Although this is true and is a primary consideration when thinking about automation, there are other benefits from automation. Quality improvement from consistency is a major factor when looking at automation. Humans make errors, it is a natural human trait, but the cost of fixing the few errors can be very high in terms of finance and reputation. The picture illustrates the “Time Saved” and the “Time Spent to Automate” balance that is normally used to determine if it is worth implementing automation. This can be a simple mathematical calculation, but it can also need to be considered with some human factors. For example, in Japan part of the reason stated for UiPath’s success with RPA is that it helps banks in Japan address a problem of staff working too many hours on computer systems. The ability... --- > Businesses are interested in Productivity as makes an organisation more competitive. Improvements in Productivity usually increase profits. - Published: 2023-10-26 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-are-businesses-interested-in-productivity/ - Categories: Uncategorised Why are businesses interested in Productivity Why are businesses interested in increasing productivity? Is it for the Kudos of being the best? It is quite simple – Higher Profits ! HOW IS PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVED? Productivity is achieved by : delivering the same Outcome with Less Effort OR delivering more Outcome for the same Effort Either situation works for the business, by reducing costs or increasing sales. Increase profits can be used to deliver a better return to shareholders or pay staff more, or a combination of both. PRODUCTIVITY COMPARISON? How productive is your business? Do you measure productivity? The UK Office of National Statistics provide a calculator to compared to other companies in your industry. Knowing how you compare to competitors is useful information, so I recommend every company uses the calculator. https://lnkd. in/e7xCiPCT WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT PRODUCTIVITY? Motivating staff and providing them with good work hygiene factors such as suitable desks, lighting, noise levels, etc. can help improve productivity but the impact is relatively short lived. Nobody can stay "Super Focussed" and "Highly driven" for week after week. To create a permanent improvement in Productivity the fundamentals have to change: What is done How it is done The Tools used to perform the task The material used in the task One way to is with automation . This is using tools to ensure that the same things get done, consistently but the how it is done changes. There is less input to the task by people. --... --- > Team Workload – How do you Square the Circle of re-allocating work during staff holidays, jury service, long term sickness, paternity leave - Published: 2023-10-16 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/team-workload-how-do-you-square-the-circle/ - Categories: Uncategorised Team Workload – How do you Square the Circle? Is Christmas or Q4 a challenging time of year for the workload on your team in the office? Psychologists Leiter, Schaufeli and Maslach (2001) identified an unmanageable workload as one of the primary contributors to employee burnout. It leads to health problems and impaired performance – and can become chronic. Employees are most at risk when they have too much work and a negative or cynical mindset towards it. With the current focus on mental health, it is generally agreed that excessive workload causes stress and potentially depression. Trying to address workload increases but with typical budget constraints, can feel like trying to “Square the Circle”. So what are the options? The typical approaches are: Get everybody on the team to work longer hours? Prioritise some types of work and leave some activity for the future hoping that does not cause a different problem? Bring in temporary staff, get them trained so that they can complete some of work but is there desk space? Engage an “Outsource” company and pass work to them but can quality be maintained? The challenge is really one of “Productivity”. At a recent IOD presentation given by Professor Joe Nellis of Cranfield School of Management, the UK productivity level was highlighted as major factor holding back the UK economy. The chart shows that historically productivity gains of 2% were achieved but since the financial crash it has been at much lower levels. HOW DO YOU IMPROVE... --- > The decision on When to Automate can be based on selecting suitable tasks and the capacity to undertake the automation task definition. - Published: 2023-09-16 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/when-to-automate-a-task/ - Categories: Uncategorised When to Automate a Task? For many the “Why Automate” is taken as a given, the main question for this blog post becomes “When” should automation be implemented. Although it is possible to automate in many situations, it is only going to be effective and worthwhile to automate “When”: Process being automated is stable There is a foreseeable volume of usage of the process into the future There is a need to improve the quality of the processing by reducing errors and improving consistency There is a desire to improve the speed with which each item is processed There often needs to be an extra “Catalyst” or “Trigger” to make the “When” become “Now”. The extra factors that change the general desire for automation into a priority can be events such as: More work needing to be processed by the same team A peak in work that occurs more frequently (Once a year, to monthly or weekly) The same quantity of work needing to be completed as the number of team members reduces (staff sickness, maternity, company leavers, staff budget cuts) Existing processes being expanded in tasks due to legislation / increased risk The “Triggers” are necessary as business processes already exist and there is always a tendency to adopt a “Not broken Don’t Fix” approach as well as other demands being higher priority. The decision on “When to Automate” will require managers who have the vision and determination to make a difference, to improve, to not settle for existing... --- > Company boards expect you to Innovate. One approach is to Automate existing business processes by using RPA software robots. - Published: 2023-09-10 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/does-your-board-expect-you-to-innovate/ - Categories: Uncategorised Does your board expect you to Innovate? One of the challenges for managers is to find ways to improve the business. For most it is not a greenfield, there are existing processes and systems that operate the business every single day. For innovation to be acceptable, it has to leverage the existing operations and not be too revolutionary, well unless you want to risk your career on trying to make the change. Automation that delivers productivity is an attractive way to innovate. Software Robots work with your existing processes and systems, just altering “Who” does the routine work. Nobody wants to remove automation once it is in place. No matter how much frustration IT can cause at times, the manual alternative is much worse. The challenge to find ways of innovating in an existing business without major transformation is a difficult one. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is one technology that can deliver a solution without needing to change any of the existing computer applications infrastructure. The advantage that RPA offers by being a Non Invasive solution, is important as existing investments are leveraged rather than marked as legacy. This often makes RPA an approach that is politically acceptable to IT and business managers. Aspiring managers can use RPA as an innovation which is likely to gain acceptance from the Board as it delivers financial, operational and people benefits. The champions of RPA generally see it as factor to strengthen their career progression. --- > Business Automation - To Grow A Business does not rely on endless recruiting of staff but uses technology to deliver productivity. - Published: 2023-09-02 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automation-to-grow-a-business/ - Categories: Uncategorised Automation to Grow a Business It is a fundamental truth that growing a business means encountering challenges. A one person business with a few clients can be flexible and there is a certain level of demand for bespoke personal service. For a business to grow to 10, 100 or a thousand people it needs structure and repeatable processes to deliver the same service / products on a large scale. The Traditional approach to support business growth is to consider Outsourcing, Simplifying processes, Standardise processes, Consolidate activities, De-layer activities, etc. When the workload increases, there will always be an element of giving employees a heavy workload but that can only be a short term situation to meet particular processing peaks. For workload increases to be sustained, either more people have to be involved or more automation has to be deployed. For a business to support growth, automation needs to occur at every part of the business, which could mean automation of production lines, automation of warehouse operations, automation of logistics, automation of “Front-office” sales / marketing as well as automation of “Back office” processing. Many surveys indicate that highly automated businesses are more likely to see revenue growth and although automation has a capital cost, the incremental processing costs are often very low which enables businesses to become more cost effective as they automate at large scale. Bigger, better machinery with more capacity is normally the approach in manufacturing operations to support more workload. To achieve business growth, automation has to... --- > Why Should We Use RPA? It's a good question. The answer? RPA delivers Productivity and Consistency in task execution. - Published: 2023-09-01 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-should-we-use-rpa/ - Categories: Uncategorised Why Should We Use RPA? UiPath’s recent IPO has given more publicity to the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) market. The IPO has been successful as investors grasp the logic of RPA as technology that can help many business and deliver real value for their operations. Of course automation is not new, the difference with RPA is that delivers automation by using software robots that mimic human interactions with computer systems in a non-invasive way. This means that businesses do not need to throw existing computer systems which are already delivering the business processes to achieve the company’s activities. RPA can be used to perform the repetitive tasks necessary to operate both individual computer applications and between such applications. Asking people to work like “Machines” has never been ideal. Despite best intentions, human error occurs and such mistakes can be costly to rectify. The level of errors will vary but the generally accepted figure is 4% of activity will be impacted. RPA is more accurate and more predictable than manual activity. THE POTENTIAL MARKET There are millions of office workers, most of whom spend significant time working in computer systems for their companies. With this potential market, it is clear why investors have been keen to participate in UiPath’s IPO. It is worth avoiding the “Hype”, not everyone who spends time working with computer applications is going to benefit from RPA. The key factor for any automation to be successful is “Repetition”. It would be possible to automate any activity, but... --- > Automate those tasks to gain productivity for the business and the team. Use software robots to implement the repetitive tasks. - Published: 2023-08-01 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automate-those-tasks/ - Categories: Uncategorised Automate those tasks Every business process that is well define will have a number of tasks. Automate those tasks that are repetitive, predictable and require staff to work like robots. Customs Procedures is one example where automation can deliver a lot of value. Customs Paperwork – Automated! Software robots make the labour-intensive task of routine customs paperwork more efficient. From 1st January 2021, customs paperwork has been required for goods moving between Great Britain and any EU country, for both imports and exports. This was a challenge for customs clearance services trying to deal with an increase of thousands of documents every day. Automation of business processes using software robots to perform repetitive activity that people undertake on computer screens, worked alongside one specialist customs agent who used robots to help meet demand. Knowledgeable customs experts handle the complex situations, but the regular movement of goods is achieved with the software robots completing the daily routine processing. In the supply chain world of 24-hour logistics, using software robots to complete the office administration whenever it is needed virtually eliminates the need for a night shift team. Automation is ideally performed on stable processes. Although there is change happening in the GB – EU customs arrangements, software robots have been delivering benefits by working alongside people as part of