Robotic process automation (RPA) automates traditional manual desktop tasks by using software robots.
The software robots interact with computer systems using the existing Graphical User Interface (GUI) that people already use. The RPA is “Non-Intrusive” and does not impact the existing software applications.
The robots can effectively see information that is presented on a screen, operate the mouse and type on the keyboard. As it is a software solution there is no physical device / robot involved.
The software robot does not actually cause the mouse to move or the keys to be pressed on the keyboard, it is all virtual. The RPA software robot simulates the activity.
The important point is that as far as the applications are concerned, the interaction is the same as if a person was performing the activity.
There are big benefits from RPA software robots operating by using the GUI such as:
Depending on the activity that an RPA software robot is assigned to perform, it could partially automate the task and interact with a person. This scenario is called “Attended” mode.
Alternatively the software robot could be deployed to automate a complete task such a scenario is called “Unattended”. With RPA software robots capable of working 24 hours a day, the use of “Unattended” robots can potentially deliver the biggest benefit.
Ether Solutions work with clients to identify tasks that are suitable for Robotic Process Automation in order to determine a balanced use of Robot and human activity.
In many situations, an effective design for automation is the RPA software robots performing the routine, regular tasks and people continuing to execute the tasks that are exceptions, unusual.
Should there be any task that the RPA software robot starts but fails to complete. The task can be passed to a person to undertake. This can be an effective way of dealing with any errors that occur in the day to day processing.
The UiPath architecture with the provision of alerts, notifications, queues, etc. delivers the capability to implement various “Human in the Loop” designs.
Typically implementations start with software robots doing a single task, but given the capability for 24 hour operation 7 days a week, it is common to progress an RPA implementation so that the capacity for the robots to work is more effectively utilised through the assignment of multiple activities for a robot to perform based a set of priorities.
This transition to multiple automations allows additional benefits to be achieved from the investment in the RPA software robot technology.
Subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter (New window) : "Business Beyond Automation".
Discover how automation with RPA and AI can unlock business growth, revenue and profits.
