How to work with robots: a perspective from First Consulting
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is an innovative technology increasingly used to fully automate human steps in business processes. It is the automation of manual repetitive tasks using low code software such as UiPath, that can work across a variety of different applications and replicate complex or simple business processes.
RPA can be used to automate a complete end-to-end process, or can be used to aid and improve processes that still require some human interaction. At First Consulting, we are seeing that the view of robotic process automation (RPA) in the workplace is gradually moving away from the replacement of jobs and towards supporting employees to complete their daily manual tasks.
As businesses are becoming much more transparent with the ways in which automation is being used as part of the digital transformation journey, we believe that the next step is to ensure your current workforce are on board with this potentially daunting concept of working with robots.
At First Consulting, we have identified three key areas of focus that have proved effective across a number of clients to gain momentum with RPA and get staff engaged and enthusiastic:
Have your subject matter experts (SMEs) involved from the very start
Your SMEs are the ones who will know the processes the best, so be sure to obtain their opinions and keep those individuals closely involved throughout the whole process of robot development. This will also build trust that the robots will work as expected, encouraging the use of the automated processes once they are live. Additionally, your SMEs will be able to more effectively identify the areas where RPA can have the most impact and provide the most benefit, in both financial and non-financial terms.
Breach the divide between the business and technical teams
UiPath’s goal is “a robot for every person”, which they hope to achieve by supporting the increase of citizen developers. This will mean that anyone and everyone can build their own robots, so getting your workforce involved in both the business and technical side of RPA will fast track this inevitability.
At First Consulting we have seen multiple examples of business individuals involving themselves with or even transferring into the RPA team, changing their jobs with the changing times. With the right training, which is freely available online as part of the UiPath Academy, or through First Consulting, your SMEs can become some of your strongest RPA team members.
Introduce the robots to the team
This is an approach that can create excitement around the use of RPA within the workplace and a simple way to advertise the successes of RPA within your business. Hosting a “Name the Robot” competition and distributing demo videos of working robots can build up the excitement and confidence required internally. It also normalises the use of robots as part of a normal workday and celebrates having robots as part of the team. People don’t know what they don’t know – show them!
The key to success for any RPA implementation is the people. Keeping key individuals closely involved throughout the process and spreading a positive message about having a robot as simply another member of the workforce will encourage and promote the use of RPA, and allow your people to focus on tasks they find interesting, and which drive most value for your organisation.
At First Consulting, we work closely with our clients throughout the entire RPA journey, supporting with all aspects of this digital transformation. To find out more, see our company profile.