an integrated process. The rules which humans have followed for the manual activities can be added into the processing logic of the software robots. This frees staff back to focussing on the... --- > Reseller Billing can benefit from RPA to automate the cost plus margin calculations that are core to added value services. - Published: 2023-07-25 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/reseller-billing-can-benefit-from-rpa/ - Categories: Uncategorised Reseller Billing can benefit from RPA There are many businesses that engage third party providers to deliver part of an overall service to customers. Acting as a reseller can deliver significant benefit to customers but it does give some challenges when it comes to cost allocation processes. Some examples of this type of activity are: Telecoms service resellers receive invoices from telecoms companies that need to allocate costs to their customers Digital Agencies receive invoices from hosting companies for web traffic that need to be charged onto their customers Fulfilment Service providers receive invoices from courier delivery organisations that need to be divided across their customers Processing consolidated bills from third party providers can be a time consuming activity. As a reseller, being able to identify which elements of an invoice can be allocated as costs to an individual customer is a core skill. It typically means “Line by Line” processing of the consolidated invoice during the allocation of the charges into a finance application which is then used to apply the appropriate actual customer charges to bill the client. The extracted “Line by Line” details often need to be included as information to the client as evidence of the usage costs incurred. Although there are many solutions available for simple invoice processing with or without PO matching, the complexities of consolidate billing make a real difference. Many finance departments have staff manually working through the consolidated third party invoices “Line by Line” in order to ensure effective billing to... --- > When starting a UiPath development, the ability to Jump Start it by deploying UiPath experienced consultants delivers rapid benefits. - Published: 2023-07-20 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/uipath-jumpstart/ - Categories: Uncategorised UiPath Jumpstart “UiPath Jumpstart” is a phrase we often hear from clients. After reaching a decision to Automate using UiPath software, clients are often keen to get the project under way quickly and wish to Jumpstart the UiPath robot build activity. As with the adoption of any new technology there is the challenge of “First Project Syndrome”. No matter how keen staff are to start building automations using UiPath software, there is a learning curve to understand the technology. UiPath provides an extensive online academy of training material, but as everybody has seen the difference between training course examples and real world project challenges can be significant. Ether Solutions has recognised the UiPath Jumpstart interest and created its own UiPath Kickstart service as part of the 90 Day Automation method. The client objectives of a rapid start to a UiPath development and implementation are achieved by an experience UiPath Consultant working alongside the client’s own developers. By providing access to the knowledge and experience, the UiPath Jumpstart vision is delivered resulting the effective construction of the UiPath robot processes without the risk a solution being created that immediately requires “Re-work”. By the Ether Solutions consultant giving extra help to the client’s developers the initial build for the robot is completed quickly and the developers level of knowledge on the practical use of UiPath also has a Jumpstart. After the first UiPath development, subsequent projects may not require a UiPath Jumpstart as the technology will be already deployed and some experience... --- > RPA is used to automate manual tasks performed on computer systems. It is popular as it delivers productivity and consistency of processing. - Published: 2023-07-13 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/what-is-rpa-used-to-do-and-why-is-rpa-popular/ - Categories: Uncategorised What is RPA used to do and Why is RPA Popular? RPA – Robotic Process Automation is software technology that is used to automate manual tasks in a business process that a person would otherwise perform on a computer. The RPA software robot is able to simulate the human activity of reading from a computer screen, typing on the keyboard, moving and clicking a mouse. This ability to simulate human actions means that the underlying IT applications do not need to change. The RPA technology in addition to directly simulating user activity can also utilise the technical API functionality of IT applications where they are available and bypass the screen interaction when required. It is the capabilities of RPA to simulate work that makes it a generic solution to make business challenges. By using RPA with AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning), the complexity of tasks that can be automated is extended and usually referenced as Intelligent Process Automation (IPA). RPA IS USED TO DO RPA is suited to any task that requires repetitive activity where the information source is available digitally and the result required is digital. By performing a sequence of tasks, a whole business process can be automated. A good design practice is to keep “Humans in the loop”, so that they handle exceptions, the unusual, etc. At an activity level, RPA is used to perform “Copy & Paste”, it is used to perform “Data Comparison”, as well as email handling and file movements. WHERE IS... --- > Reasons why businesses are investing in Robotic Process Automation start with reduced costs & improved productivity. Followed by consistency. - Published: 2023-07-11 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/reasons-why-businesses-are-investing-in-robotic-process-automation-2/ - Categories: Uncategorised Reasons why businesses are investing in Robotic Process Automation RPA not simply replacing humans but augmenting the work they do, making people more productive by RPA software robots undertaking the repetitive tasks in the business processes. HOW CAN RPA INVESTMENT HELP A BUSINESS? Reduce costs Save time Provide more capacity Increase compliance Increase data privacy Does not require existing IT system changes 1 – Reduce costs The cost of operating an RPA software robot to perform a task can be low providing the available capacity is used to a reasonable level. The effective cost of a software robot that is operating at full capacity is approximately £2 per hour! That is a lot less than the “Living Wage”. Studies have shown that people make errors when undertaking repetitive business processes which is typically circa 4% of the tasks completed. RPA software robots are consistent and do not make random errors. Yes, RPA software robots might “Break” due to a system failure but that will impact the complete processing and not leave a random selection of errors in the data. The cost of fixing the human errors is avoided with RPA. 2 – Save time Automation with RPA software robots reduces the time required from people to get the task completed. Robots work faster than people and do not take breaks. It is task dependent, but it is common for an RPA software robot to on average complete tasks 5 to 10 times faster than a person over an extended period... --- > How to reduce errors and increase quality of work in business processes by using automation which delivers Consistency. - Published: 2023-06-11 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/can-you-avoid-human-error-in-business-processes/ - Categories: Uncategorised Can you avoid human error in business processes? “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? WHAT IS A "HUMAN ERROR"? Here we are considering an “Action” that is unintentional and consider a mistake rather than any deliberate action intended to cause a problem. There are four types of “Human Error”, namely: Action Slips Action Lapses Applying the wrong rule Applying a rule incorrectly These are best illustrated with examples. Approximately 150,000 people a year put the wrong fuel in their car. With costs to fix the situation ranging from a £100 pounds to thousands, it is a big issue. This type of incident is an “Action Slip”. People know what to, but due to lack of attention in the moment they use the wrong fuel. Keeping with the car examples, getting in the car in driving off without putting a seat belt on is a “Action Lapse”. Drivers know it needs to be done and do it most of the time. When it occurs, many cars will give an audio warning to the driver to remind them of the lapse. As temperatures change car tyres need to be inflated by different amounts. For each 10 degrees increase in temperature the... --- > How does RPA work? RPA works by simulating the actions of a person, reading the screen, keyboard typing, moving & clicking mouse. - Published: 2023-06-02 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-does-rpa-work/ - Categories: Uncategorised How does RPA work? 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. The instructions on simulating very simple tasks can be created using drag and drop, but for larger task automation with appropriate error handling the instructions for software robots are just like coding it is best created by specialists. RPA can be useful to any size of business that has repetitive tasks performed on computers by staff. The technology can be deployed on a small scale as well as configurations suitable for enterprise corporations. RPA SOFTWARE There are lots of vendors of Robotic Process Automation software, the products provide the “Software Robots”. Each vendor provides different features and has different licence costs. With the variety of... --- > Productivity is the amount of output created from the input. Productivity is Important as it drives the profitability of a business. - Published: 2023-04-26 - Modified: 2025-03-05 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/what-is-productivity-and-why-productivity-is-important/ - Categories: Uncategorised What is Productivity and Why Productivity is Important What is Productivity requires a definition of Productivity. By understanding what Productivity represents it allows the positioning of the importance of Productivity for a business. WHAT IS PRODUCTIVITY The definition of Productivity is Output divided by Input. It is a number for the ratio. Although this starts as a simple ratio the calculation becomes quite detailed once the scope of the analysis is determined. WHY PRODUCTIVITY IS IMPORTANT Productivity can seem like a Dull calculation and in some respects it is just a number. The reason that Productivity is important is that allows comparison between teams and between businesses. For comparisons to most effective them need to be on a similar basis, hence comparisons between competitive businesses operating in the same industry can have real value whereas comparing the business of a Premier League football club with a car manufacturer or an accountancy practice or a hair dressing business are largely only for academic purposes. Comparison by country demonstrates the relative economic position. It indicates that United Kingdom productivity is slightly lower than the Euro Area average. Although chart above is global, there are some useful statistics produced by The Productivity Institute on comparison both within the UK and internationally. There is also good material available from Eurostat. A simple view of this analysis can miss the fact that different countries have different mixes of industries, which impact the overall figures. When considering productivity within car manufacturing businesses, companies such as Toyota,... --- > Best Ways to Improve Productivity - Achieved by focussing on systems and not the motivation of individuals. - Published: 2023-03-26 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/best-ways-to-improve-productivity/ - Categories: Uncategorised Best ways to improve Productivity Considering the best ways to improve productivity has to start with defining / measuring existing productivity. This is essential so that any improvement in productivity can be quantified. By understanding what Productivity represents it allows the positioning of the importance of Productivity for a business. PERSONAL PRODUCTIVITY At a personal level, the interest in improving productivity often starts from questions such as: How can I improve my productivity? How can I stop being distracted? How should I prioritize my tasks? What should I do at work today? How do I get more done? There are many personal and business coaches that provide services to help individuals address personal productivity. Each will have their own approach but are likely to incorporate elements of the Pomodoro Technique and the Eisenhower Matrix. These can be used to address the questions and provide ways to work that deliver personal productivity. In summary the Pomodoro Technique is about working on a single task with no distractions for a short period (e. g. 25 minutes), taking a short break (e. g. 5 minutes), after three cycles of this focussed effort take a longer break (e. g. 30 minutes). The approach