RPA (Robotic Process Automation)

Updated at: 7 October 2024

RPA

**RPA (Robotic Process Automation)**, robotic process automation or robotization is a technology that allows software robots to be configured to perform repetitive tasks in digital systems. The robot acts as a virtual employee who can work around the clock without getting tired or making mistakes.

## What is Robotic Processing Automation (RPA) RPA robots mimic human actions by interacting with various applications through a [user interface](). They can enter data, copy and paste information, fill out forms, and even make simple decisions based on predefined rules. Characteristics of RPA include: - **non-invasiveness** \- robots work through the user interface without interfering with application code; - **universality** \- RPA is applicable to any system with a graphical interface; - **scalability** \- it is easy to increase or decrease the number of robots as needed; - **accuracy** \- robots perform tasks with consistent accuracy, eliminating human error; - **speed** \- automating processes significantly speeds up routine tasks. ## How an RPA robot works RPA robots are software tools that perform tasks by mimicking human actions in digital systems. They work according to predefined algorithms, interacting with the user interface of applications. There are three main types of RPA robots:

Attended (present)	Unattended	Hybrid
● work on the user's computer ● interact with the employee in real time ● help perform complex tasks that require human input ● work independently on a server or in the cloud	● work independently on a server or in the cloud ● perform tasks on a schedule or when certain events occur ● do not require human intervention in the work process	● combine the functions of attended and unattended robots ● can work either autonomously or in collaboration with an employee.
Example A robot in a call center that automatically fills out forms while the operator is talking to the customer, saving time and increasing the accuracy of data entry.	Example A robot in the finance department that processes invoices every night, reconciles data and generates reports by the beginning of the working day.	Example : a robot in the HR department that automatically processes vacation requests in the HR department CBO but contacts an HR specialist in case of non-standard situations.

Attended (present)

Unattended

Hybrid

● work on the user's computer

● interact with the employee in real time

● help perform complex tasks that require human input ● work independently on a server or in the cloud

● work independently on a server or in the cloud

● perform tasks on a schedule or when certain events occur

● do not require human intervention in the work process

● combine the functions of attended and unattended robots

● can work either autonomously or in collaboration with an employee.

Example

A robot in a call center that automatically fills out forms while the operator is talking to the customer, saving time and increasing the accuracy of data entry.

Example

A robot in the finance department that processes invoices every night, reconciles data and generates reports by the beginning of the working day.

Example

: a robot in the HR department that automatically processes vacation requests in the HR department

CBO

but contacts an HR specialist in case of non-standard situations.

All types of robots are programmed using special RPA platforms that allow creating automation scenarios without deep programming knowledge. This makes the technology accessible to a wide range of specialists and speeds up the process of implementing automation in business processes. ## Application areas of RPA RPA finds application in business areas where there are repeatable, rule-based processes. Examples of processes suitable for automation: 1. **Data entry and form processing**: filling out loan applications at banks, processing insurance claims, registering new employees in HR systems. 2. **Financial transactions**: reconciling invoices and payments, generating financial statements, processing invoices. 3. **Customer relations**: updating information in [CRM-systems](), processing customer inquiries, sending notifications and reminders. 4. **IT processes**: monitoring systems and handling incidents, managing user accounts, automatic data backup. RPA robots are particularly effective in industries with a high degree of regulation and a large volume of document flow. The technology enables companies to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and improve services. RPA is often implemented in modern CBOs to automate typical processes such as financial document processing, HR processes, IT support .

## Benefits of RPA implementation Implementing RPA allows companies to not only optimize current processes, but also creates the basis for further innovation, making businesses more competitive in the digital age. With robotization, the following positive effects manifest themselves: 1. **Productivity increases** 2. **Operating costs are reduced** 3. **Accuracy increases** 4. **Employee satisfaction increases** 5. **Solutions are more easily scaled** ## Limitations and challenges of RPA Despite its many benefits, RPA implementation involves a number of technical and organizational issues. Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive approach - careful planning, staff training, and choosing the right technology solutions. ### Technical limitations 1. **Dependence on stable interfaces** 2. **Complexity of unstructured data processing** 3. **Limited intelligence** 4. **Need to reorganize processes** 5. **Scale management** 6. **Security** ## Conclusion Robotic Process Automation (RPA) enables companies to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service quality. RPA is particularly effective in organizations with a high volume of repetitive tasks, such as shared service centers (SSCs), where robots can take over routine operations in finance, HR, and IT support. Despite technical limitations and organizational challenges, the benefits of RPA are clear. As technology advances, the potential of RPA can grow and open up new opportunities for optimizing business processes.