Automation is everywhere. From planes to factories to even space ships, a lot has been said about automation but the number of activities undertaken in this field is limited. One of the fastest-growing segments of the enterprise software market is Robotic Process Automation (RPA), a term used for software tools that partially or fully automate human activities that are manual, rule-based, and repetitive. Despite the improved productivity that it brings, many myths have arisen around RPA and today we will bust four myths surrounding automation.
Myth #1: RPA is Only Useful in Eliminating Jobs
A known fact is that companies involved in the implementation of automation solutions, including BRAINHINT, make business decisions in terms of savings potential. However, what is not true, is that implementers of RPA focus primarily on reducing the number of full-time employees. In most cases, organisations implement RPA solutions to relieve people of heavy work and not to actually replace them. Other motivators for RPA operations include both improving operational agility and improving the quality of processes. The first case is in organisations where specialised processes that have limited capacity (e.g. one work station) block other operational processes. The second motivator is when the company is exposed to high financial or legal risk in the event of a mistake in the process.
Myth #2: RPA Only Makes Sense with Mass Production
The decision to implement RPA for mass production is actually easier to make due to the very high saving potential. However, this does not necessarily mean that automating processes with low and moderate volumes is not justifiable. First, RPA have economic justification, even for processes carried out by two people. Second, shortening lead times and improving quality are possible at any production scale as it is purely a matter of financial savings.
Myth #3: RPA Requires Expensive Licenses
Robots implemented as part of RPA projects are small programs. As with other types of software, there are two options. The first option is to use solutions based on licenses (which is true, it can be quite expensive). The main advantages of such an approach are the shorter implementation times, the possibilities of implementation with limited technological competences, and manufacturer support. The second option is to create original robots. Although it requires expert knowledge and dedicating more time, it does not require the company to purchase any licenses. This option allows automation of small volume processes and thus does not require an expensive license.
Myth #4: Automation Requires a Complex IT Environment
One of automation’s main features is that it is able to distinguish a typical program from a robot. The robot functions in a man-like manner and is based on elements displayed within the user interface. This is important in the implementation of RPA, because the robot can be installed on a specific workstation, such as a basic laptop. Therefore, not requiring an in-depth IT system and only requiring the bare minimum environment. More complex infrastructures, however, become indispensable when managing large automation systems consisting of several dozen or several hundred robots due to the necessity in controlling them simultaneously.
Are you ready to implement RPA in your business?
Breaking down the myths around using RPA can help highlight how important their implementation is to any size business. Working with RPA can not only save money but can save workers from arduous and repetitive tasks. Here at BRAINHINT we specialise in automation no matter how large your business is or how complex of an IT infrastructure you already have in place.