is generally regarded to deliver productivity. Many people will see a lot similarity with a school day being divided up into “Periods”. This provides a “Way” to work. The Eisenhower Matrix is about what to work on. General Eisenhower said “There are two kinds of tasks, the urgent and the important”.... --- > Toxic Productivity - Is the mental state of worrying too much. It occurs when too focussed on details and ignoring the big context. - Published: 2023-03-10 - Modified: 2025-03-05 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/toxic-productivity/ - Categories: Uncategorised Toxic Productivity Do you know about Toxic Productivity? Would you be able to recognise it? Despite the name is Toxic Productivity a bad thing? WHAT IS TOXIC PRODUCTIVITY Toxic Productivity can be described in a several ways: The uncontrollable need to feel productive at all times, whatever the cost Workaholic behaviours that exclude any time for rest / relaxation/ life, etc. One symptom is people taking on too many projects and becoming over whelmed. Another symptom is a feeling of guilt during “Free time”, often accompanied by being anxious when taking a rest. A further symptom is working long hours, missing breaks by working through them. It is often a self imposed drive to keep working in the belief that it delivers more productivity. Of course, if it is more work with no more pay (aka Cost) then a surface level calculation of productivity would look better. The reality is that productivity is probably dropping. More work is being performed but due to tiredness and stress, it could be completed less efficiently with potentially more errors. WHAT ARE THE CAUSES? There can be many different causes of such as: Self imposed expectations that are beyond those required for the role. Competitive co-workers who work excessive hours. A lack of boundaries between work and non-work time, which can more easily occur with remote home working. The Productivity of a business is not helped and is not sustainable if it relies on people who are suffering from Toxic Productivity. There can be... --- > Efficiency and Productivity are similar, but they impact a business in different ways. Productivity is the aspect companies usually focus on. - Published: 2023-02-10 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/are-efficiency-and-productivity-the-same/ - Categories: Uncategorised Are Efficiency and Productivity the same? Both could help Business Profits. “Great Companies Obsess Over Productivity, Not Efficiency” That was the title of an article in the Harvard Business Review by Michael Mankins in 2017. WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT - EFFICIENCY OR PRODUCTIVITY? Efficiency is usual expressed as the amount of effort in man hours required to accomplish a given task, when compared with the standard in that industry for the task. In company A, if it takes 15 hours effort compared to the industry standard of 10 hours – activity is 66% Efficient, whereas for Company B does it with 8 hours effort they are 125% Efficient. Productivity is expressed as the ratio of Output to the Input required. These are typical measured in Pounds £. For a company C, that generates an Output worth £100 and incurs a cost of £80 (Man power effort, raw materials, overheads, etc), the Productivity would be 1. 25 WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? The real difference comes when looking at the strategy to improve the numbers. Cut Costs, (headcount, hours of effort) — in order to improve profitability. Grow Revenue (better marketing, more effective sales) - increasing the value of the output for the same input. It is this difference in emphasis that leads to “Great Companies Obsess over Productivity”. One way to increase Productivity is with Automation. -- || -- Please see Productivity FAQ page for details on some of the terms / jargon used above. --- > Successful RPA deployment can be achieved by adopting common approaches. The benefits of Automation are available by leveraging experience. - Published: 2022-12-16 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/9-tips-for-a-successful-rpa-deployment/ - Categories: Uncategorised 9 Tips for a successful RPA deployment These tips are born from experience, there is no implied order of importance. Tool Selection – In some organisations this can be a project by itself. With RFI, RFQ, ITT, etc. the time and effort spent can be significant. For most businesses, the usage of RPA is going to be similar to other businesses, so selecting any of the major product vendors identified by the industry analysts is not going to be the key success factor. This particularly true with the first RPA implementation in an organisation. I declare a bias here, at Ether Solutions we implement using UiPath which is a top 3 product for all the industry analysts. Keeping selection costs down helps the ROI of the first activity. If it is a major vendor, how wrong can the choice be? Any first implementation needs to be considered as “Research” and in an implementation review activity based on some practical knowledge the choice of tool can be reviewed. Candidate - Although potential business processes can be identified as candidates for automation in workshops with senior managers, full detailed observation with users performing the tasks is a critical part of qualifying the suitability for the use of RPA. Obtaining examples and metrics from the observation discovery activity. Depending on the scale of the team performing the existing work, watching different users performing the tasks at different times of the day can help gain clarity on the consistency of the process. Such observation... --- > How much task repetition occurs in your week will determine the potential for the impact of automation and the benefits it can deliver. - Published: 2022-11-27 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-much-repetition-in-your-week/ - Categories: Uncategorised How much repetition in your week? At the end of the week, as you think about what you have done, how much repetition has there been? Looking forward to next week, are the things you have done this week going to be repeated? Sometimes we pretend to ourselves that we and our colleagues, are doing different things, but actually the tasks / activities are the same it is just the data we are processing on the computer system is different. Processing one order is similar to the next order, one invoice is similar to another invoice, one sales contact is similar to the subsequent contact, one document is like another. The fact there is a “Process” means that there is repetition! Repetitive processes on computer systems can take up large amounts of the working day. It is essential work, but it does not engage our human skills. It is this repetitive activity that can benefit from Robotic Process Automation (RPA). By using a software robot to process data on computer systems, it frees up staff time. In the days of paper driven administration, piles of documents and folders would be visible on desks and it was easy to see how much work had to be done. As most work on computers involves data in applications and email messages, the quantity of work can be harder to monitor. The use of software robots in a business process to execute workload has an additional benefit created from the audit trail generated by... --- > Automation of tasks in a business process generates a sense of pride for both management and workers, as it delivers great benefits. - Published: 2022-10-24 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/pride-of-automation-solutions/ - Categories: Uncategorised Pride of Automation Solutions At the start of the day there is a pile of work to do. Well actually, for many there is no paper, it is normally a lot of emails in an Inbox, or a list in a spreadsheet, or a set of tasks in a workflow application. By the end of the day, after lots of activity on the computer, tasks have been completed and you can go home satisfied that the activities have been achieved. The next day will be similar and fairly predictable. When automation is applied to undertake the bulk of the computer tasks, with only the “Exceptions” to be handled, what happens? You will be pleased the software robot has undertaken the repetitive work. With automation in place, you will quickly take it for granted and gain more job satisfaction from resolving the “Exceptions”. For management that made the decision to automate, they will be proud of the robot and take pride from the impact on productivity as well as the quality improvement. Once robotic process automation is in place, there is never a desire to switch it off. Management and staff are normally proud to have taken the “Robot out of the human”, it improves the process. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can’t do anything a person could not do but a person can do things RPA can’t do. Implementing RPA into a process enables people to spend time doing things which are not repetitive, things which require judgement decisions or thoughts... --- > Staff are worth investing in by deploying RPA to automate routine tasks enabling individuals to focus on human skills and Productivity. - Published: 2022-10-06 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/staff-are-worth-it/ - Categories: Uncategorised Staff are worth it! How would you explain the implementation of Robotic Process Automation to staff in an office, well to para phrase L'Oreal - "Because you're worth it". Some employees are fearful that the introduction of Software Robots will mean job losses but despite the articles in the media suggesting this, the reality is that jobs change and staff are able to contribute more to the business. Any employer will tell you that staff are valuable asset. The introduction of RPA is because staff are worth it. The office environment is totally people driven. Getting the best from people cannot be trying to get them to work like Robots doing mundane repetitive tasks. For many years, businesses have introduced computer systems and trained staff to operate them. Clearly there are benefits from using computer applications, nobody today would consider creating a business that used pen and paper to run the operations. The reality is that for most businesses many computer applications are involved - Email, CRM, Finance, ERP, etc. Although there is the theoretical idea of everything being fully integrated, the solution is actually people doing work moving data particularly with email. The introduction of “Robotic Process Automation” (RPA) changes the tasks performed by the people in the office. The “Robots” used by RPA, automate the repetitive tasks people undertake on computer applications. Like other automation, RPA delivers consistent processing of the activities it performs removing the human errors that inevitably occur when people perform a process. As RPA... --- > Repetitive tasks performed in high quantities can make people feel like a robot. Such tasks are candidates for Automation with RPA. - Published: 2022-08-22 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/feel-like-a-robot/ - Categories: Uncategorised Feel like a robot? With the holiday season over and everybody back working, are you starting to “Feel like a Robot”? You know the tasks you are doing are part of the business activity. They need to be done, but the repetitive activity makes the tasks seem boring or dull. It is work, so what do you expect? The hours of the day pass and you act like a robot completing the tasks, hopefully without the more extreme feelings of depression that would require medical support. Morning newspaper articles talk about the “Future of work” but that can seem like a dream as the pressure to get another load of tasks complete during the day continues. Things can be changed. Instead of businesses expecting people to act like robots working on computer systems, software robots can be deployed to complete the routine, predictable and “Boring” tasks. This can free your time to work on handling the exceptions and using your business knowledge to add more value to the business. UiPath a leading provider of software robots, have used an advertisement which says “UiPath makes bots, so that people do not have to act like robots”. I believe this addresses the situation of a person “Feeling like a robot”. The implementation of software robots to perform repetitive tasks is called “Robotic Process Automation” (RPA). It is the type of change that makes people feel better about their work and is a benefit for the business as well, definitely a “Win –... --- > Automation can be achieved with RPA software robots. where business rules are well defined. By including AI more tasks can be automated. - Published: 2022-08-06 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/does-automation-need-rpa-and-ai/ - Categories: Uncategorised Does Automation need RPA and AI? As an IT Director, CIO, IT Manager, you are likely to be considering “Automation” to improve the business. The questions are how to achieve the automation and what is involved? It seems like with so many articles in the media referencing Artificial Intelligence (AI), to the extent that every Board director is at least aware of the term, taking on AI must be easy. That is a myth, using AI is not easy if it is “Real” AI and not something exploiting