What is Robotic Process Automation Software?

Introduction

Robotic process automation (RPA) software uses bots to automate routine work within software programs normally executed by an enterprise’s employees. These solutions help to save time and remove the need for human staff members to perform tedious, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks.

To build these automations, RPA tools present development environments that can be followed by agents to create workflows. These development environments are typically drag-n-drop, codeless systems that can be utilized even by non-developers to build needed processes. As an alternative to the manual method of creating workflows, many solutions provide the capability to record activities by a human in a software program and translate them into workflows in the RPA application. Virtual agents execute actions following the workflows both without and with human intervention or supervision.

RPA solutions utilize artificial or cognitive intelligence such as computer vision to train the bot agents in virtual environments. These products also offer analytics functionalities as well as a central system to maintain and control all the bots deployed in an enterprise. RPA software is typically used in departments where manual processes are utilized such as supply chain, sales, and finance and operations units.

Features of Robotic Process Automation Software

Security

Top RPA products provide role-based security to ensure action specific permissions. They also facilitate the customization of configuration and encryption capabilities for protecting specific data types. All the data, instructions, and automated audits that the bot accesses are encrypted to prevent malicious tampering.  In addition, RPA tools provide in-depth login records of users along with the work they perform.

Rich-Analytical Suite

RPA platforms come with an analytical suite that helps you identify the performance of the bot workforce. These applications monitor and manage automated functions through a central console. The console can be managed from anywhere and presents measures on workflows, robots, servers, etc. It facilitates in-depth operation analysis which helps to determine issues. The console also assists users to track the operations and simplifies future workloads. All features are inbuilt and offered out of the box, so the RPA tool doesn’t need any integration.

User-Friendly

RPA projects don’t require investment in new technology or deep IT expertise. This lowers the economic threshold of workflows with a viable business use case for automation when compared to other automation projects.

Does Not Disrupt Existing Processes

It can be risky to deploy new IT processes as it may require complex transformation of existing system interfaces and processes. Therefore, many large enterprises hesitate to enhance or replace the running platform. RPA implementation helps to avoid this risk and complexity. The software robot accesses the existing system in the same manner as humans, i.e. by following data integrity, quality, and security standards. Therefore, in RPA implementation, security access control and data integrity are enforced according to existing standards which helps to prevent any kind of disruption and maintain protections and functionality.

Code-Free

You don’t need coding skills to use RPA solutions. Therefore, even lay business users with subject matter and process expertise can be easily trained to effectively use these tools. Most RPA platforms offer a MS Visio-like flowchart where you can graphically create business process definitions by simply dragging and dropping, and utilizing icons that represent process steps.

Benefits of Robotic Process Automation Software

Better Control

Many organizations outsource busy work to third parties. This can be risky. Robotic process automation is a better option as enterprises can keep the work in-house and maintain full control, visibility, and possession.

Flexibility and Simplicity

As mentioned above, you don’t need script writing or coding to automate workflows and tasks via RPA. This means you can easily transfer complex processes from human to machine with minimum effort. RPA also provides fast returns so it is advisable for your organization to automate these workflows and tasks as quickly as possible.  

Empowers your Employees

Lay users in your company don’t need technical skills to deploy RPA. They can use the automation to get their tasks done effectively and efficiently without needing IT assistance. Plus, it frees up IT personnel to focus on important projects and tasks.

Saves a Lot of Time

A human employee needs a few minutes to complete a web form. A robot can do this job in a few seconds. Multiply the saved time by several employees and dozens of tasks, and you’ll get an idea of the amount of time RPA can save for your company.

Accurate and Quality Work

Humans are prone to making mistakes which can add up to an expensive issue if a number of workers perform routine tasks for your enterprise. With RPA, you can ensure error-free work. Better quality translates into higher satisfaction rates and improved profitability.  

Saves Costs

RPA helps to significantly reduce expenditure. Automation of work processes helps in faster completion of tasks and they can also be executed round the clock at a reduced rate. In short, you get enhanced output for less, which is great for the bottom line.