Think of the times when the deadly COVID-19 pandemic brought the entire world to its knees while a large bank was forced to update several million records immediately. Thanks to RPA, the task that would have taken a few years could be completed in comparatively less time.
Embracing digital transformation is the sole solution for organizations looking to remain competitive and drive efficiency while remaining profitable. Adopting the latest technologies also helps companies bear the brunt caused by factors like volatile markets, economic downturns, and shifting consumer preferences. On that note, robotic process automation emerges as a breakthrough for businesses looking to accelerate digital transformation across a spectrum of industries, from healthcare and finance to logistics and manufacturing.
Bots are designed and deployed to perform rule-based tasks by imitating the way humans interact with digital systems and software. Just like employees, software bots can perform a range of activities including navigating systems, completing the right keystrokes, understanding what’s on a screen, identify and extract data, and other pre-defined actions. What sets the two apart is the fact that virtual workforce (bots here) can perform mundane, no-brainer tasks much more quickly, efficiently, and accurately than people, without the need to get up and stretch or take a break.
According to a recent Survey by Deloitte, 59% of the organizations consider RPA as the key enabler in their digital transformation journey. With RPA in place, businesses get significant gains in productivity, efficiency, and cost-savings. However, despite its potential benefits, many organizations encounter challenges when implementing RPA solutions. By addressing these challenges proactively, organizations can ensure a smooth and successful RPA journey, ultimately unlocking the full potential of this powerful technology.
1. Technical Challenges
When planning RPA implementation, stakeholders must check its compatibility with the currently used software as integrating RPA into existing IT infrastructures is a complex process. According to a survey, 51% of the respondents who achieved <10% savings from automation found process and technical complexity as the major challenge.
A company’s existing set up is made of different technologies, user interfaces, and protocols that must be synced to ensure efficient functioning. In fact, inappropriate data type can also hinder the results. A deep understanding of business processes, technology systems, and organizational goals is necessary to make an implementation successful. For processing unstructured datasets, additional technologies like AI or OCR are required.
Additionally, companies can use RPA in conjunction with other technologies like SaaS platforms, IoT devices, mobile apps, or other connected data sources. RPA’s job is to connect and orchestrate them. Many companies lack the in-house expertise to navigate this complexity effectively. This is where investing in RPA integration services can make a significant difference. The professionals use skills and best practices to customize and integrate RPA solutions with the existing workflows.
RPA implementation requires a blend of technical and business expertise. While RPA tools are becoming increasingly user-friendly, navigating the initial setup, development, and deployment can be complex for teams unfamiliar with the technology. Additionally, a robust and reliable IT infrastructure is needed for bots to function effectively and work around the clock. Meaning, there should be appropriate processing power and storage capacity to keep all the scripts running. For this, you can either limit the influence of external factors or deploy a failure server.
Or else, you can partner with an experienced robotic process automation company to get access to automation experts. These specialists assess your automation needs, identify optimal processes, and guide you through the entire implementation lifecycle.
The data flow and workload volumes gradually increase as a company grows. Alongside this, several automated processes must be adjusted for regulatory updates. And this is where RPA solutions might underperform, especially the ones built to support smaller capacities. Though you can deploy more virtual workforce to accommodate your growing workload, it is not always a feasible solution and can consume your resources quickly, making it a costly endeavor. Thus, scalability is a significant challenge, especially for smaller organizations that can’t afford to put up extra robots to meet those increasing needs.
Instead, opting for customized and scalable RPA development and deployment solutions is a cost-effective option to meet the infinite needs of demanding processes. The RPA solutions are designed with scalability in mind to meet dynamic business needs and ensure that these remain a strategic asset throughout.
Mere RPA implementation doesn’t suffice. Ongoing maintenance and support are necessary to ensure its optimal functioning. Any sort of deviation from pre-defined rules can confuse RPA bots, creating errors. Nonetheless, changes are unavoidable as RPA solutions must be adjusted according to changing business needs, regulatory updates, or new additions to the existing tech stack, if any. And without any changes, the solution will gradually degrade due to bug build up or overflowing database, even if it functions properly.
To prevent this, keep an eye on your RPA solution’s performance and check for changes on a frequent basis. Or collaborate with a trusted RPA implementation company to manage the state of your bots and automate routine maintenance tasks like performing stress tests, clearing cache registers, or moving data from temporary storage to a larger unit.
2. Business Challenges
New technologies not only bring new opportunities, but also new challenges. That said, resistance to change is a common obstacle in any technology adoption process. RPA is no different, and to reap its full benefits, stakeholders must bring together people and processes. Employees may feel apprehensive about the implications of RPA on their roles and responsibilities, fearing job displacement or loss. Rather, getting executive buy-in can be a good jumpstart to overcome employee resistance as they can lead by example.
Additionally, effective change management strategies are essential to address these concerns and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Providing comprehensive training programs, communication channels for feedback, and opportunities for upskilling and reskilling can help alleviate employee resistance and ensure smooth RPA implementation. RPA consulting services can help businesses bridge the gap between people and processes.
Although automation provides an edge over traditional ways of resolving issues and getting results, not every process is meant to be automated. Benefits like accelerated processes often lure companies; however, they need to know that RPA is no magic wand and might not yield results as expected. And one of the biggest mistakes stakeholders make is offload tasks with the highest headcount. The heavy workloads and lots of exception handling result in the failure of the entire process.
Another common mistake that business owners make is undervaluing the costs of RPA implementation relative to its benefits. Though it requires a significant upfront investment in terms of license costs, the scope of the project, complexity, additional infrastructure, long-term maintenance costs, etc., the ROI is worth everything. All that said, investing in RPA implementation services is a great way to minimize investments, automate smartly, and maximize ROI.
3. Regulatory and Compliance Changes
One of the primary concerns for organizations implementing RPA is compliance and regulations. RPA solutions often deal with sensitive information such as customer data or financial records. Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and safeguarding against cyber threats are top priorities. RPA-managed services offer comprehensive support in managing and securing RPA deployments, including implementing encryption protocols, access controls, and regular security audits. By partnering with trusted RPA-managed service providers, businesses can mitigate risks and protect sensitive data effectively.
Like every other tech stack, RPA is vulnerable to cyber threats that might add another potential surface. Such attacks can put your business, partner, and customers at risk. This can get even worse in highly regulated and privacy-sensitive industries like insurance, finance, and healthcare, incurring non-compliance fines.
Bottom Line
RPA solutions have the potential to creatively disrupt businesses across niches by streamlining operations, reducing costs, and accelerating productivity. Offering a quick and smart way to perform no-brainer tasks, RPA acts as an enabler in orchestrating digital transformation. By addressing the common challenges associated with RPA implementation and partnering with the right development company, businesses can unlock the true potential of this technology and gain a significant competitive edge.