the AI hype which might be easy. As organisations are already operating business processes, automation is about delivering improvements as it is a core assumption that the business processes are required and integral to the business. The activities will be generating quantities of data that is passed through the computer systems. With this data as an asset, it is possible to deploy AI to analyse the data and potentially discover something useful. HOW WOULD AI PERFORM SUCH AN ANALYSIS? AI performs analysis on data by looking for patterns and exceptions. Effectively it performs statistical checks on the data, repeatedly varying the conditions and reports the results. The AI is not doing any “Magic”, it is applying algorithms. Interpreting the results it produces requires human knowledge to “Decode” the analysis to the business situation. For example, an AI analysis “Discovering” there are “No Sales” on Saturday or Sunday, is not much use if the business does not trade on those days. An alternative... --- > Implementing RPA can be a few weeks depending upon the complexity of the tasks being automated. Best to focus on the "Happy" path. - Published: 2022-07-20 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-long-to-implement-rpa/ - Categories: Uncategorised How long to implement RPA? You have investigated and done some Google research. RPA sounds good, it seems like it could be used in your business but you have questions, such as: How long to implement RPA? How long does it take to automate a process? Of course it depends on the process being automated is the generic answer, but that does not help when you are first starting to consider RPA. RPA, or Robotic Process Automation to use the full term, is about using software robots to simulate human activity on computer systems and hence free staff time from repetitive routine activity so that their skills can be more effectively deployed on other tasks. Lets consider the effort required and the approach for the implementation. HAPPY PATH IMPLEMENTATION For practical reasons, Ether Solutions believes RPA should initially be used to implement the “Happy Path” activity on a simple process. By taking this approach the RPA process from initial scoping thoughts to the execution implementation can be short, in many cases a few days(1 to 10). There may be a separate activity to deploy the robot software into a development and production environment but that should be counted independently of the process related activity. This rapid development allows experience of robot operations to be gained, which can feed into a plan and decisions about how to enhance the “Happy Path” to cope with more exceptions or to use the development activity to provide “Happy Path” solutions for other business processes.... --- > AI needs RPA today to deliver the automation for the context of AI Prompts and to action the results generated by the AI response. - Published: 2022-07-16 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/ai-needs-rpa-today/ - Categories: Uncategorised AI needs RPA today! There is so much hype about AI at present. The terms AI for Artificial Intelligence and ML for Machine Learning are getting used in many conversations to add market currency but the reality is often very different. For many business implementations AI with or without ML is only going to be effective if combined with RPA. In general terms AI is about applying some “Fuzzy Logic” as mathematicians call it to large quantities of data in order to develop a level of confidence about “Pattern matching”. This is sometimes termed “ANI” – Artificial Narrow Intelligence. The logic only works on the problem defined using the data set provided for the “Training” / “Base line set”. The hype often portrays AI as being “AGI” – Artificial General Intelligence, that is intelligence which can be applied to anything. The technology is just not there ... . Yet! Each AI implementation is currently very specific. There are AI solutions for processing invoices, AI for classifying documents, AI for recognising “Intent” in message, etc. Yes, it is possible to buy AI software, define your own problem, train it with your own data and hence have a mechanism to apply “Pattern Matching” to new data. The result is a specific AI implementation. With the current AI capabilities, Machine Learning (ML) is a method of enhancing the AI after its initial “Training” to provide an updated and therefore a “Better” level of confidence in the “Pattern Matching”. If the business requirement is... --- > Selecting / choosing a process for RPA Automation requires consideration of many factors. Primarily is the task repetitive and fully digital. - Published: 2022-06-26 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/how-to-select-a-process-for-automation/ - Categories: Uncategorised How to select a process for Automation Is Process “X” Suitable for Automation? What are the criteria or factors that can be used for the decision? When you start considering automation, the first challenge to is to identify candidate processes that are suitable for automation. The challenge is knowing which processes are the right ones to automate. This post addresses the question "How to choose the process to automate for RPA? ". INTRODUCTION One approach, could be to discover the processes that have been automated by similar businesses or competitors. This might be difficult to achieve as businesses do not publish such information. A second approach would be to look at the case studies published by automation software vendors. These contain some broad indications of the processes which have been automated. Both these approaches can provide some guidance, but they will raise the question of whether the processes in your business are actually the same as in other companies. A third approach could be to engage a Process Consultant to review and document all your processes, asking them to recommend where automation would be appropriate. Any investment in reviewing and documenting processes will delivers its own benefits. However, it is rare for a “Process” expert to also be an “Automation” expert. They will rely on experience, checklists and other criteria to identify the processes. With access to checklists and guidance on the factors, would you be able to select suitable processes? Yes, of course you would. This could be the... --- > RPA investment SWOT analysis covering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the expenditure required. - Published: 2022-06-20 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-investment-swot-analysis/ - Categories: Uncategorised RPA investment SWOT analysis Considering an investment in RPA ? (Robotic Process Automation) What is the impact of using Software Robots? This is an example SWOT for an RPA implementation. STRENGTHS Fully / Partially automated process Time Saving on task processing Cost reduction in operation Can run 24/7 Can have “Human in the loop” solutions Software Robots deliver Accuracy, Consistency No change to business applications - Non invasive implementation Audit Logs to support compliance and Improved analytics Secured access – Robots can have long passwords Software Robots do not “Leak” sensitive data / processing is impartial RPA is used by major corporates and Government RPA is available from a range of vendors Works with GUI and / or API There is an established talent pool of consultants and contractors Rapid development Business Continuity improvement – easier to re-deploy technology than people WEAKNESSES Complexity is more than initial expectations Exceptions handling consumes a lot of effort Maintenance required on processes (bots) and RPA software Requires structured data - Unstructured input for processing requires AI Technology is vendor specific, migration between vendors is difficult Solutions predominately Windows based Requires experienced developers Limits flexibility / agility for change Human / Robot interface – context of whole process may be lost Requires initial investment Limited PAYG options OPPORTUNITIES RPA learning for staff Encourages process standardisation Leverages FTEs to other high skilled tasks Process Improvement Building COE for RPA skills Works with legacy systems Greater ability to scale / handle peak workloads Adjust time when... --- > Get work done with no one there is possible through Automation using RPA software robots to perform tasks on computer systems. - Published: 2022-06-10 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/get-work-done-with-no-one-there/ - Categories: Uncategorised Get work done with no one there! There is no going back. The working from home has proved that office dynamics can be different. The response to the crisis has changed perceptions and opportunities. Work still needs to be done even when the office is empty. For many businesses there will not have been any change in staff during the introduction of WFH but what happens when there is a new recruit or somebody changes role? Is the induction and training period in the office the right approach? The need for well defined business processes has been highlighted by the disruption HOW WILL YOU GET WORK DONE? The potential to use Software Robots to perform the repetitive tasks that team members have recently been doing at home could be an option. Do you know enough about what a software robot could do for business? “Build A Software Robot” is a session that will provide a step by step guide to creating a working robot. Yes, it will be a sample and not do the precise requirements of your business but it will illustrate the art of the possible and answer some questions about “What could a robot do? ”. If you are curious about software robots and their capabilities, how they are an invisible digital workforce, then why not invest some time and book a place on this webinar - Build a Software Robot. Any questions about software robots, please call to Ether Solutions. Phone: 0845 643 4410 --- > RPS is needed to deliver productivity for routine repetitive business process tasks that are able to be performed on computers. - Published: 2022-04-08 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-is-rpa-needed/ - Categories: Uncategorised Why is RPA needed? 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? With the current crisis there is plenty to deal with. Ignoring the investments that competitors are taking to improve their productivity through automation is generally not a good a strategy. You can continue with your operation. The team can cope. Automation, well that can wait, the process is not broken. You can work late again to catch up. RPA is an option for most businesses. As a business, you will not see competitors investing in productivity until it really hurts. With the pressures of the recession, productivity is key to keeping customer service levels and being able to operate when there are challenges on margins. RPA is needed to deliver productivity improvement. If the routine is completed by an RPA software robot, it enables you to spend time dealing with the exceptions, the unusual and really helping a customer in a way that will make a difference. Doing the routine is the expected level of service, supporting a customer with something unusual will make all the difference. Why is RPA required... --- > Zapier is not an RPA tool but it can automate some tasks. The Zapier website is clear on the scope of the automations that can be achieved. - Published: 2022-04-06 - Modified: 2025-02-17 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/is-zapier-an-rpa-tool-for-automation-2/ - Categories: Uncategorised Is Zapier an RPA tool for automation? On the Zapier website there is a section about RPA (Robotic Process Automation) functionality. The reason the information is on the site is to recognise the overlap and the differences. The simple answer is No, but in some circumstances, it could be a Yes. Confused? While both Zapier and RPA are about automation of tasks in workflows, the approaches are different. WHAT IS ZAPIER? Zapier uses the “When” something, “Do” something concept in what it calls a “Zap”. Zapier is a user-friendly, cloud-based automation tool designed for businesses and individuals looking to integrate various web applications. It allows users to create "Zaps," which are automated workflows connecting different apps to perform specific tasks based on predefined triggers and actions. Zapier is known for its intuitive interface, so that users, without extensive technical knowledge can easily create Zaps. Zaps are set up using a graphical user interface and it does not require coding skills. Zapier supports a vast library of apps (6,000+), making it versatile for automating a wide range of tasks, from email marketing to data sharing between platforms. WHAT DOES RPA DELIVER? There are many different RPA tools recognised on the industry analyst charts Gartner and Everest. As Ether Solutions we are specialists with UiPath the market leader as determined by the analysts. RPA focuses on automating rule-based, repetitive tasks by using software robots. RPA software robots mimic human actions by interacting with various systems and applications just like a human user... --- > By automating early in a recession the benefits of consistency and productivity are available sooner which is a better competitive position. - Published: 2022-03-05 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/why-automate-early-in-a-recession/ - Categories: Uncategorised Why automate early in a recession In a recession, there is less business opportunity, that is a common view. But why invest in automation when cash is tight. Simple competitive pressure drives the need to automate. Customers appreciate customer service. They make buying decisions by interacting with staff. Nobody is impressed by back office activity. It is an expectation that it works. Simple errors can damage reputations very quickly. Businesses need staff working to help customers, not doing repetitive administration tasks. HOW EXPENSIVE IS AUTOMATION? Yes, staff are cheaper in a recession but with software robots operating efficiently the costs are the equivalent of paying a person £1 an hour. It is true that the volume of work automated brings the effective cost of software robots down just like any other machinery. Any business saying automation can wait at the start of a recession is taking a huge gamble that a competitor will not make the investment which as the months of a recession go past could leave them out manoeuvred on customer service and cost. It is the same for SME, Regional, National and Global businesses. With a good ROI, investing in software robots for automation is better than putting cash into any bank savings account to gain 0. x% interest. If you are curious about software robots and their capabilities, how they are able to deliver rapid automation, please call Ether Solutions. Phone: 0845 643 4410 --- > There is a Cost of Doing Nothing It is an opportunity cost which can be high if competitors make progress while nothing is achieved. - Published: 2022-02-26 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/cost-of-doing-nothing/ - Categories: Uncategorised Cost of doing nothing When a business is operating its processes on computer systems there is the potential for automation. