Automation: Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

THE SECOND "A" OF THE MACROS TRIPLE A: AUTOMATION = ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION (RPA)

Automation is not a new topic. For many years, (sub-) processes have been passed on and processed automatically via rules, workflows and BPM systems (e.g. inbound processing with Macros eDistribute). Compared to the well-tried systems, ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION (RPA) now allows a robot to perform a task fully automated within a very short time. The robot acts as an electronic agent with its own identifier and can be used in two ways:

• As back office integration:
  The robot is set up for use in the background and typically processes backoffice tasks in batch mode according to predefined triggers.
• As front-office integration:
  The robot receives its job based on a trigger that emanates from his "human colleague" or another robot and is thus a member of a workflow. The objective here is to outsource the subprocesses for which the time of the clerk is too valuable.

Macros Reply chose UiPath as the partner for Robotic Process Automation, the market leader in RPA software (see Forrester Wave Q2 2018, Robotic Process Automation) and, according to Macros Reply, the most compelling product.

STRUCTURE OF THE UIPATH PLATFORM

The Robotic Process Automation platform of UiPath is based on three pillars:

• UiPath Studio:
  The processes which are supposed to be automated are modeled in the studio. This is done by simple recording the sequence in a recorder (which transfers the clicks into a workflow) and / or via compiling of steps via drag and drop from a list of ready-made activities (click on button, insert text, etc.). This method allows designing the robot visually without programming. Templates for processes or logics (e.g. loops) also assist in assembling the robot. In addition, UiPath supports the option of modularization: self-written workflows can be saved as a file and invoked parameterized.
• UiPath Orchestrator:
  The Orchestrator, a browser-based server application, manages and controls all robots and processes for the entire enterprise. In the orchestrator's web console, processes are distributed, initiated, terminated, scheduled, queued and executed through the robots. In addition, the Orchestrator centralizes all log files and, in synergy with Elastic Search and Kibana, enables comprehensive and visually appealing monitoring.
• UiPath Robot:
  The robot carries out the processes and tasks designed for it automatically and precisely. It can be monitored or used unmonitored.

BENEFITS OF RPA AND UI PATH

• PRODUCTIVITY INCREASE OF CLERKS:
  By takeover of tasks that are monotonous for the clerk and do not match his skill profile; the clerk can dedicate himself to more productive activities.
• HIGHER PRECISION AND CONSISTENT QUALITY:
  Robots do not make any careless mistakes or typing errors. Task processing is therefore always correct and of continuous quality.
• EFFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT:
  A robot works every day without breaks or absences, the speed of the workflow increases and collaboration challenges (language, time zones, understanding problem) are eliminated.
• FLEXIBILITY AND SCALABILITY:
  Robots can be scaled arbitrarily. Peak times can be intercepted with robots, their use can be variably adapted to scenarios and operating times and there are no additional settings or advanced trainings required.
  Attended vs. unattended: Use of the robots is possible for front and back office and in combination.
• COMPLIANCE IMPROVEMENT:
  A robot adheres rigorously to its specifications and its actions are logged, thus enabling complete traceability. RPA with UiPath means: integration into any existing system (including Process Mining, BPM, Macros eWorkplace, SAP, Citrix, Java, etc.) through hundreds of pre-configured activities via API and their adaptation and extension via .NET.
• ROI:
  RPA enables fast modeling of robots, easy automation via templates, drag and drop and recording, thereby achieving ROI in the shortest possible time.
  
• ANALYSIS AND MONITORING:
  Fully configurable analysis and visualization of analysis results in the form of charts, pie charts, alarms etc.
• INVESTMENT SECURITY AND GREAT INNOVATION:
  through the large development team, the extensive community and high market penetration.

MACROS REPLY CONSULTING APPROACH

Robotic Process Automation is omnipresent and not a highly complex topic. However, experience has shown that many companies find it difficult to approach RPA or fully exploit the results of Process Mining. Both internally and externally, the important combination of knowledge about business processes, industry, subject-matter knowledge and deep IT is missing. This is where Macros Reply with its portfolio becomes active and offers its dedicated consulting service for all three "A's". The consulting portfolio is based on decades of expertise in processes and wording combined with technical knowledge, which stands out compared to the normal tool-based consultant.

• Visualization and analysis of the actual processes with Process Mining
• Identification and advice on the derivation of the resulting automation potentials by experienced Macros Reply specialists with knowledge of processes, industry, departments, subject-matter knowledge and IT
• Set up of a RPA governance for compliance with reusability, scalability and maintainability policies
• Stringing a suitable RPA prototype to automate a first (sub) process as an example
• Integration into existing system worlds and optimal orchestration of the robots
• Extension to other RPA missions
• Monitoring and orchestration of robots and processes
• Training of employees and / or support of the topic RPA by Macros Reply

Macros Reply adapts its commitment to your needs: depending on the scenario, we support you in parts, advise or completely undertake the RPA topic for your company or department.

Read more about Macros RPA and about Macros Triple A.