How Back-Office Automation Is Becoming a Game-Changer
Back-office automation using RPA can streamline and simplify administrative tasks, reducing errors and costs. RPA can automate repetitive, rule-based processes, such as data entry, invoicing, and accounting. With the technology, businesses can improve operational efficiency and reduce manual workload for employees. RPA can be customized to fit a company’s unique processes, improving accuracy and compliance. Implementing it can lead to significant time and cost savings for businesses, allowing employees to focus on higher-value tasks. This article at InformationWeek by Mary E. Shacklett discusses how back-office automation is getting a makeover.
Market Forecast of Automation
Hyper-automation involves automating as many businesses and IT processes as possible, per Gartner. RPA is a key component of hyper-automation. The RPA market is projected to exceed $2.9 billion by the end of 2023, with companies using RPA for tasks such as system integration and reducing errors in repetitive tasks. RPA can perform back-office tasks, allowing staff to focus on more skills-based functions. Organizations can combine RPA with other digital technologies to achieve hyper-automation, creating new opportunities for employees while saving process time.
Pitfalls of Back-Office Automation
When it comes to hyper-automation that includes RPA, it goes beyond simple screen scraping. It involves other automation technologies such as AI, machine learning, and rulesets. These come together to automate routine decision-making processes. This type of automation is desirable for most companies given the current labor shortages and the need for faster and smarter processes. However, implementing hyper-automation is not an overnight process and comes with its pitfalls. Here are some of the drawbacks to consider:
- Exception processing – Automated systems may not be able to handle new and unforeseen exceptions, requiring human backup and expert overrides.
- Disaster recovery and business continuation – It is important to have a plan in place for when the system goes down, such as manual workarounds.
- Staff resistance – Employees need to feel valued and included in the process and be involved in defining new business processes that can be automated. They also need to know what their new jobs will look like after automation.
To ensure successful automation, companies should have a roadmap in place for both technology and people readiness. This involves revising business processes and working with IT to effect workflow transformations.
To read the original article, click on https://www.informationweek.com/big-data/rpa-and-hyper-automation-are-transforming-the-back-office