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is a common thought process for mangers operating businesses. Of course, any change introduces disruption and an element of risk , as all changes have positive and negative elements. But what is the “Cost of doing nothing”? The major costs of maintaining the status quo are hidden. They are: the on-going costs of operating the process has become standard, built into the budget, it is just accepted. Typically, the cost will have been consistent since implementing the process. If it is possible to perform the same process more efficiently and cheaper, the nature of competition means that some organisation will already be doing it or working to achieve that higher efficiency and lower cost. Doing nothing means competitors are gaining an advantage, which although it might take time to emerge will occur at some point. This is why businesses that fail to improve their “Day to Day” operational performance always run into problems. Doing nothing and waiting does not reduce the actual disruption that occurs from implementing a change. Doing nothing is a “Sunk” cost, it can never be recovered. You cannot go back in time and re-process data more efficiently to change history. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) provides the opportunity to automate the repetitive activity in existing business processes. Many global corporations have grasped the opportunity and shown that the benefits can... --- > RPA is available for Free as the benefits from the Automation will rapidly pay for the costs. The ROI will often deliver a payback in months. - Published: 2022-02-06 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-for-free/ - Categories: Uncategorised RPA for Free Does that sound too good to be true? RPA, Robotic Process Automation, has had a lot of hype and press coverage over the last few years. The software vendors such as UiPath have become Unicorns, companies with valuation of over $1 Billion, so how could RPA be free? Ether Solutions will provide you with RPA for free. No Ether Solutions staff have not gone mad and the company has not suddenly become backed by a philanthropist who sees other businesses as charity cases. RPA is free to anyone? RPA has been implement by Governments and big global corporations as they have had the message from the leading management consultants like Deloitte, PWC and McKinsey & Co, that RPA is free. Although it has not been reported like that in the press. Let me explain. RPA provides software robots to automate existing activity undertaken by staff working on existing computer systems. An RPA implementation will deliver both productivity benefits and quality benefits. Software robots work faster than people (circa 10 times), can work longer than people (24 hours x 7 days) increasing the capacity to complete work and make less errors as people typically make about 4% errors when doing repetitive work. The “Hard” and “Soft” benefits will have some value to any business making the change. To implement RPA, there will be a cost from the software robot licences and the cost of the analysts, robot developers, project managers, etc. These costs are all incurred before any... --- > Software robot costs £1 per hour when the full capacity is utilised that is less than a minimum wage employee. - Published: 2022-01-25 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/software-robot-costs-1-per-hour/ - Categories: Uncategorised Software robot costs £1 per hour So how much does a software robot actually cost? There is no simple answer as it depends on a number of factors, such as the number of robots, the amount of infrastructure deployed to enable their operation. With robots capable of working 24 x 7, they deliver a large amount of capacity which then raises the question about utilisation. If the robots were only used 8 hours a day while staff are working the costs are the same but the utilisation is very different. In developing Ether Solutions’ Return On Investment (ROI) calculator for RPA implementations, we considered many scenarios. Looking at the spread of results, the effective costs of the software robot are typically in the range £1 to £4 per hour. Given that the software robot’s are undertaking activity that is currently performed by people, it is easy to see that just in comparison to the “Minimum Wage” or the “Living Wage” there is an attractive financial case. Similarly, with software robots costs and capacity for work, there are a number of scenarios where they can be an attractive alternative to the use of BPO services particularly where there are data issues raised by GDPR if the service provider is not in the UK. Once the initial investment is made to deploy software robots for Robotic Process Automation (RPA), the capacity that becomes available can rapidly change the thinking on what to automate. Would the business benefit from freeing up staff time... --- > R&D tax credits are one way to pay for the implementation of RPA software robots. The cost will qualify as business activity. - Published: 2022-01-16 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/software-robot-paid-for-by-rd-tax-credits/ - Categories: Uncategorised Software Robot - paid for by R&D tax credits? Investing in software robots to automate a business process delivers a good Return On Investment (ROI). Ether Solutions has a calculator that can help with the initial estimates. When undertaking any investment there is always an element of risk on predicting the costs accurately. By using industry leading UiPath software many risks are reduced as the technology has been proven at over 5,000 companies. By engaging Ether Solutions consultants, risks are reduced by leveraging their experience when delivering your particular solution. Ether Solutions has been discussing with TBAT Innovation the use of R&D Tax Credits to further reduce the financial risks. Although every R&D tax Credit claim needs to be individually prepared based on the features of each company, generally an investment in software robots to automate a business process is likely to meet the criteria. The purchasing of the software robot licences is within the software category. The engagement of Ether Solutions as a “sub-Contractor” for the R&D activity would fall within the approved items. The company staff working on the project to define the requirement, test the solution and roll-out the software robots into the infrastructure would be part of the R&D expenditure. As TBAT Innovation are experts in delivering R&D Tax Credit claims, working with them on a software robot implementation provides an additional level to any business case formulation. Given that R&D Tax Credit claims are made in arrears, for any organisation that has already deployed software... --- > Ether Solutions now operates as virtual business with no physical office, reaping the benefits of not being bound by an office. - Published: 2021-11-26 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/virtual-operation-not-bound-by-an-office/ - Categories: Uncategorised Virtual operation - Not bound by an office Having operated with an office for over 20 years, it has been challenging decision. Ether Solutions now works as a Virtual operation having terminated our office agreement. The activities during COVID have demonstrated that business can continue without the office. As a Consultancy, we have always used a lot of online activity to communicate between ourselves and with our clients. Team meetings will now be arrange at a variety of locations which will add further interest when we physically meet. There are a wide variety of office facilities available in the area for meetings, co-working, etc. that can be used on an as needed basis. For compliance with HMRC, etc. , the company's Register Office remains as a valid postal address for anything which has to be delivered as physical post. --- > Documents are created but how often are they effectively tagged when filed. The task of tagging documents is ideal for RPA software robots. - Published: 2021-11-20 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/robotic-process-automation-ideal-for-document-management/ - Categories: Uncategorised Robotic Process Automation - Ideal for Document Management? We have all heard that the Robots are coming, most of the examples given for using Robots are automating tasks that copy / verify data between IT applications. Ether Solutions thinks there could be another use of Robots and that is to get to the things which we all have on our “To Do” list and never quite get around to completing. The particular scenario in the Document Management world, is that most people create and amend documents as part of their day to day business, but how many of those documents are “perfectly” filed and “tagged” with metadata for subsequent discovery? There is a tendency to do what worked before and think about putting an entry on the “To do” list to look at it again when there is time. Most people get frustrated by searching for documents that they know / believe should exist but do not immediately appear when browsing in the expected folders or in the first page of search results. This frustration can lead to extensive effort to discover the document or in the worst case scenario, information is re-assembled to create an alternative document. To find out more please download our attached PDF (here). --- > Chatbots and RPA are different technology but they can be deployed together. RPA performing the actions identified in Chatbot dialogues. - Published: 2021-10-26 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/chatbots-vs-rpa/ - Categories: Uncategorised Chatbots vs RPA What is the difference between Chatbots and RPA? There are many definitions of these exciting areas of technology and both suffer from “Hype”. In my view they are different but there is a small degree of overlap and they could be used together. The key feature of a Chatbot is that it provides a language interface. This could be text from a mobile device or audio from a “Smart” speaker. The Chatbot provides some functionality as part of the dialogue, whether it is switching on the lights or making a banking transaction. RPA – Robotic Process Automation, is designed to do what any human could do by using a computer screen. It uses existing computer systems and automates the interaction. The benefit is not in a new capability but that a robot can effectively work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, does not need holidays and does not go sick – well OK there is always likely to be the odd incident, but it is about scalability and Robots do not get bored, tired and do not make random errors therefore the quality of the activity is maintained. The overlap comes in that a Chatbot could use RPA functionality as part of the dialogue. Some of the confusion of these two areas arises when the concepts of “Attended” and “Un-Attended” RPA is discussed. Could a Chatbot be considered as an “Attended” RPA, well only if the way the “Attended” RPA took instructions was via language... --- > Is the power of Excel used or is it a log with lots of cut and paste activity to track information. Automate Excel actions with RPA - Published: 2021-09-16 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/excel-skills-or-a-cut-paste-expert/ - Categories: Uncategorised Excel Skills or a “Cut & Paste” expert? Excel is a great