Prepping for RPA: 5 Steps for Implementation Success

Just because you’re working from home and the world as we know it has changed doesn’t mean you can’t still lay the groundwork for a robotic process automation (RPA) implementation. RPA technology is still a game-changer when it comes to increasing efficiency of processes, no matter where your employees are working these days. And with your team working remotely, it’s actually more important than ever that as many processes as possible are automated, consistent and streamlined as employees can't hop from desk to desk to check on the process of invoices.

When it comes to preparing for an RPA integration, no matter where your team is located, we have some tips to get you and your team ready:

1. Educate yourself: Before you bring any other team members into your RPA implementation project, you need to make sure that you are educated on what RPA is, how it works and how it can benefit your department and business. Keep in mind that it’s much easier to get others on-board when you can answer their questions, explain the implementation process in-depth and make a business case.
2. Understand the types of processes that can be automated, and the ones that can’t: Not every task can or should be automated. The best place to start is with repetitive processes – those that involve a lot of manual work and a lot of monotonous work that is simple to duplicate. These processes don’t involve a lot of decision making or human intervention, so they’re the simplest to automate with the fewest complications, and also the ones your team will be glad to have off their plates.
3. Gather a team: Gathering a team is your greatest strength in the final pitch to your leadership team. It is also an opportunity to analyze the strengths and problem areas of other departments, and how an RPA implementation will affect – whether positively or negatively – other departments within your organization.
4. Determine which of your processes you should automate first: You and the team you’ve gathered now have the chance to discuss which processes should be automated first and which ones can wait until the technology is in place. Remember: The best place to start is with the most repetitive processes. These will not only free up time for employees who use those processes, but also will generate ROI the fastest. Additionally, it gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the technology so you can implement it into other areas down the road.
5. Pick your RPA vendor: You’ve done your research, read case studies, watched videos and gathered a team for input, so now it’s time to choose your vendor. When you know what your needs are, you can choose a vendor who will offer the expertise and support to move the project forward.

No matter which of these stages you’re at, it's never too late to start – even during COVID-19. It’s no secret that an RPA implementation is a big undertaking, but by setting yourself up in phases you can rest assured that the project will go smoothly, benefit your team and others in the organization, and provide long-term benefits.