RPA investment SWOT analysis

Considering an investment in RPA ? (Robotic Process Automation)

What is the impact of using Software Robots?

This is an example SWOT for an RPA implementation.

STRENGTHS

Fully / Partially automated process

Time Saving on task processing

Cost reduction in operation

Can run 24/7

Can have “Human in the loop” solutions

Software Robots deliver Accuracy, Consistency

No change to business applications – Non invasive implementation

Audit Logs to support compliance and Improved analytics

Secured access – Robots can have long passwords

Software Robots do not “Leak” sensitive data / processing is impartial

RPA is used by major corporates and Government

RPA is available from a range of vendors

Works with GUI and / or API

There is an established talent pool of consultants and contractors

Rapid development

Business Continuity improvement – easier to re-deploy technology than people

WEAKNESSES

Complexity is more than initial expectations

Exceptions handling consumes a lot of effort

Maintenance required on processes (bots) and RPA software

Requires structured data – Unstructured input for processing requires AI

Technology is vendor specific, migration between vendors is difficult

Solutions predominately Windows based

Requires experienced developers

Limits flexibility / agility for change

Human / Robot interface – context of whole process may be lost

Requires initial investment

Limited PAYG options

OPPORTUNITIES

RPA learning for staff

Encourages process standardisation

Leverages FTEs to other high skilled tasks

Process Improvement

Building COE for RPA skills

Works with legacy systems

Greater ability to scale / handle peak workloads

Adjust time when work is completed

Able to adjust for seasonal workloads

Replace Outsourced tasks

THREATS

Amount of Change / Upgrades to underlying processes

Consideration on existing systems capacity., licences and SLA provisions

Scalability of COE – organisational impact

Technology evolution – New products offering same functionality at better value

Difficulty in migrating between technologies – lack of standards

Poor data quality can generate errors that RPA does not expect

Difficulty in retaining good RPA staff

Cyber attack on software robots

Staff resistance to new technology

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Each implementation will require some variation to the above example to reflect the specifics of the existing IT environment, the processes being considered for automation and the skills of the individuals involved in the implementation project.