tool, but how often is used for “What if” analysis? How often do you see Excel being used to build a list items that need to be worked on as a set of tasks? Pivot tables and links between worksheets are excellent but for many “Sort, Filter and Update” are the main uses. The effort used to create list in spreadsheets and then track actions made in other computer systems can be considerable. RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is technology that greatly assist many people with their Excel processing. RPA software robots can easily search web sites or computer systems to build lists of information as rows in an Excel spreadsheet. The software robots can also be created to read Excel spreadsheets and undertake activity for each row. The task might be checking the data matches details in a SalesForce CRM or using the data to generate customer invoices into Sage 50 accounting. Implementing RPA does not have to be major change, or fundamental re-design of business processes. The biggest benefits are often achieved by doing simple things in an automated way that is consistent and reliable. This allows people to do the important things such as Customer Service. Adopting RPA is seen by many as increasing the enjoyment from work with the removal of “Dull” repetitive tasks. Well OK, a few people actual like spending time doing “Cut & Paste” with Excel and the world does not all... --- > RPA is a benefit to people who otherwise would manually execute computer activities. RPA delivers productivity and consistency. - Published: 2021-08-26 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-for-dummies-no-for-people/ - Categories: Uncategorised RPA for dummies? – No for People Is RPA aimed at dummies? No, RPA is for people. The automation of repetitive computer tasks by using of software robots takes away workload which can be performed by people but where they are not applying any human thought, they are just following a process. When people undertake repetitive tasks that do not engage them, the chance of human error is increased. It is partly what makes us human. Of course, computer systems are designed to validate and catch errors, but they cannot prevent valid values being wrongly entered e. g. transposing digits – 39 / 93. This is one of the great benefits from automation as computer software will do the same thing every time – 100% consistency and predictable, which means a better quality of result. In periods of hot weather across the UK, staff who are feeling hot will find it more difficult to concentrate and hence there is more chance of human errors being made while doing repetitive tasks. With software robots able to work at speeds of 10 times of a person, the deployment of RPA to assist staff can give them a “Happy Hour” – whether that is used for other work activity, leaving early for the pub for a cooling drink or something else, is a decision for a person not a software robot. --- > The pneumonic TIM Woods identifies how Lean Principles are aligned with RPA software robot usage to deliver automation of tasks. - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/is-tim-woods-responsible-for-rpa/ - Categories: Uncategorised Is TIM WOODS responsible for RPA? TIM WOODS is a well know mnemonic for examining processes for lean sigma analysis in terms of Waste. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) provides the ability to automate business processes that are implemented through interactions with computer systems. Below I have listed RPA against the criteria: Transport – RPA software robots can access data from emails, web sites or existing applications, it does not need to be transferred from its source location Inventory – RPA software robots can validate the appropriate data is available and does not require additional data to be available Motion – RPA software robots can copy the data required to target applications or emails or files as required, transferring only what is required without copying errors Waiting – RPA software robots work at typically 10 times the speed of a person, completing processes quicker so reducing delays Over Production – RPA software robots will perform available tasks, no more and no less Over Processing – RPA software robots only perform instructed tasks and do not get side tracked with additional checks or actions Defects – RPA software robots perform tasks repeatedly with 100% accuracy as they do not make human errors Skills – RPA has a software robot capable of doing the task, freeing up a person to use human skills elsewhere This suggests RPA can assist in the achievement of lean processes --- > RPA can be used to build integrations between SaaS Cloud applications event when no API is available. RPA can work with GUI and APIs. - Published: 2021-06-26 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/is-rpa-the-glue-for-digital-transformation-with-saas-clouds/ - Categories: Uncategorised Is RPA the glue for Digital Transformation with SaaS Clouds? Every organisation larger than a sole trader makes use of multiple computer applications whether they are called ERP, CRM, HCM, Accounts etc. Unless the business has been a very rapid adopter of Cloud or only started in the Cloud era, it is likely that the organisation has a mixture of on-premise applications and cloud applications (SaaS). Of course, cost has driven the adoption of Cloud applications part of that is the bundling of the support and enhancements into the Cloud service. Every subscriber to the Cloud service gets the same functionality although there may options to selectively tailor some aspects. As the combination of Cloud applications and on-premise software varies across businesses, there are often gaps and overlaps which need to be addressed. These “Adjustments” to the ideal position can involve functionality and data issues. When “Adjustments” are needed for on-premise applications it has traditionally been the role of IT Developers to create bespoke solutions. In the Cloud world, customers do not have access to the Cloud software to make any “Adjustments”. These scenarios can give rise to business users manually overcoming the challenges by doing manual activity to duplicate data between systems to achieve alignment or creating “Spreadsheet applications” to track or manage the differences. As RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is designed to automate manual activity on computer applications through the use of existing interfaces (GUI or Green Screen) this can be a practical solution to addressing the “Adjustments”... --- > The Kids could do your work if it is repetitive and follows rules determined for the business process. It is a candidate for automation. - Published: 2021-03-20 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/could-the-kids-do-your-work/ - Categories: Uncategorised Could the Kids do your work? Remote working with the Kids at home, it can be a difficult balance being a teacher and an office worker. Do you get it right? At the end of the week, as you think about what you have done, how much repetition has there been? Next week, will it be different? The fact there is a “Process” means that there is repetition! HAPPY WITH YOUR CURRENT WORK? Repetitive processes on computer systems is essential work, but it does not engage our human skills. How long would it take for your kids to learn and repeat what you do? I am not proposing child labour, or even “Work Experience” but it does highlight where your knowledge and skills are really adding value compared to performing routine activity. If a robot could save you an hour day of typing on the computer would that be a benefit? What would you do with your hour? You show a software robot the routine work you do, the software robot can then read from the screen, just like you. The software robot can type on the keyboard, just like you. The software robot can click the mouse, just like you. A software robot can do the routine task – just like you! A software robot could give you more time with the kids. Do you want them to grow up and work like robots? So if you want to improve how you work, make the call to Ether Solutions... --- > 90 Day Automation Method for Automation brings together people, processes and technology to achieve business benefits. - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/90-day-automation-method/ - Categories: Uncategorised 90 Day Automation Method The “90 Day Automation” covers processes, technology, people, skills and culture. It delivers Automation Results. To achieve the “Swivel Chair evolution” the method recognises that simply buying some software will not achieve the real change that a business requires. PROCESS Examining existing processes to determine where automation can be effectively applied is the starting point. It as the details are discovered the variations that are required will become visible and these need to be designed into the solution. This typically includes considering both a fully automated “Happy Path”, a partially automated and partially manual process and what to keep as an existing manual process. TECHNOLOGY By using the UiPath Automation Cloud, it is possible to get technical activity started very quickly. The design and provisioning of technical environments for the robots to operate and be supported in line with other IT software requires some planning. The existing IT applications that are being used in the automation will not need to be changed, but appropriate security and governance will be required for the software robots to ensure effective on-going operations. PEOPLE & CULTURE For the people aspects it covers the education of the Swivel Chair staff who currently perform tasks manually, the managers of the teams, the IT staff who will provide the facility and who will support the on-going execution of the automation. This needs to include some training on what automation delivers, how it can be used and where appropriate technical training on the UiPath... --- > Automation may be familiar in Factories and Warehouses but it can also be used in offices. RPA Software Robots automate office tasks. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automation-factory-warehouse-office/ - Categories: Uncategorised Automation - Factory, Warehouse, Office? Automation in a factory is standard, automation in the warehouse is regularly found but what about automation in the office? In construction of a factory, automation is built into the design. Machinery is assembled to perform the tasks required. With many items of equipment being programmable and controlled by software it can be a question of judgement as to which elements to call “Robots”. Similarly, newly constructed warehouses are being created that have high levels of automation with robots / machines moving the goods during entry and retrieval to the storage arrangements. The number of people involved in the operation of both factories and warehouse are small in comparison to the volume of goods being handled. The office environment is totally people driven. The office is where the company functions of Finance, HR, Legal, Sales, Marketing, IT, etc. are delivered. Although offices vary in shape and size, is there automation? For many years, the approach of one person to one desk has been the standard. In a modern office this inevitably means one PC or laptop as well. In fact, the existence of the PC / Laptop is the symbol of the automation that has taken place in the office which is hidden from normal view. The computer applications and server hardware infrastructure is hidden from view and is very likely to be accessed as part of the Cloud. Of course, somewhere that Cloud capability is being delivered by buildings full of computers which like... --- > Value Stream Mapping can help identify where automation can be effectively used as low Value tasks are often suitable for automation. - Published: 2021-01-04 - Modified: 2024-03-01 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/automation-have-you-done-value-stream-mapping/ - Categories: Uncategorised Automation – have you done “Value Stream Mapping”? 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. The freeing of people’s capacity through automation enables an organization to accomplish one or more of the following outcomes: Absorb additional work without increasing staff Reduce temporary or contract staffing Create better work/life balance by reducing hours worked Focus people on more interesting work that deals with exceptions, the unusual and enables judgement to be used Enables the process to be performed when people are not available (e. g. overnight, weekends) The value proposition for automation with RPA software robots has often been centred on the reduction in cost to perform the work, however techniques like “Value Stream Mapping” can really highlight that many repetitive “Administration” tasks add very little “Perceived” value to the end deliverable or outcome as seen by a customer. Looking at a process from the start. Would you build a business activity that required skilled people to do repetitive “low skilled” work or would you automate it with a software robot? The alignment of costs with with added value is a reasonable business goal and one way to look at the value proposition for automation when considering the implementation of RPA software robots to free up manual work... --- > Work smarter using a software robot or an assistant. For consistent tasks, a software robot is better, an assistant is best with varied tasks. - Published: 2021-01-02 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/work-smarter-software-robot-vs-assistant/ - Categories: Uncategorised Work Smarter - Software Robot vs Assistant? 