As the world and technology evolve, what were once premier and state-of-the-art ways of doing things, have been overridden and replaced with newer, more efficient methodologies. Some feel that evolution is a combination of blessing and curse. Machines and technology are rapidly being created, with brains that go beyond human capacities, and with intentions of creating fluidity and preciseness.
Automation is quickly transforming areas of repetitive work into robotic, software-based functionality.
Functional Automation
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) comes into play when the expense and needed intellect of performing a task prove that a machine can do it easier, faster, cheaper, and with less errors. Gartner, an IT research and consultancy company describes RPA as a ‘productivity tool that allows a user to configure one or more scripts (which some refer to as “bots”) to activate specific keystrokes in an automated fashion. The result is that the bots can be used to mimic or emulate the selected tasks (transaction steps) within an overall business or IT process.' Typical functions performed by RPA programs include screen scraping data, modification and delivery of data applications, and execution of additional scripts.
RPA can fluctuate between attended and unattended automation, or a hybrid model depending on the task, process, or function required. It can operate per a designed schedule or in sync with an employee who activates the commands. Attended bots are used more typically in front-office applications where they perform segments of processes that are able to be automated, alongside the employee who performs those that cannot. Unattended bots work independently of humans through triggers based on events, schedules, and prior steps within the process. Hybrid RPA combines the two, capitalizing on both human knowledge and creativity, and robotic ability and precision.
Just as assembly lines changed the automobile manufacturing sector, RPA is causing a ripple in the way businesses are conducting their repetitive tasks. Obstacles and errors are byproducts of being human, particularly when doing monotonous work. Subject to fatigue, distraction, and personal limits, our inherent traits lead to issues within business productivity when performing roles such as data entry, record keeping, and telemarketing.
Automation is filling the gaps in business processes by targeting the bottom of the proverbial ‘to-do’ list. Computerized ways for completion of repetitive chores, combined with the goals of improved focus, fewer errors, and more time for meaningful work are at the forefront of RPA.
Initially (and at times, negatively) regarded as the ‘replacement’ of the human workforce, it is being realized and understood that RPA is instead automation of routine tasks. Skilled workers are able to perform more value-added roles, resulting in a higher level of employee satisfaction and the ability of the human ‘brain’ to move towards better use of the human skillset.
There is a delicate balance between the roles of manual labor and RPA, or human and machine. It is vital for businesses to blend these comfortably and seamlessly. Adopting or expanding on automation within your business may prompt restructuring of your current systems and revision or initiation of operations and ideas. Aligning manual and automated practices in business encourages reorganization of current roles and staffing, often prompting businesses to utilize a partner resource who can provide knowledge and expertise. In addition, as automated systems are implemented, software engineers continuously improve the quality of the automated processes.
The relationship between manual and automated business practice is aided by aligning and outsourcing your processes with ‘human’ experts who can manage, track, implement, and generate changes and goals within the realms of your company. Automation achieved through business process outsourcing and RPA facilitates a favorable advantage by reducing overhead, adding flexibility, and increasing competitiveness.
Through data analysis and applied logic, Cayuse offers manual, semi-automated, and fully automated services and expertise that can be tailored to fit the level of support needed. Efficient and effective integration is critical for end-to-end business process execution. The expertise of Cayuse in business process has assisted companies with aligned automation in a partnership of guidance and consultancy. Our case study, ‘Partner Eligibility is Confirmed Quickly for Faster Rebate Payments’ highlights process improvement performed for a client’s rebate program.
RPA nicely combines leadership and workforce talent with automated background processes, providing your team with the opportunity to do what they do best. Computerized ways for completion of repetitive chores saves time and reduces errors.
Enabling your business with more time for meaningful work is the overall goal as well as the reward.