What is RPA? A guide to robotic automation and software robots

Many Danish companies have started investing in software robots, also known as RPA. There are numerous benefits to be gained as you can reduce costs and improve efficiency, quality, and speed through automation.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a technology used to automate routine tasks using software robots or "bots". These "bots" can click, enter data, and read screens, making RPA one of the most essential technologies for automating your processes.

What does RPA mean?

RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation, which means robot-based process automation. With RPA, software robots or RPA bots are used to perform tasks that would otherwise require human hands. RPA automation involves using these robots to execute processes faster and more accurately than humans.

How does RPA work?

RPA as a technology is a software application that can perform a wide array of tasks. It works as follows:

Identification of business processes suitable for automation. These processes are typically rule-based, structured, and repetitive, making them ideal candidates for RPA.

Once relevant processes have been identified, RPA bots are developed using RPA software. They are programmed to perform specific tasks, such as data entry.

RPA bots are integrated into your existing IT infrastructure. Bots can work across different software applications and platforms.

RPA bots can now automatically perform the assigned tasks. They can log into applications, perform calculations, manage data, and generate reports. Bots can work around the clock, increasing efficiency and reducing wait times for process completion.

Finally, the performance of RPA bots is monitored to ensure they perform tasks correctly and efficiently. Monitoring also helps identify any issues or areas where further optimisation may be needed.

Benefits of RPA automation

RPA automation offers several benefits, including:

Increased efficiency: RPA robots work quickly and can operate 24/7 without breaks.

Error reduction: Since RPA processes are fully automated, the risk of human errors is minimised.

Scalability: RPA can easily be scaled up or down as needed, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes.

Cost savings: By automating tasks, the need for manual labour is reduced, leading to significant savings.

Who can use RPA?

Many companies are typically well-suited for using RPA. RPA has the potential to streamline processes across various business areas, including finance, administration, sales, customer service, HR, and more.

Some of the most common areas include:

Finance and accounting: Automation of invoice handling, payment processing, and financial reporting.

Customer service: Automation of common inquiries and responses, improving response time and customer satisfaction.

HR and administration: Automation of employee onboarding, payroll processing, and other HR processes.

If you are about to establish an RPA office robot, it is a good idea to assess whether your processes are suitable and if they meet your desired goals. By adopting a process-oriented approach, you ensure that resources are used where they generate the most value for you, allowing you to utilise time more effectively for value-creating tasks.

How to start an RPA project?

Starting an RPA project requires careful planning and understanding of the processes to be automated. Here are some steps to get started:

Identify automatable processes: Choose processes that are rule-based and repetitive.

Choose the right RPA software: Many robotic process automation software solutions are available on the market. Select one that fits your needs.

Design and test: Design the RPA processes and test them thoroughly to ensure they work as expected.

Implement and monitor: Once the RPA solution is live, it is important to monitor its performance and make adjustments as needed.

The future of RPA

RPA technology is evolving rapidly, and we are seeing increasing integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning, enhancing RPA robots' ability to handle more complex tasks and decision-making. This opens up for new possibilities for automation across more industries and functions.

To learn more about how RPA can benefit your business, you are welcome to contact us and explore the possibilities for RPA automation in your own processes.