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. This conversation effectively answered “Where can RPA be used”. There was no doubt in the manager’s mind that employing a number of assistants was not the direction for the business when there was the option of using software robots to automate the repetitive tasks. The conversation illustrated that software robots are good for “Taking the robotic out of the human activity”. Automation is clearly one way to “Work Smarter”. Repetitive work is the answer to the “Where can RPA be used” question, it can be found in any business department or operation. The business case for automation is better for a group of people simply due to the volume of activity which can be completed by software robots. Automation is not always appropriate. In situations where tasks are constantly changing, people are always more adaptable than software robots although careful... --- > SME business leaders are becoming aware of the potential from RPA software robots to deliver benefits of Productivity and Consistency. - Published: 2020-07-16 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/rpa-awareness-in-sme-reaches-35/ - Categories: Uncategorised RPA Awareness in SME reaches 35% Ether Solutions market research conducted in March by Insight Engineers showed that for Medium (50-249 staff) enterprises that RPA awareness reaches 35% and for Small (10-49 staff) businesses it is at 20%. RPA (Robotic Process Automation) has been a growing sector that has emerged in large corporations borne out of the Business Process activities and the need for productivity improvements. It has taken several years for the initial hype to become reality. The industry analysts like Gartner and Forrester are tracking the sector, the major management consultancies like Deloitte and PWC are identifying initiatives and the system integrators like Cap Gemini are establishing practices, this means that RPA is moving into the main stream. RPA solutions are not just for large businesses, SME organisations who are traditionally more agile can also grasp the benefits which RPA delivers. As the market research found over a third of medium scale businesses are knowledgeable on RPA, this is likely to lead to a growth in the deployment of RPA. The growth in the use of robotic devices such as automated warehouses is happening at an increasing rate if the media stories are a fair representation. However, the potential impact on office jobs from RPA is likely to be a tidal wave as the opportunities are large and widespread. The initial resistance from employees to RPA, changes with the realisation that it is the most repetitive and least interesting tasks which are automated. As a Buckinghamshire business, Ether... --- > RPA can impact the workforce at SME businesses by providing cost effective automation of repetitive tasks enabling higher Productivity. - Published: 2020-06-26 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/workforce-impact-of-rpa-at-smes/ - Categories: Uncategorised Workforce impact of RPA at SMEs Ether Solutions market research conducted in March by Insight Engineers showed a difference in view of the workforce impact from RPA in SME organisations across the region. In a survey of 500 SME business managers undertaken in March, respondents from London and the West Midlands gave the strongest belief that RPA will impact businesses in the future. Although there was a surprising low expectation of RPA being taken on by businesses in the South East. Looking at how the workforce would be impacted, there was a marked difference in view between London which expects RPA to replace people, whereas in the East Midlands people are looking for RPA to work as “Personal Assistants”. Although the attitude from London is likely to be influenced by the higher percentage of financial services companies, the expectation before the market research had been that an SME workforce would generally look to preserve jobs as there is more of a team spirit than is found in many global enterprises. Ether Solutions believes that in most organisations there are likely to be opportunities for RPA to deliver benefits in the two areas. In the “Replacement” situation, where RPA is “Un-attended” and just completes activity as work arises. In the “Supplement” situation, RPA is “Attended” and is driven / instructed by people. Ether Solutions would be pleased to provide more information on how RPA could be utilised for any individual business. For more information please contact us. --- > Exit Covid, Rebuild business activity and Recruit Staff. A complex challenge that can be solved through Automation with RPA software robots. - Published: 2020-06-20 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/exit-rebuild-recruit-staff/ - Categories: Uncategorised Exit – Rebuild – Recruit Staff? As the hope for the "Lockdown" exit becomes stronger, business will need to consider how to rebuild the operation. With recession being certain, the approach most businesses will follow is a cautious one. The "Lockdown" will have altered people’s priorities, a long commute is not going to be attractive. Many businesses will need to recruit staff as the business starts operating again. HOW WILL YOU CREATE YOUR TEAM? Recruiting staff can motivate a team if great people with just the right skills and knowledge can be found quickly. The general position is that it takes considerable time and effort to recruit people, provide them the training and knowledge about how the team work before they become productive. The use of Software Robots offers an alternative for the traditional office environment. Software Robots do “Repetitive” tasks. These are often the tasks team members don’t like performing, so handing them to a robot is normally welcome. The use of Software Robots can change the dynamics of a team, as each member can focus on the important activities, with the Software Robot undertaking the detail on the computer systems. Unlike an additional team member, a software robot can be left to work overnight and at weekends. Software Robots deliver productivity. Robots can be added if there is more work, or they can be switched off without complicated hiring or redundancy procedures. Which solution will be right for your team? If you want to create a modern team... --- > There are many manual tasks performed on Oracle e-Business. The digital and repetitive nature makes then candidates for Automation. - Published: 2020-05-26 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/could-rpa-change-your-oracle-e-business-usage/ - Categories: Uncategorised Could RPA change your Oracle e-Business usage Oracle e-Business is extensively used and can provide a massive range of business functions for CRM, Service Management, Finance, HCM, Procurement, Supply Chain Logistics. Many people spend their working day on a single part of the e-Business systems that are core to the operation of a company. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) opens up many new possibilities as the software robots interact with the GUI just like a person. RPA software robots are able to Login, read and write to application screens, read and write to files, compare values, read and write emails, generate a log of all activity and much more. Oracle e-Business systems contain lots of data with people being used to enter information as well as manually extract data. By deploying RPA software robots to undertake the repetitive activity, it can free up time for people to make effective use of the data in the applications and focus on issues with the exceptions that require human thinking. The good thing with RPA software robots is that by working with the GUI and keyboard, they simulate human activity. This can be applied which ever version of e-Business is being used, whether it has been “Customised” or not. With RPA software robots being able to work 24 x 7 they can achieve a lot of work. Looking through a detailed list of Oracle functions: Oracle order Management Oracle Service Field service Spares Management Credit to Cash Procure to Pay Lease Management Expenses Management... --- > Easter Holidays generate issues for staffing levels so that the required workload can be achieved. An RPA software robot could be the answer. - Published: 2020-04-06 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/easter-holiday-robot-to-help/ - Categories: Uncategorised Easter Holiday – Robot to help? Easter is a common time for staff to take holiday. With schools closed, many families plan to take holiday. For business the peak in holiday requests can pose a challenge. Generally, business trading cannot stop, so the staff that are working have to cover for their colleagues’ holiday. Of course, non-urgent activity will be delayed until after the Easter break but many tasks still need to be completed to keep the business running smoothly. In a survey of 500 SME business managers undertaken in March, 57% stated that they spend 4 or more hours a day on the computer. With that level of usage there is likely to be some tasks where a software robot could help. A software robot is able to interact with IT systems just like a user does by using a screen and a keyboard. This type of automation is called RPA (Robotic Process Automation) and can involve robots that act as assistants to human activity as well as activity undertaken autonomously by a robot. Using a software robot to undertake routine activity when there are less staff working during holiday periods can be an effective way of keeping up with business activity without putting additional pressure on staff who are working. In such scenarios, a software robot that acts as an assistant to the staff who are working can relieve pressure and empower the staff to be more productive just as if they were passing work off to their... --- > Alibaba may encourage 996 working but UK businesses can compete using Digital Workers for automation operating 24x7. - Published: 2020-03-14 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/alibaba-996-digital-worker-247/ - Categories: Uncategorised Alibaba 996 – Digital Worker 247 Jack Ma the founder of AliBaba made the news recently with his support for 996 work ethic. Twelve hours a day for six days a week. I suspect that there are many people in small businesses who recognise those hours. Is it really necessary for people to work at that level in order to succeed? In business operations robots are used on manufacturing production lines and found moving goods around warehouses. Such automated solutions are often working 24 hours a day in order to justify the high capital costs involved in creating the facilities. In office environments, the use of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) sometimes together with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides the ability to create “Digital Workers” (also known as Software Robots). Digital Workers can work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They do not need breaks, they do not get stressed or exhibit any other human factors. Digital Workers can take the repetitive activity away from people who spend time working at computers, freeing them to do more human activity. Of course, having Digital Workers available 247 does not mean that there is work for them to do every minute of the day. Once the capacity is created it can be utilised, there are often consistency checking tasks that would never be the top priority for a person, but a robot could usefully do the tasks in the “Spare” time. By effectively using Digital Workers, UK... --- > Repetitive tasks performed frequently present the Risk of RSI. The use of a software robot to perform the tasks can eliminate that risk. - Published: 2020-03-06 - Modified: 2025-06-12 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/risk-of-rsi-get-a-software-robot-rpa/ - Categories: Uncategorised Risk of RSI? - Get a software robot - RPA Many organisations are aware of RSI – Repetitive Strain Injury. When people encounter RSI, the impact on their lives can be significant. For most people, RSI occurs in a work context which is why good employers have the topic covered in their HR policies. The two most common situations where RSI occurs are for workers on manufacturing production lines and for workers who spend their day on computer activity. In the production line scenario, the ideal solution is full automation of the task as illustrated by “Clamcleats Ltd” – please see https://www. universal-robots. com/case-stories/clamcleats-ltd/ For computer users, the situation has often been looked at in terms of working posture, effective seating and desk ergonomics. There is some good information on RSI and actions to address the condition at https://www. rsiaction. org. uk/ and https://www. bupa. co. uk/health-information/muscles-bones-joints/repetitive-strain-injury-rsi . The recent trend to introduce “Stand-up” desks to address wider health concerns can also help address RSI situations. The emergence of software robots for Robotic Process