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Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a technology that uses software robots, or “bots,” to automate repetitive tasks usually done by humans. In the rapidly evolving landscape of business process management, RPA has emerged as a transformative force. Recently, during a Finance transformation dinner held this month, a customer’s provocative challenge sparked a lively internal debate, highlighting the ongoing discussions around the impact and future of RPA.

“If you are using Robotic Process Automation, it just means that you are automating a bad process, and you should go back and redesign it anyway.”

This assertion potentially calls into question the very essence of RPA’s value proposition. Is RPA merely a band-aid for inefficient processes, or does it offer a more profound strategic advantage?

The RPA Debate 

With this question in mind, I put this challenge to my colleagues, Jack Nutkins (Head of Power Platform) and Jason Almeida (Pre-Sales Architect), to get their thoughts. Their perspectives illuminate whether RPA is a stopgap for suboptimal processes or a stepping stone towards more significant innovation and efficiency.

 

Hitachi Solutions Expert: Jack Nutkins 

“When taking the statement at face value, I must respectfully disagree. RPA, in my view, is not about perpetuating inefficiency but seizing opportunities for quick wins and immediate value creation, especially in scenarios where system replacement or overhaul isn’t viable. RPA can be a valuable tool, providing efficiency gains and relief from manual tasks for end users.  

However, I agree that RPA should not be a means to automate an inefficient process without first seeking to optimise it. It’s not a remedy for all process-related woes, nor should it be used to sidestep the capabilities of more modern systems with better integration options.  

In my experience, RPA is a strategic tool that should be employed judiciously. It’s not a long-term fix but a component of a broader automation toolkit. As systems evolve and integration capabilities improve, the need for RPA may diminish, but it remains a necessary tool for specific problems within our process automation landscape.” 

Hitachi Solutions Expert: Jason Almedia 

“The challenge statement that  Robotic Process Automation (RPA) implies the automation of a bad process and necessitates a redesign certainly holds some truth. However, the context and specific scenarios must be considered. I believe RPA can be a valuable asset when dealing with legacy systems that are either too outdated or complex to replace. It offers a means to automate processes that would otherwise remain manual and repetitive, providing significant time savings and value to end users. 

Yet, I believe that RPA should not be a substitute for addressing the underlying issues within systems, especially those that limit integration capabilities or impose fees for API usage. RPA should be used with caution and strategic intent as part of a broader approach to automation. As systems modernise and integration features improve, the reliance on RPA may decrease. It serves as a temporary solution for specific issues but also has a rightful place in our process automation strategy.” 

6 Key points when considering the value of RPA

Our experts felt the following points were key when considering the value that RPA can provide in transforming your business processes.

  1. RPA is useful when existing legacy systems are not in-scope to be replaced due budget or time constraints, providing a means to automate processes that would otherwise remain manual and repetitive.
  2. RPA delivers significant time savings and value for end users with manual or repetitive tasks.
  3. RPA should not be used to avoid addressing underlying issues within systems, especially those that limit integration capabilities or impose fees for API usage.
  4. RPA should be employed judiciously and strategically, as it is not a long-term solution but a part of a more extensive automation toolkit.
  5. The need for RPA will diminish over time as systems modernise and integration capabilities improve.
  6. RPA serves as a temporary solution for specific issues but also has its place in the process automation toolbox.

 

If you have any questions or challenges that you would like to put to our experts? Get in touch today.