Robotic Process Automation (RPA) uses software robots usually referred to as ‘bots’ to perform tasks following rule-based decisions that don't require human intervention. But all too often, common myths surrounding RPA implementation prevent enterprises from making the best use of this technology. 

Most enterprises have successfully moved beyond the initial wariness of implementing RPA to accept its array of benefits: cost reduction, time-saving, and removing HFT ( Human Finger Trouble) as bots perform certain tasks more accurately, quickly, and for much longer than humans can. 

That being said, there are still many enterprises who have their apprehensions about implementing RPA, and the most common myths surrounding the said technology are-

• We need a horde of bots

It’s not necessary to automate all the business processes right from the start. Enterprises can narrow down the ones that are complex and most prone to human error, and start by automating those tasks using a bot or two, as per their requirement. Many businesses can also implement Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) technologies instead of using bots.

• Bots will take over our jobs

Humans and their cognitive skills are far too superior. In many businesses, RPA has seen a hike in jobs as the increased team productivity enables companies to grow. Bots help remove the burden of mundane tasks from a workforce, giving enterprises the opportunity to upskill their staff with proper training.

Bots are great virtual assistants for automating menial tasks, allowing humans to focus on higher thinking and decision-making. Bots enhance efficiency, not replace it. 

• AI bots can perform all human tasks

AI bots understand natural language and identify images, but are a long way from replicating human reasoning and intuition. 

• RPA marks the end of BPM

Before implementing RPA, it’s vital to analyze your existing processes using analytics, only then can you make informed decisions about all processes that can be automated. Unlike RPA, Business Process Management (BPM) is not software, but a way to streamline processes. For instance, imagine a car driving down a road, if BPM is the road taking you to that route, RPA is the self-driven car driving you down that road. 

• RPA makes IT departments redundant

Without the IT Team, RPA will be like a hamster on a wheel, going in circles without any outcome. The IT team is the first to get involved during RPA implementation. Even though the bots automate and perform the tasks, they still need to be instructed and managed. Without detailed decisions, coding and protocols, the bots are useless, as all the rule-based instructions are provided by the IT team. 

It is evident from these myths about RPA implementation, that many companies fall into the trap of treating RPA as a tool with no guarantee of efficiency or ROI, or RPA is a tactical solution unlikely to lead to sustainable improvement or improve productivity. If you are facing a similar dilemma and are unable to narrow down the processes that can be automated, contact us today. 

How can Neebal help?

Neebal’s RPA capabilities have helped a leading Bank automate business processes, eliminate human-induced errors and facilitate digital transformation rapidly. We increased efficiency and productivity by automating manual business processes with bots. This helped the Bank in mitigating tedious processes and eliminating human errors while streamlining trade operations. Read the full case study here.