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Robotic Process Automation Explained

 

Integrating people and processes for a low-risk, high-reward solution

What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

RPA is a type of automation that can mimic the way a human interacts with a computer.

 

You can record the steps you normally take to complete a work process once and then have a virtual worker follow those same steps and manage that process for you.  It's a great low-risk, high-reward form of workplace automation to start with, for a quick ROI.

 

Interested in finding out more about RPA or have questions?  We're here to help. 

 
(or keep reading)

The benefits of Robotic Process Automation

  Increase productivity      

You can retain the same number of staff with their usual working hours ... but get more done.

  Boost profits      

Shorter service delivery times mean bigger profit margins.

  Transform customer experience     

Impress your customers with faster delivery services.

  Raise morale        

Automate tasks that workers don’t enjoy and free them to focus on the ones they do.

  Flawless output      

Work fast and get things done quickly, without compromising accuracy.

  Integrate people and processes      

Review how your organisation approaches tasks, then remove silos and improve efficiency.

  Completely auditable       

Fully audit and track workflows.

Why use RPA?

We think RPA could do a lot for you and your organisation, but you’re probably still thinking:  How does it all work?

Let's get to the nitty gritty

 

Robotic Process Automation is designed to manage problem-based tasks that follow logical steps (workflows).  Once a workflow is broken down into a step-by-step process, RPA can then complete it by following those steps like a blueprint.

How?  Well, most workflows look like this...

They start with a problem

"I need to know X so I can do Y"

... which causes a trigger

"To find X, I need to do [task]"

... which leads to an action

"I am doing [the task]"

... and hopefully an outcome

"[The task] is finished, I have the info I need to work"

Robotic Process Automation can respond to a trigger with a predefined action, the same way a person can.  A trigger can be anything from a specific time to an event.  Let’s have a look at a few straightforward examples:

 

  1. Trigger - An email received with an attachment 
    Action - The attachment is automatically saved into a folder for quick access later on

  2. Trigger - The clock hits 9 a.m.
    Action - Users receive a summary of their upcoming calendar items

  3. Trigger - A user presses a button
    Action - Customer information is gathered from relevant systems and saved to a spreadsheet on the user's desktop

These are pretty simple examples, but Robotic Process Automation is capable of completing very complex workflows – and providing more value across an organisation.

Areas where Robotic Process Automation can be used

HR

Automate lengthy, manual staff onboarding and exit processes.

Save time by automating annual leave management processes.

Finance

Automatically generate and reconcile cashbook journals with the bank.

Automate invoice processing by combining RPA with Optical Character Recognition.

IT

Automate your password reset process for faster response times.

Easily manage networks with auto performance updates.

Customer service

Simplify brand management with social mention notifications.

Save time answering FAQs and get more time for complicated requests. 

Individuals

Manage time like a boss with a virtual PA to help manage appointments

Win back time by automating your most time-consuming tasks.

How can you get started?


So there are two main areas of an organisation where RPA can be used:  the front-end (customer facing) and the back-end (operational).  If you're not sure where to focus, our best advice is to think about where your organisation is currently stretched.

Front-end RPA

Front-end RPA enhances your customer-facing operations, and typically achieves this in one of two ways: 1. By making customer service more efficient; 2. By creating an outstanding customer experience at digital touchpoints.

See how it works

Back-end RPA

Back-end RPA helps your operational departments, like finance, HR and IT, to win back time for strategic thinking. This is typically achieved in one of two ways: 1. By cutting time spent on lengthy, repetitive tasks; 2. By capturing smart data for strategic decision-making.

See how it works

Get help with free Automation Strategy Guides

More of a do-it-yourself type?  Read our free Guides to help you get started.

Corporate Sector Automation Strategy Guides

Increased profits, better customer experiences and higher staff morale - transform your business with automation. 

Choose a free strategy guide for free automation strategy tips or click the button for one-on-one time with an automation specialist.

Find your free strategy guide here, or click the button to book 1-2-1 time with an Automation Specialist.
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Robotic Process Automation - Technology Explained

Guides are good but nothing beats a conversation with a friendly expert!  Book a free RPA 101 Workshop for 30 mins of 1-2-1 time with an Automation Expert to ask them anything.  You'll also get a guided demo of RPA in action and tips for fast ROI.

Once the workshop finishes, it's your choice.  We'll help you with the next steps, or you can start the work yourself.  Either way, you'll have everything you need to start automating.  No hard selling, promise!  So simply call the number below or complete this form to get in touch.

0330 236 9429

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Read more about our clients' automation successes in these RPA case studies

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