Automation (RPA) provides a potential additional means of addressing RSI for computer users. Of course, it is too simplistic to consider that all the “Repetitive” activity on computer work can be handed over to a software robot for the delivery of an instant solution but by deploying a software robot for the mundane tasks, it can free a person to focus on different aspects of a process where there is likely to be more thinking time... --- > Maternity Leave - work to continue & the potential for a Mother to return. An RPA software robot makes an Interim option. RPA Use Case - Published: 2020-02-06 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/pregnant-maternity-leave-robot-interim/ - Categories: Uncategorised Pregnant - Maternity Leave - Robot Interim The news of pregnancy is great. All the excitement of planning for a new baby. Businesses of all shapes and sizes have to manage the challenge created by news of pregnancy. Whether it is maternity or paternity leave, the challenge is what to do about the work that the person would normally do. The normal options for a manager are: Distribute the work to other team members and expect them to cope with the increase Bring in a temporary person to undertake the work Given that there is the expectation that the employee will return to work after the period of leave, the option of recruiting a replacement is not normally available. As most office roles involve a considerable amount of work on computers. This temporary need to re-distribute work could be a great opportunity to consider introducing a software robot. Software robots are able to be implemented quickly and can undertake repetitive tasks that people undertake on the computer. The activity is called Robotic Process Automation (RPA). By using a software robot to perform repetitive work, this could free up time from each member of a team and make it more acceptable to re-distribute the remaining work from the employee who is on leave. If a software robot can free up a hour day, for several members of a team, it provides the option for work re-distribution. With a person on leave, there is going to be an available PC for the... --- > 2020 for Hyperautomation bringing together Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) using AI powered OCR. - Published: 2020-01-10 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/2020-the-year-for-hyperautomation/ - Categories: Uncategorised 2020 the year for Hyperautomation Gartner the leading independent computer industry analysts have place “Hyperautomation” as the number one trend for 2020 in their report “Top 10 strategic technology trends for 2020”. WHAT IS HYPERAUTOMATION? Hyperautomation brings together several components of process automation, integrating tools and technologies that amplify the ability to automate work. It starts with robotic process automation (RPA) at its core, and expands automation capability with artificial intelligence (AI), process mining, analytics, and other advanced tools. The idea is to automate more and more knowledge work, and engage everyone in an organization to be part of the transformation.  This achieves depth and breath of the automation activity across an organisation. It is more than the term "Intelligent Automation" as that can be applied to a single instance, Hyperautomation is for the collective implementation of many instances of automation. UNLOCK THE AUTOMATION OPPORTUNITIES In order to grasp the opportunity for Hyperautomation, a business can: Empower everyone in the organization—business and IT—to automate and contribute to the transformation without fear Enable people and robots to automate together, from basic processes to more complex, long-running, end-to-end business processes Manage the full cycle of automation, from discovering automation opportunities to measuring the ROI identify and automate all possible business processes, using the evolving set of Al technologies to extend the range of potential automation instances Hyperautomation is not a single programme of work but becomes part of an organisation’s culture. It is a continuous cycle of "Automate, Monitor, Analyse" so that Automation is continually enhanced... --- --- ## Services > RPA information on how software robots can deliver productivity gain benefits for business by automating manual tasks. - Published: 2023-10-29 - Modified: 2025-02-05 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/service/rpa/ - Service Categories: RPA Information on RPA - Robotic Process Automation, starts with "What" it is and "What it "Does". Robotic process automation (RPA) automates traditional manual desktop tasks that are predictable, repetitive, well structured and considered routine. The tasks can be performed on either a scheduled basis, triggered by an event or manually initiated. RPA Information RPA - Robotic Process Automation, starts with "What is RPA" and "What RPA Does" for a business. Interest in RPA often starts with how software robots can deliver productivity gains for a business. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) automates traditional manual desktop tasks that are predictable, repetitive, well structured and considered routine. The tasks can be performed on either a scheduled basis, triggered by an event or manually initiated. For the average office employee there are tedious tasks, like filling in forms, making repetitive calculations, cross checking information with other systems or web sites. These tasks are notoriously error prone and time consuming. Employees often consider such tasks as Boring. RPA allows these processes to be undertaken by a robotic workforce that is fast, perfectly accurate, tireless, and easily scalable. The robots are not machines but software programs which simulate the activities that a person would otherwise perform. RPA Solutions There are many RPA software products available but Ether Solutions works UiPath as it is widely regarded by the industry analysts as one the leading three vendors. With UiPath RPA software, tasks that require no human intervention (aka “unattended”) can be performed by software robots. Similarly, tasks can be undertaken alongside people where the software robot works as an assistant (aka “attended”). In both types of operation, the people are released from the manual work and available to perform other activity. The introduction of RPA processing starts by automating the tasks undertaken by an individual person. Generally the same... --- > UiPath - RPA Software Robots and AI for Automation. Ether Solutions implement the technology for businesses. - Published: 2023-10-29 - Modified: 2025-02-05 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/service/uipath/ - Service Categories: RPA UiPath are market leaders in the supply of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software. Ether Solutions are a UiPath partner. Ether Solutions builds UiPath robots and UiPath Orchestration software to implement RPA solutions for clients. UiPath Inc. UiPath Inc. are market leaders in the supply of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software. The company is referred to as UiPath. Ether Solutions are a UiPath partner. Ether Solutions builds UiPath robot automations and configures UiPath Orchestration software to implement RPA solutions for clients. Ether Solutions is an authorised Reseller of UiPath Licences. What can be automated? UiPath software robots can be created to interact with web pages (e. g. web sites, Salesforce, Workday, ServiceNow, Oracle), desktop applications (e. g. MS Office, Email, PDF) and Citrix interfaces to applications such as SAP, as well legacy "Green Screen" applications on mainframes, RS 6000 and AS/400. Ether Solutions works with clients to identify processes that are suitable for RPA and uses its technical skills to build the robot automations. UiPath implementations range from a single robot performing a discrete task to hundreds of robots working together in an orchestrated operation to process thousands of tasks at an enterprise scale. The software is flexible and by using proven designs can be implemented in a variety of different ways. Why UiPath software robots? There are a number of leading RPA tools available in the market such as Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, Kofax Kapow, NICE, PegaSystems, UiPath and WorkFusion. The leading industry analysts such as Gartner and Forrester rate the products slightly differently but both agree that UiPath is one of the major players globally and consistently recognised as part of the top three technologies. With Ether Solutions only working with UiPath, it... --- > Automation using software robots to deliver productivity gains by replacing manual tasks releasing staff from routine repetitive work. - Published: 2023-10-29 - Modified: 2025-02-05 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/service/automation-using-software-robots/ - Service Categories: RPA Automation of repetitive office tasks using software robots. There are many questions that arise when the topic of automation is discussed. Different groups will see automation from different perspectives but as a society there is a general acceptance of the changes delivered through automation. Automation using Software Robots Automation of repetitive office tasks using software robots. There are many questions that arise when the topic of automation is discussed. Different groups will see automation from different perspectives but as a society there is a general acceptance of the changes delivered through automation. Questions often include: Automate what? Why automate? How will automation impact my job? Can we automate this? Will automation deliver benefits? Is automation more trouble than it is worth? Can you switch automation off? In different parts of the website, Ether Solutions provides answers to these questions and more. For the type of automation that Ether Solutions implements, there is a Frequently Asked Questions page (FAQ). Automation Project When contemplating Automation project, it is more than just the technology which needs to be considered. A programme of activity needs to be defined which encompasses People, Process and the Technology. Ether Solutions has developed its 90 Day Automation method to provide a guidance on the creation of a programme. Does Automation need to take 90 days? Ether Solutions has developed an automation for a process and deployed it into Production in 14 days elapsed from the initial discussion. Of course the scenario can vary for every client and many of the factors depend upon the priorities for the project. To help build awareness of RPA technology and the opportunity it presents for a business, Ether Solutions provides a document explaining how managers are using RPA to achieve business objectives. Are there Positive and... --- --- ## Headers > Ether Solutions deliver automation solutions using UiPath. RPA Consultancy services for practical UiPath implementations. - Published: 2023-02-02 - Modified: 2024-06-24 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/header/sticky-header-style-1/ Services Increase Productivity Productivity FAQ RPA – Robotic Process Automation RPA – Software Robots UiPath Consultancy RPA Support Service RPA Project Example UiPath UiPath Prices – Licences RPA benefits – Infographic Getting Started with RPA Where Can RPA Be Used? 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About Us Company Profile RPA Case Studies Presentations Ether Ethos RPA Careers With Ether Applying For RPA Positions UiPath Partner Kofax Kofax Capture KTM Kofax Licences Company Listings Blogs Contact Us --- - Published: 2022-12-29 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/header/header-style-5/ Email Us support@ether-solutions. co. uk Call Us 0845 643 4410 Services Manufacturing Automation with RPA Supply Chain Automation with RPA RPA – Robotic Process Automation Increase Productivity UiPath Consultancy RPA Support Service UiPath UiPath Prices – Licences Where Can RPA Be Used? UiPath Kickstart Project RPA FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions UiPath Architecture What Can RPA Do For You? UiPath – RPA solution RPA Why RPA Is A Good Solution What is RPA? Benefits of RPA How Managers Can Achieve Business Objectives with RPA RPA Implementation When To Use RPA RPA – Software Robots RPA Process Checklist RPA ROI Calculator RPA Process Review and Quote How to use RPA? RPA Use Cases RPA Jargon Who Uses RPA? RPA Examples Demo Videos RPA Project Example Automation Why Automate? When to Automate? How To Select a Process for Automation Software Robots for Directors Manager’s Guide to Automation using Software Robots Automation – RPA as a Service (RPAaaS) 90 Day Automation Method Why Do We Need Robots? Productivity FAQ Getting Started with RPA About Us Company Profile RPA Case Studies Newsletter – Editions Ether Ethos RPA Careers With Ether UiPath Partner Kofax Kofax Capture KTM Kofax Licences Company Listings Blogs Request a call back Contact --- --- ## Footers - Published: 2022-12-30 - Modified: 2025-06-11 - URL: https://www.ether-solutions.co.uk/footer/footer-1/ Subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter (New window) : "Business Beyond Automation". Discover how automation with RPA and AI can unlock business growth, revenue and profits. 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