RPA Myths Debunked

Despite its rapid growth over the last few years across many sectors, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has maintained the stigma in certain sectors that: 

“A machine is going to take my job”,
“It’s looks or sounds too complicated”,
“It’s probably too expensive”,

…or the most common one…

“I don’t have an IT team to implement this, I don’t have the time!!!”

The above perceptions can be debunked with a more realistic understanding of how RPA can benefit businesses of all sizes. RPA is designed to augment employees’ efforts rather than replace them and can be implemented with low code or no code tools, making it easy for non-IT staff to use. The costs of implementation depend on the complexity of the automation deployed, and industry providers offer online learning centers to guide the process.

In this article we debunk these myths and present real-life examples of how RPA has become an essential tool in many businesses. 

What is RPA?
Robotic process automation (RPA) is a software technology that emulates human actions by following the same steps in a process performed on digital systems and software in a business. RPA software robots (or digital workers) can do things like perform a wide range of defined actions, identify and extract data, complete the right keystrokes, login and navigate systems. Allowing software bots to perform mundane, repetitive tasks frees up the employee’s time to do more value-added work in the business.

1. RPA uses in any business
  • Efficient Billing and invoicing: Finance departments use RPA to automate repetitive and error-prone tasks, such as generating invoices and processing financial documents. RPA improves efficiency and reduces manual data entry errors.
  • Customer service: RPA can assist with customer service tasks such as responding to customer queries, updating account information, and processing service requests. RPA is capable of simplifying customer service tasks, such as initiating new accounts, handling loan applications, and addressing inquiries. This leads to faster response times and improved customer satisfaction.
  • Data entry and management: RPA can be used to automate data entry tasks such as updating customer records, tracking inventory, and managing supply chain logistics. This leads to an improvement in data quality with a decrease in human error.
  • Supply Chain Management: By automating the tracking inventory levels, purchase orders, and shipping status throughout the supply chain, RPA can mitigate manual errors and delays.
  • Quality Control: Automating the monitoring of product quality and production processes with RPA can aid in detecting defects and enhancing quality control.
  • Sales and Customer Service: RPA can be used to automate the processing of orders, tracking of shipments, and handling of customer inquiries, improving customer service and reducing manual errors.
  • Data Analytics: Utilizing RPA to automate data collection, analysis, and reporting can help recognize patterns and insights in manufacturing processes and advance decision-making.
 
2. RPA uses in the Media and Broadcasting Sector
  • Content management: RPA can assist with managing digital content, such as automatically categorizing and tagging media files, managing metadata, and generating content recommendations.
  • Ad insertion: RPA can automate the process of inserting ads into programming, reducing the need for manual labour and increasing the speed and accuracy of ad placement.
  • Post-production tasks: RPA can automate post-production tasks such as video editing, sound mixing, and subtitle insertion, reducing the need for manual labour and increasing the speed of production.
  • Streamlined Inventory Management: RPA aids in automating the tracking and management of hardware, which is essential to maintain an accurate inventory of equipment and assets. 
  • Improved Network Operations: RPA can be used to automate network operations tasks such as monitoring network performance, analysing network data, identifying and resolving network issues.
 
3. RPA uses in the Financial sector:
  • Compliance and Risk Management: RPA can assist in regulatory compliance by automating processes related to Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and other compliance requirements.
  • Financial Reporting: RPA can automate the collection, analysis, and reporting of financial data, reducing the risk of errors and improving the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
  • Reconciliation: RPA can automate the reconciliation of financial transactions across multiple systems, reducing the time and effort required for manual reconciliation.
 
4. RPA uses in the Manufacturing Sector
  • Manufacturing Operations: RPA can be used to automate repetitive and manual tasks such as data entry, inventory tracking, and production scheduling, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
  • Maintenance and Repair: RPA can be used to automate the maintenance and repair of manufacturing equipment, helping to identify and address issues before they become critical and reducing downtime.
 

Implementing RPA in your business can reap various long-lasting benefits across many departments. The scope is almost limitless and allows you to better utilize the resource we all value so much… our people. 

We will soon host a webinar to Debunk Myths around RPA, Discuss RPA advantages and present real-life case studies. Kindly leave your contact details below to receive an invitation. Also, contact SmartTechNXT below for a free consultation and to stay up to date on news related to RPA in your sector.