RPA is a promising solution to streamline processes and solve problems that include activities that are repetitive and do not require cognition. To successfully implement an RPA solution for a process, all the basic conditions must be met. In this blog, we will discuss important factors that ensure a good fit and successful implementation.
Clear requirements and handling expectations from the implementation
This is often the first step that comes in before any development. It is important to set all requirements on paper including information about the detailed procedure, frequency of execution, a sequence of execution, etc. Each element is necessary for a successful implementation. Since the developers will be requiring this information at different stages of the project, having them beforehand reduces any unnecessary delays and changes.
Feasibility Analysis
RPA is best implemented and shows high returns for processes that are repetitive, stable, and not prone to frequent changes. It is during feasibility studies that the finer details of the process are highlighted. It is not to say that RPA processes are rigid and can not be changed at all. Bots can be implemented to handle changes in templates, duration of the report, the volume of data, etc without breaking.
Software requirements
This reiterates the first point in more detail. The software information, the versions used should be recorded. Often there are specialized settings and/or user permissions for software used in a process. It is a good idea to record them all for development purposes as well as to ensure the output is similar to the one from the manual procedure.
Room for optimization
RPA is a solution that can be molded to fit the needs of the organization. There is no one size fits all approach apart from the general guidelines previously set. It is best approached from an angle which ensures the highest ROI and ease of management afterward. In recent times, there are tons of innovation in RPA from image recognition with OCR, implementation of small cognitive components within the process, so much more. This goes on to say RPA is what you make it to be.
Reusable components
Often it is a team that handles the development to the deployment. It is important to keep the source code as generic and easily understandable as possible for easy management. For example, In the case of excel processes, it is a better solution to create a generic “macro execute workflow” that contains error handling, transferring required input files, and handling input files post macro execution instead of developing different versions of the same activity for different processes. It becomes easy to communicate in case of error.
Communicating with stakeholders
RPA is best utilized when all parties are in sync and up to date. This is enabled by the requirements document, additional information on the software, etc. Often, the first person to be contacted after the bot is live, is the IT team. It makes it even more important to keep them informed and updated with changes, etc. to avoid the same roadblocks repeatedly.