When talking about the automation of business processes, the term robotic process automation (RPA) is indispensable. In the course of robotic process automation, repetitive, manual, time-consuming, or error-prone activities are learned and automated by so-called software robots (bots). This approach undoubtedly benefits both employees, who can focus on more meaningful tasks, and companies, which gain from reduced errors.
Don't Lump RPA and BPM Together
RPA is often mentioned alongside business process management (BPM) – now more commonly referred to as digital process automation (DPA) platform. However, these technologies actually operate at different levels. While RPA focuses on automating individual tasks with software robots, a DPA platform addresses the relationships between processes across the entire organization. RPA works within existing processes without altering strategic direction or fundamental business processes. In contrast, a DPA platform automates broader processes, enables agile working, and structurally implements digital transformation within a company.
RPA: Added Value with Limits
A software robot is designed to handle specific tasks - such as processing forms, checking stock levels, or answering simple customer inquiries - achieving "quick wins." RPA is most effective in areas with defined structures, processes, rules, and tasks, where it can manage user interfaces and make decisions within a set framework. Implementing RPA is often an initial step toward digital transformation.
In a sense, the robot takes on an employee role, freeing human colleagues to focus on creative or emotionally driven decisions. However, its limitation to specific, repetitive tasks restricts the overall value that RPA alone can bring to the company.
“Monotonous and repetitive tasks can be dealt with faster and with fewer errors by software robots.”
Rolf Gebhard Stephan
CEO Axon Ivy AG
RPA Only Part of the Puzzle
To fully harness RPA's potential, it must be integrated into a DPA platform. This integration allows for holistic orchestration of operations and seamless interaction between robots, employees, and systems.
For example, consider ordering a product from an online shop. Once the order is received, a standardized process usually follows – the order confirmation is sent, a request for payment created, the delivery note printed, the item sent and an invoice generated.
A software robot can handle all these steps, up to the final stock update. However, if the information is incomplete or incorrect, the DPA platform steps in. It automatically forwards the case to a responsible employee and provides all the necessary data for resolution. This ensures an optimal distribution of tasks between employees and software robots, leveraging their respective strengths.
Task Sharing Between Man and Machine
Together, robots and employees make a good team. Humans remain at an advantage when it comes to creative problem solving and emotional decision-making, while software robots handle monotonous and repetitive tasks more efficiently and with fewer errors. Employees benefit not only by avoiding tedious work but also by having more time to engage in valuable activities. When combined with a BPM platform, companies can fully exploit RPA's potential, achieving successful end-to-end automation.
