Robotics process automation (RPA) is an emerging technology that can be applied to many aspects of business. It is being used by large, multinational corporations to improve operations and generate efficiency at scale. RPA has also been leveraged for small businesses who are looking for a way to maintain quality service with reduced costs, grow their organization without adding staff, and increase productivity without sacrificing quality. This article discusses the definition of RPA, how it may benefit your business, where you should apply RPA first in your organization, and how you can get started today!
What is Robotics Process Automation?
Robotics process automation (RPA) is the use of software robots, or 'bots', to automate business processes. These bots can be used to complete a wide range of tasks including data entry, transcribing audio recordings into text, and completing customer service inquiries. RPA differs from traditional information technology (IT) in that it does not require custom software development or programming skills. Rather, bots can be created and managed using a point-and-click interface.
How Can Robotics Process Automation Benefit Small Business?
Small businesses have unique needs and challenges when it comes to automation. RPA is well suited for small businesses because it does not require a large up-front investment, can be quickly deployed, and is easy to learn and use. Additionally, bots can be configured to automate specific tasks or processes that are commonly used in small businesses.
Some of the ways that RPA can benefit small businesses include:
Reduced Costs - Automating routine tasks in a business frees up time for employees to focus on more value-added activities, such as generating new leads or improving customer service.
Increased Productivity - Robots can work around the clock, increasing productivity without adding additional staff hours. Additionally, RPA bots can complete tasks much faster than humans and do not require training before starting their work.
Improved Quality of Service - Automating tasks that are prone to human error or inconsistency can help ensure a more consistent level of service across different customer interactions.
Enhanced Scalability - As a small business grows, it may become increasingly difficult to manage administrative and operational tasks manually. RPA can help automate these processes, making it easier for a business to maintain the same level of service as it scales.
Where Can RPA be Applied First in a Small Business?
When it comes to small businesses, there are many opportunities for automation that may not have been considered before getting started with robotics process automation. Some of these areas include:
Reducing Data Entry - Data entry is often a time-consuming and expensive task for small businesses as it requires employees to sit at their desk completing repetitive tasks, such as updating client records or entering information into spreadsheets.
Creating Automated Email Alerts - Bots that can send automated email alerts based on specific triggers can be used to notify staff about upcoming deadlines, new orders, or other important changes.
Transcribing Audio Files into Text - Many small businesses rely on audio recordings to take meeting notes or record customer interactions. Automated transcription bots can quickly turn these recordings into text files, making them easier to review and search.
Processing Customer Service Inquiries - Automating the process of responding to customer inquiries can help ensure a more consistent response time, as well as improve the accuracy of information provided.
How Can I Get Started with Robotics Process Automation?
RPA is an emerging technology that has been rapidly gaining momentum due to its ease-of-use and low cost for small businesses. This means there are many resources available to help business owners get started.
Get Educated
Some of these resources include free webinars, white papers, and eBooks that can be downloaded for free on an RPA website. These materials not only provide information about how robotics process automation works, but also give insight into where bots are being applied in other small businesses around the world today. Small business consultants like Impact Management Group can also speed up your education, as experts in this space we can guide your learning in an expedited manner.
Select a Tool & Experiment
Several RPA software providers offer free trials to small businesses. These tools make it easy for business owners and staff to get hands-on experience with an automated robot without having to invest in a substantial up-front investment like they would when using traditional automation solutions. Other benefits of these trials include:
A Bot for Every Job - Robotics process automation providers offer a wide range of bots that can be configured to automate specific tasks or processes. This means businesses can find the perfect bot for their needs without having to invest in creating a custom solution.
Quick and Easy Setup - Setting up a robot for robotics process automation is often much simpler than setting up traditional automation tools. This means new projects can be started and completed much more quickly, which leads to a shorter time-to-value of the automation solution.
Less Risk - There is little risk involved with trying out RPA as it is often free for small businesses to explore and test its capabilities before buying into any subscription plans or contracts.
Pilot Projects - RPA software providers also offer pilot projects that can help small businesses learn more about where robots may be most beneficial and what processes would benefit from automation.
Tailored Recommendations - These pilots will often recommend specific bots to use based on the information provided by a business owner. This makes it easy for them to get started with automation and see results quickly.
Pro Tip: Start with low hanging fruit
Robotics process automation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Businesses should start by automating the tasks that are the simplest and highest volume. By doing this, they can see an immediate return on investment (ROI) from their RPA initiative. As businesses learn more about RPA they can move onto higher volume, more expensive and complex processes. A couple of tips are below:
Leverage Your Existing Data - Before deciding where the first place they might use robotics process automation in their organization, business owners should take a look at their existing data. This will help them determine the best starting point, maximizing the return on investment from robots and identifying which processes would benefit most from automation.
Processes with High Volume - Busy businesses often have many manual tasks associated with high volume workflows such as processing customer requests or complaints, entering payments, and handling customer support issues.
Don’t Automate the Wrong Processes - It's important not to automate processes that involve a lot of human judgment or require a high degree of flexibility. These types of processes are typically better suited for employees rather than robots.
The Bottom Line
Robotics process automation is a powerful tool that can be used by small businesses to improve productivity, speed up turnaround times, and reduce costs. With the right resources in place, it's easy for business owners to get started and see significant benefits from using bots in their organization.
While streamlining, automating and scaling business sounds attractive, it can be quite overwhelming for business leaders to determine where to start. If you find that you could use help, small business consultants that specialize in process and automation like Impact Management Group (IMG) can help guide you through all facets of this journey and get you on the fast track to streamlining your business!
Sources:
"The Top Five Benefits of Robotics Process Automation for Small Business." Forbes. N.p., 06 Mar. 2017. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.
"What is Robotics Process Automation?" Blue Prism. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2017."How to Get Started with Robotics Process Automation." UiPath. N.p., 12 Dec. 2016. Web. 07 Mar. 2017."Top Benefits of Robotics Process Automation for Small Businesses." HelpSystems Blog RSS. N.p., 01 Feb. 2017. Web, 07 Mar 2017
"What is Robotics Process Automation?" Pega. N.p., 01 Mar. 2017. Web. 07 Mar. 2017."The Top Five Benefits of Robotics Process Automation for Small Businesses." Forbes. N.p., 06 Mar. 2017. Web, 07 Mar 2017
"Robotics Process Automation Pilot Project Guidelines | Softtek." Robotics Process Automation Pilot Project Guidelines | Softtek. N.p., 01 Mar. 2016. Web, 07 Mar 2017
"How Robotics Process Automation Can Benefit Your Business." Datto Inc.. Datto Inc., 17 Feb. 2017. Web, 07 Mar 2017
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