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Robotic Process Automation (RPA) simply explained

Lari Numminen

March 6, 2023

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a type of business automation technology that enables organizations to automate repetitive, manual tasks, freeing up staff to focus on more strategic activities. In this article we simply explain RPA and why enterprise leaders should consider using it.

What is robotic process automation?

Robotic process automation is a form of business process automation where software robots are used to emulate humans actions interacting with digital systems and software. RPA is based on metaphorical idea of a digital workforce where software robots or artificial intelligence replaces some of the manual and repetitive tasks previously done by humans.

In summary, RPA:

• is a type of intelligent automation technology that uses software robots to automate routine tasks, manual work and standard processes in businesses.

• can be programmed to carry out basic activities like data entry, customer service, and other high-volume process-oriented tasks.

• typically work by mimicking human behavior, enabling them to perform tasks quickly and accurately based on some pre-programmed guidelines.

In summary, RPA is not:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) that fully replaces humans in the workplace.

• Mechanical robots or devices used in the physical workplace or within manufacturing.

• Fully autonomous systems or software that can operate without human involvement or supervision.

Benefits of RPA

Robotic process automation is already broadly used in enterprise business. Later in this article we look through a few examples from healthcare, insurance and business process outsourcing. A few key benefits to robotic process automation include:

Increased productivity and efficiency: RPA robots can significantly reduce the time required to complete tasks, freeing up staff to focus on more strategic activities.

Reduced costs: RPA bots can reduce the cost of many types of business operations by eliminating the need to hire additional staff for manual and repetitive work.

Improved accuracy: RPA robots are designed to work accurately and consistently, eliminating the risk of human error.

Better reliability. RPA bots can work all day and 24/7 without the need for breaks or interruptions.

Increased employee and customer satisfaction: RPA bots can improve customer or employee satisfaction by providing more time for strategic 1-1 interactions and relationships.

Benefis of robotic process automation (RPA)

Why Enterprise Leaders Should Consider RPA

It is estimated that 1 in 4 enterprise businesses have already adopted robotic process automation, while many other enterprise leaders have RPA projects in the roadmap.

Some of the key reasons why this is a good time to adopt RPA include:

• RPA can significantly reduce the time and cost of operations, enabling businesses to become more efficient and competitive.

• RPA can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up staff to focus on more strategic activities.

• RPA can improve accuracy and customer service, leading to increased customer satisfaction.

• RPA can reduce the risk of human error, leading to fewer mistakes and better results.

While RPA can be utilized across any industries - a few notable early adopters include the healthcare, insurance and BPO industries.

Example: Robotic Process Automation in Healthcare

RPA can be used to automate administrative tasks such as billing, patient registration, and scheduling. By automating these tasks, healthcare providers can reduce costs and free up resources to focus on patient care. RPA can also be used to automate data entry and data analysis. This can improve accuracy and reduce the risk of human error, leading to better outcomes.

RPA can also be used to streamline clinical processes. By automating tasks such as image recognition and diagnosis, healthcare providers can reduce the time required to complete these tasks and improve accuracy. This can lead to better patient outcomes and improved customer satisfaction.

RPA can also be used to automate the delivery of healthcare services. By automating the delivery of care, healthcare providers can reduce costs, improve accuracy, and ensure timely delivery of services. RPA can also be used to automate communication between healthcare providers and patients, leading to improved customer service and patient satisfaction.

In summary, RPA is a powerful technology that can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare operations. It can reduce costs, improve accuracy, and streamline clinical and administrative processes. Healthcare providers should consider using RPA to reduce costs, improve accuracy, and improve patient outcomes.

Example: Robotic Process Automation in Insurance

RPA can be used to automate administrative tasks such as policy underwriting, customer service, and claims processing. By automating these tasks, insurance companies can reduce costs and free up resources to focus on core activities.

RPA can also be used to automate data entry and data analysis. This can improve accuracy and reduce the risk of human error, leading to better outcomes.RPA can also be used to streamline risk management processes. By automating tasks such as customer segmentation and risk scoring, insurance companies can reduce the time required to complete these tasks and improve accuracy. This can lead to better risk management and improved customer satisfaction.RPA can also be used to automate the delivery of insurance services. By automating the delivery of services, insurance companies can reduce costs, improve accuracy, and ensure timely delivery of services.

RPA can also be used to automate communication between insurance companies and customers, leading to improved customer service and customer satisfaction.In summary, RPA is a powerful technology that can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of insurance operations. It can reduce costs, improve accuracy, and streamline administrative and risk management processes. Insurance companies should consider using RPA to reduce costs, improve accuracy, and improve customer outcomes.

Example: Robotic Process Automation in BPO

RPA is being used in business process outsourcing (BPO) to reduce costs, improve accuracy, and increase efficiency.

RPA can be used to automate administrative tasks such as data entry, customer service, and process-oriented tasks. By automating these tasks, BPO companies can reduce costs and free up resources to focus on core activities. RPA can also be used to automate data entry and data analysis. This can improve accuracy and reduce the risk of human error, leading to better outcomes.

RPA can also be used to streamline operational processes. By automating tasks such as order processing and customer segmentation, BPO companies can reduce the time required to complete these tasks and improve accuracy. This can lead to better operational efficiency and improved customer satisfaction.

RPA can also be used to automate the delivery of BPO services. By automating the delivery of services, BPO companies can reduce costs, improve accuracy, and ensure timely delivery of services. RPA can also be used to automate communication between BPO companies and customers, leading to improved customer service and customer satisfaction.

Bottom line

In conclusion, RPA is a powerful technology that can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of enterprise operations. Enterprise leaders should consider it as a viable option for automating routine tasks and processes.

Written by

Lari Numminen

Chief Marketing Fellow
lari@workfellow.ai