Bot-based RPA is a software technology that uses rules-based robot programs to develop the action list by observing the user performing specific tasks in the graphical user interface (GUI). These bots then replicate the same tasks by running a software script that interfaces with the program. RPA bots are programmed to imitate human actions, such as entering data and clicking buttons, to perform the sequence of tasks. They access the computer system through UI using login credentials without directly interfering with the underlying IT systems. RPA can be installed into the existing IT applications and can be augmented later, using a recorder to create software scripts and learn activities.
Bot-based RPA can automate almost all the back-office tasks, such as reporting, data extraction, and entry, service ticket resolutions, procure-to-pay process, and so on, this list is not comprehensive. Ultimately, this technology enables organizations to optimize the customer experience at nearly every point of contact, improving their overall productivity and efficiency.
To learn more about RPA, refer to our blog on Robotic Process Automation and Benefits of RPA
Limitations of bot-based RPA
Though Bot-based RPA is an excellent solution for ground-level automation, it does have certain limitations. Consider the following factors:
Resource dependent and Expensive:
- RPA bots are capable of perfectly mimicking human actions, but any small change in the process requires modifying the code. This means that the bots depend on programmers or developers to make these changes.
- In the absence of the person responsible for overseeing and monitoring the bot in the organization, training another resource is required to work with the bot. This can be expensive and time-consuming.
- RPA bots are not well-suited for handling exceptions or variations. Manual intervention is required when dealing with any failure.
- Bot-based RPA implementation and maintenance can be overwhelming in the long run. Businesses may need to invest in training their employees to effectively use bots, including operating them, troubleshooting issues, and integrating bots with other software solutions.
- Change requests follow the usual development cycle, which is time-consuming, non-agile, and, in fact, costly.
Fragility and lack of flexibility:
- RPA bots are fragile. If there are any changes in the standard process or as the business scales up, RPA bots cannot upgrade their automation on their own.
- Any updates to the process require significant effort and expertise to implement the new requirements. RPA bots have limitations in continually evolving with new features and capabilities that enhance their flexibility and adaptability. Programming bots to cover all the changes can be confounding.
- As an enterprise grows and its operations become more complex, it may have to increase the number of bots it uses to meet the increased demand for automation, resulting in a lack of flexibility as more investment is needed for the development, maintenance, and support of these bots.
Security:
- While RPA bots can be effective, they can also pose a significant security risk at times. This is because, in some cases, bots can potentially access sensitive information and data without proper authorization, compromising the organization’s security.
Transition from existing bot-based RPA processes to Re-engineered Workflow – Choosing the right solution
While most organizations today are eager to become a part of this automation set and gain major benefits from it, they recognize that RPA is the key. However, over time, the deployment of software robots may reveal that some processes are inefficient and beyond the scope of the RPA. This is where Symtrax helps by re-engineering the processes tailored to the business needs.
- Symtrax’s intelligent automation solution has the capability to accept unstructured files and convert them to a structured format.
- The automation solution is designed to work seamlessly and adapt to any changes without requiring any extensive programming knowledge or effort. It is based on learning and improving with experience.
- This implies that our intelligent automation solution can handle changes and failures more efficiently and effectively, making it more user-friendly and flexible while ensuring fast implementation. Unlike bots, it is not dependent on mimicking human clicks/interface actions based on predefined rules.
- It can carry out and complete the task with no lag time and enables you to achieve digital transformation more effectively in real-time.
- Our solution provides end-to-end automation of business processes and can handle various tasks and functions with minimal resource retraining. It doesn’t require expert programmers to make any changes if new features are added.
- Our solution offers ease of integration with the client systems irrespective of the IT infrastructure, legacy systems, and API communication systems.
- Implementing Intelligent Automation results in being beneficial in improving business agility and enhancing the customer experience.
- Symtrax intelligent automation uses AI, which has the ability to learn and improve over time, while RPA bots can only carry out programmed instructions.
- Symtrax intelligent automation can help organizations save time and reduce costs by reducing error rates and increasing accuracy.
- Our automation solution is designed with complete security and compliance, meeting all the necessary security and regulatory requirements, and ensuring the protection of the organization’s data and information.
- With seamless integration, it also ensures business continuity during the scaling process.
Summary
In summary, while RPA bots can improve efficiency and productivity, they are not a perfect solution in the long-term solution when considering reforms and scalability in an enterprise. However, on the other hand, Symtrax’s intelligent automation solution has the capability to handle more complex and unstructured data. It can provide solutions that can help organizations achieve dynamic workflow. Intelligent Automation is the next logical step RPA is growing towards, with enormous potential to improve process efficiency, detect fraud, reduce costs and risks, increase productivity, and deliver a better customer experience. Taking an end-to-end solution approach for the desired outcome is preferable to applying a robotic patch to a particular pain point.