It’s no surprise that when a company commences on an automation journey, they are introduced to a host of obstacles, including challenges like consistency, adaptation, automation anxiety, and all the others we’ve discussed so far in this article.
The key, however, to overcome these challenges, and avoiding the technical pitfalls is to follow the right Robotic Process Automation implementation methodology.
Let’s Discuss The Robotic Process Automation Bot Development Lifecycle:
1. Project Preparation
Before embarking on your automation journey, it’s always advisable to take your time understanding and capturing the processes. The critical aspects that pertain to project preparation include:
- Developing a project timeline,
- +-Setting goals and achieving milestones,
- Determining teams’ roles regarding automation.
But how do you plan on executing these individual tasks?
Segregating your teams into different groups can help with correct process assessment and quicker implementation. The ideal three groups include:
- Domain Experts, for they’re familiar with the industry needs and fluctuations.
- Process Experts, for they’re experts in context to the concerned processes.
And Operational Experts, for this is the group responsible for running the processes on the ground level.
2. Analyze Process Automation Potential
The simple objective of this stage is to access the identified processes for Robotic Process Automation and prioritize other potential use cases for RPA.
The purpose?
This would help you (the business initiator) secure buy-in from the stakeholders, better understand the implications of automation, and identify processes that could benefit from artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities.
3. Bot Design and Development
Bot Design
Designing the RPA bot automation map is as important as the actual automation itself. The map helps in outlining exact steps that can be automated, identifying the leakages in the process flow, and test automation for the set industry Robotic process automation standards.
In a nutshell, this stage helps the design and development team to access the to-be automated business process with the business case and articulate a precise ROI.
Bot Development
Once the business case is established, RPA developers and technical architects use coding methodologies like Agile and DevOps along with RPA tools to create the required RPA bots.
If we consider the rising RPA trend,
Modern-day organizations are exploring and employing hybrid RPA deployment methodologies to accelerate delivery, and streamline processes amongst different operating teams.
4. RPA Implementation
The final stage of a successful RPA methodology is implementation. But creating an implementation roadmap, templates for documenting automation, and fulfilling other technical nuances is easier said than done.
Working with UiPath certified RPA developers, and acing the latest experienced resources, Signity can assist your organization with a successful RPA implementation; not to mention the other steps involved with RPA methodology.
5. RPA Tools
We could start by listing down the leading RPA tools, but what good would that be if you weren’t aware of the bot types?
So, let’s start by briefly describing the types of RPA bots and their actual work.
Types of RPA bots
RPA bots can be divided into four major categories.
These categories aren’t new in themselves- consider them as mere extensions of the previous generation of traditional bots.
1. Excel Automation Bots
Excel automation bots account for bots that offer simple automation solutions.
2. Programmable Bots
These bots are programmed to interact and collect data from different systems based on your business processes, requirements, and automation inputs.
3. Self-Learning Bots
These bots leverage AI capabilities to identify, and track human actions with different systems. Upon collecting enough data, self-learning bots can execute the same functions more efficiently.
4. Cognitive Bots
These are self-learning bots integrated with machine learning capabilities like Natural Language Processing.
The upside to using these bots is they can handle unstructured data, make complex decisions, and sort through heaps of unstructured data.
Now that we know the types of RPA bots, let’s shed some light on the leading RPA tools.
The Best RPA Tools for Business Process Automation
#1. UiPath
Gartner’s 2019 Magic Quadrant elected UiPath as the leader for Robotic Process Automation Software for 2019. And it rightly deserves to be at the top.
Designed in a user-friendly manner, the UiPath tool promotes easy installation across multiple OS’ and remote servers.
UiPath robots can be easily accessed, managed, and tweaked for better performance using another entity referred to as Orchestrator.
Signity Solutions is a certified UiPath RPA implementation partner. Let us assist you with the best automation solutions for your business.
#2. Automation Anywhere
Automation anywhere offers a bot store, featuring a variety of bots for a wide range of automation needs.
If your business requirement is to automate standard tasks like data extraction, or take customer feedback, process invoice, or conduct other back-end tasks, Automation Anywhere has you covered.
The plus point:
Automation Anywhere offers a free* ‘community version’ for businesses and individuals who are just starting out on their automation journey or have financial constraints.
#3. Blue Prism
If you’re searching for a relatively ‘code-free’ RPA automation tool, Blue Prism it is.
Blue Prism smart RPA bots come integrated with AI and ML capabilities, allowing them to learn new patterns, and become more adept at handling instructions in real-time.
With added support for APIs and third-party integration, choosing Blue Prism as your primary RPA tool makes automation even more effective.
#4. Pega
Pega offers premium Robotic process automation development services along with a host of other services including DevOps support, chatbots, and more.
Desktops servers are compatible with Pega but the company offers them as cloud-based automation solutions.
If your business requirement is to automate crucial processes, such as financial transactions or customer onboarding- Pega might serve as a suitable fit.
#5. Kofax
Kofax RPA tools, albeit virtually, offer easy integration with any content management system. So if you need a tool that offers seamless integration, you can’t go wrong with Kofax.
Kofax brings a traditional programming approach to the table and takes instructions in either of the two languages- Python, or Java.
Acquire, sort, and deliver data to the system of applications with Kofax.
Offering seamless integration, Kofax RPA bots are regarded amongst the most efficient automation tools in the industry.
Here’s a comprehensive comparison of the aforementioned RPA tools:
RPA Tool |
Free Version/Trial Version |
Usability |
UiPath |
Offers a complimentary community edition | Intuitive Visual UI, Drag & Drop Functionality, No-code |
Automation Anywhere |
A free community edition with basic features | Ai-Augmented RPA bots, Drag & drop functionalities |
Blue Prism |
30-days free trial | Drag & drop functionality, Enterprise-rich features |
Pega |
30-days free trial | Designer Studio with Intuitive dashboard |
Kofax |
30-days free trial | Built-in Analytics, Unified UI/UX experience |
Which Companies are currently using RPA?
As we discussed earlier in the RPA use cases section, there are multiple industries including F&A, Banking, IT, HR, Telecom, and even Government that currently employ robotic process automation to their business processes.
Here are some major conglomerates and established corporations that currently benefit from Robotic Process Automation:
- HP
- Nasa
- AutoDesk
- FujiFilm
- DHL
- Infosys
- PWC
- IBM
How to get started with Robotic process automation?
It’s relatively easy to start with Robotic Process Automation; unless it isn’t.
RPA comes wrapped in the box of promises including easy implementation, no-coding, and whatnot.
Whilst these features are helpful and take some weight off your team’s shoulders, you still need expert RPA developers to figure out the ‘Whys, Whats, and Whens’.
There are two general approaches to starting with RPA:
Approach #1
The first approach to implementing Robotic Process Automation comprises of 4 steps:
- Start Small
- Identify high-value RPA processes
- Measure vendors against your business requirements
- Try multiple RPA tools and software
- Set systems to measure Robotic Process Automation performance against your business objectives
Approach #2
You can get sideline during the pilot phase if you’re not aware of the intricacies of implementing Robotic Process Automation.
Outsource RPA development and let RPA experts do what they do best, whilst you and your organization reap the benefits of automation.
That’s where Signity comes into the picture. Working with the leading RPA developers, we suggest and deliver the best RPA solutions that comply with your established budget.
