It has been said that the best way to predict the future is to create it yourself.  And if you want a glimpse of what this looks like, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) may be worth looking into for your business.  Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will soon become so seamlessly integrated into our lives that its impact will be almost imperceptible.  RPA is perhaps one of the best examples of how AI can augment human capabilities, rather than merely replacing them altogether.

Robotic Process Automation

Put simply, RPA is the means by which machines can learn how to replicate processes that are currently performed by humans.  Without this technology, it would be foreseeable that human jobs would be significantly more susceptible to being replaced over time.  However, over time (as illustrated below) we see that, in fact, the number of job opportunities that have increased by a significant margin is substantial.  Robotic Process Automation allows businesses to harness the power of AI without having to worry about its implications for human jobs!

In fact, according to research from Gartner, almost 90% of business process tasks could be automated by today’s RPA solutions.  This means that many companies are already well on their way to forming an enhanced Digital Cadence within their organization.

So how does Robotic Process Automation work?

Typically, RPA software creates a digital replica or ‘robot’ to perform a specific task or set of tasks within the company’s IT system.  For example, bots can read emails, invoices, contracts, purchase orders, etc.  These RPA bots can read these documents and execute their commands, while also interacting with other RPA software in order to perform certain tasks.  This RPA bot can make decisions based on its AI programming, which is what sets robotic process automation apart from traditional workflow automation tools that are simply triggered by a predetermined set of actions.

Benefits of Robotic Process Automation

RPA Bots provide several benefits for businesses.  Most importantly, RPA enables companies to meet customer demands quickly because processes are executed at speeds unimaginable via manual labor.  Further, RPA bots do not require sleep, rest, or breaks–so human employees will be able to take on higher value-added work! Additionally, RPA technology integrates seamlessly with existing solutions, be it legacy or current. Lastly, RPA does not require coding or technical expertise–making RPA a great option for companies that have in-house IT staff but don’t have any experience with programming.

So how will RPA affect me?

If you’re currently in the workforce, Robotic Process Automation is likely to be a boon for your career–not a detriment!  There are several reasons for this: First, RPA enables workers to focus on more high-value tasks involving critical thinking and emotional intelligence. Second, RPA will make it possible for many of these knowledge workers to work outside the office (at home), which can enable them to spend more time with their families.  And third, Robotic Process Automation will also allow companies to become more efficient and data-driven.

Bottom Line:

RPA is an exciting technology that will enable organizations of all sizes to work more quickly, accurately, and efficiently. RPA bots are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with existing solutions, so there’s no need for organizations to change the way they operate. Content Creators are also using some levels of automation to sustain their workflows. In the end, RPA allows current workers who have critical thinking skills or emotional intelligence to focus on these tasks–what you do with your hands will soon be irrelevant!