8 Myths About RPA

RPA is used in a variety of different industries and capacities. It has many capabilities and it can be implemented to automate and complete an impressive range of tasks that would have taken a human a considerable amount of time to execute. If you aren’t sure what RPA is, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to discuss RPA and its uses as well as myth-busting popular beliefs about the software that is changing the face of businesses and companies alike by way of efficiency and productivity.

What is RPA?

Robotic Process Automation, most commonly referred to as RPA, is a piece of software that mimics, typically, mundane tasks that are normally carried out by humans. Also referred to as “robots”, RPA is used for automating rule-based processes, but in order to do that, interaction with disparate IT systems is required.

Despite being a relatively new concept, RPA has become extremely prominent in a wealth of different industries and sectors. But regardless of the fact it’s an incredibly useful, popular piece of software, there are still a few myths about RPA that business owners are starting to believe, so what are those myths and what is the truth about RPA?

8 myths about RPA

RPA is something that many businesses and companies rely on to complete a wealth of, often, tedious tasks that would have taken a human worker far longer to execute effectively. But with RPA starting to replace humans in the workforce, it’s only natural that businesses have some concerns about RPA, claiming that it has the ability to negatively affect employment and company operations. However, it’s quite the contrary. Here are some myths about RPA together with reasons why you should consider implementing RPA today:

1. There aren’t any physical robots involved with RPA

This is right, in a way. There aren’t any robots involved that look human or that are working behind a computer screen running everything. Instead, these robots are software robots; they automate mundane and repetitive tasks, turning towards intelligent automation, or intelligent process automation, as it can also be referred to. This is somewhat related to artificial intelligence, so although robots, as you know them, aren’t involved, there is AI-influence in the software in order to pull off the automation.

2. Robots will, eventually, replace humans at work

There seems to be a lot of content out there right now that talks about how AI will, eventually, replace the jobs of humans. Where this might seem like a possibility on the face of it, in reality, it’s more of a move towards collaborating with robots as opposed to allowing them to take over completely. RPA isn’t a suggestion from your employer that your job is in the balance. It should be seen merely as an aid to your job rather than a threat.

3. Robots are 100% accurate & will never fail

RPA has never been advertised as something that’s meant to be 100% accurate. Like with a variety of other pieces of software, RPA sometimes has a glitch or it might miss something that it was programmed to do initially. Similar to a human workforce, RPA can make mistakes. This is why it’s important that humans work with RPA as opposed to being completely replaced by it. Your workers can fix any bugs or glitches it might have by either resetting or reprogramming it. This is something that RPA software wouldn’t be able to fix on its own. Although it’s incredibly advantageous, RPA can fail occasionally.

4. RPA is only about cost-reduction

Despite there being absolutely no doubt that RPA does help with cost-reduction, it’s not the sole reason for its development or implementation. Automation software is a way of freeing up the time of a human workforce so that they can focus their time on other, (arguably) more important, tasks. This helps to increase profit margins whilst also improving productivity and efficiency throughout the workplace. But RPA benefits go significantly beyond that of just saving money. Other benefits include:

• Ensures regulatory compliance
• Eliminates risk of human errors
• RPA can execute tasks instantaneously
• It improve flexibility in the workplace
• It transforms operations from labour-intensive to technology-centric

5. RPA is expensive to implement

RPA isn’t something that’s costly to implement. The cost of RPA software would be lower than the average wage of a FTE. Not to mention, a robot doesn’t need lunch breaks, it won’t take days off and it will work 24/7, even over holidays like Christmas and Easter. RPA is reasonably-priced but the cost will vary depending on the capabilities you require for your workforce. RPA implementation should be looked at more as an investment for businesses, rather than just another outlay or expense.

6. RPA focuses too much on technology

Technology, in any form, whether it be RPA or not, is a means to an end. Just because your employer has implemented RPA doesn’t mean to say that their entire focus is on technology and software instead of on the people who work for them, the processes that are in place or even their customers and/or clients.

7. Robots are able to automate everything

Believe it or not, but there are some things that RPA cannot automate. There are actually some very strict and stringent guidelines that need to be followed regarding the type of automated processes that are suitable to be put in place using RPA. Those criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:

• High transaction volumes
• Low expectation
• Low system change
• Rule-based
• Structured data
• Readable electronic inputs
• Stable and defined processes

However, even if it does tick all of the boxes above, it doesn’t mean to say that RPA will provide business owners with guaranteed tangible benefits. This is because some underlying processes might need to be re-engineered or it could just be, generally, inefficient.

8. Robots can be left completely unattended

This is absolutely not the case. Although RPA can be left running 24/7, it still needs to be maintained and checked on by a human workforce. As already discussed, RPA can fall victim to bugs and glitches as well as fail to automate adequately. It will need to be monitored to ensure it’s working correctly and efficiently. Where you might think this is counter-intuitive, the time and effort needed to make sure RPA is running smoothly doesn’t come close to the amount of time needed for a human to complete those automated tasks manually.

Cleardata is able to provide clients from a wealth of industries and sectors with RPA services. There are several different RPAs for you to choose from, with each one suiting your needs, requirements and budget. From system integration robots and data validation right through to scheduled tasks and data transformation, extraction and entry, Cleardata will have an RPA service that will be ideal for your business needs. For more information about how Cleardata can help you today, get in touch with a member of their dedicated, professional team – they’re always pleased to hear from you.