Robotic process automation (RPA) uses software "bots" to carry out repetitive digital tasks the way a person would: copying data between systems, filling forms, reconciling records. It is not artificial intelligence, although the two are increasingly combined.
Good candidates
- Tasks that follow clear rules and rarely change.
- High-volume work where small errors add up.
- Processes that move data between systems that do not integrate.
- Work that has a clear start, end and success measure.
Poor candidates
Processes that depend on judgement, vary every time or sit on top of systems that are about to be replaced are poor candidates. Automating a broken process only makes the problem faster.
Start by fixing the process
Map the process as it really runs, remove the steps that exist only out of habit, then automate what remains. Appoint someone to own the bots, document what they do and plan for the day an underlying screen or system changes.
This article is general information for decision-makers, not professional, legal or technical advice. Speak to a qualified adviser about your own situation.
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