Not sure what Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is, if it’s expensive, how quickly it can be deployed and how best to use it? Our RPA Frequently Asked Questions help to answer some of those all important things you might want to know.
What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?
Robotic process automation (RPA) is computer software that can be easily programmed to handle basic, repetitive tasks across applications, just as human workers do. The ‘bot’ can be taught to replicate a workflow with multiple steps and applications. This might be filling in the same information in multiple places, re-entering data, or copying and pasting. RPA software is designed primarily for office-type functions. It works like a digital assistant to reduce the burden for employees of completing repetitive, simple tasks.
What are the benefits of implementing RPA?
By giving the mundane lower-level admin tasks over to ‘digital workers’, this frees up humans to focus on higher value work that requires judgement, creativity and interpersonal skills. Not only does this enable organisations to achieve cost efficiencies by streamlining processes and enhancing accuracy of repetitive tasks, it also creates happier employees who can work more productively and deliver greater value in their roles. Our own state-of-the-art platform is powering the low-cost rapid production solutions that are enabling our customers to quickly reduce overheads and to scale at pace.
Is RPA expensive?
Some enterprise-level RPA providers can be very expensive and complex to implement, costing upwards of £100k+ to implement. This makes it out of reach for most small to mid-level businesses. However, Liquid Palladium prides itself on being an affordable AI provider. Each ‘bot’ is custom-built and bespoke to you, based on your individual requirements. A simple ‘bot’ can start out as little as £1-2k. This means you don’t need to start with a complex project – you can dip your toe in the water and do a proof of concept first.
“Besides the cost and efficiency advantages, a couple of RPA’s greatest benefits are often overlooked: its ease of deployment and the speed and agility it confers on the enterprise”.
Source: PwC White Paper: Organize your future with robotic process automation
Will it take a long time to implement?
Our time-to-implement is 5 times faster than most other providers. Our bots are often rolled within weeks, not months.
Is RPA difficult to implement?
In a simple word, no! The Liquid Palladium journey is flexible and simple. We spend time helping you to identify the best options for automation and move quickly to prototype so you can really see and feel the benefits. We then work relentlessly with you to develop a ‘digital workforce’ that will enhance business performance. Unlike some of the competition, our non-invasive implementation techniques mean you do not need a consulting partner or internal IT team to deploy our technology. RPA will also work with, and extend the life of, your existing systems.
Will people lose their jobs if we implement RPA?
This is always a big concern when it comes to AI and RPA. Of course, it will depend on how you intend to use the technology. However, for the vast majority of cases, RPA will simply take over some of the mundane and repetitive tasks of a person’s role. This will free them up to spend time working on higher value tasks, like strategy, creativity, problem solving and customer focused activities – things which a software robot cannot do.
What processes are suitable for RPA?
The list of possible processes is endless. Any manual task which is repetitive and rules-based is suitable for RPA. For example, this could be:
- sending and receiving invoices
- generating reports
- data transfer
- data entry
- accounting reconciliation
- systems queries
- payroll
- employee on-boarding
“The relationship between technology and people has to change in the future for the better, and I think RPA is one of the great tools to enable that change”.
Source: Leslie Willcocks professor of technology, work, and globalization at the London School of Economics
What sort of return will I see on my investment in RPA?
Our customers are generally witnessing on average a 6x return on investment having implemented our technology. Numerous studies also show that RPA can reduce operational costs by 25%-50%.
Ready to know more?
If you’re curious to know how RPA might be deployed in your organisation, book a discovery call to chat to one of the team.