As we stated in the first part of this article in which we presented this topic, RPA deployment and implementation is very easy if you know what procedures need to be automated, and it happens fast.
In this second article on this topic, we will present the next and final 6 steps to be followed for a perfect RPA deployment and implementation.
6. Upgrade the process
7. Choose the partners
8. Solution development
9. Testing the solution
10. Run a pilot
11. Go live
12. Set up a team responsible for RPA deployment and maintenance
6. Upgrade the process
Processes evolve as a result of regulatory pressures and market pressures. Therefore, most procedures have significant potential for advancement.
Before proceeding with the RPA implementation, it is worthwhile to look for improvements in the process as process improvements can:
- Simplify the procedure
- make it more understandable, reducing the programming and auditing effort
- enhance customer experience
7. Choose the partners
For the best and fast RPA deployment, you have to choose your partners wisely. While it may look like a fast & inexpensive approach to use only one RPA solution for RPA deployment, case studies suggest that companies save significant time and money with a best-of-breed approach (i.e. using procedure mining and machine learning tools together with RPA).
Pick your process mining/ task mining solution
While it is not compulsory to use a procedure mining solution for an RPA implementation, using a procedure mining alternative helps companies:
- Prioritize automation opportunities
- Understand processes in detail
- Track procedure changes after RPA execution to make sure that the installation is successful.
RPA solution and RPA implementation partners
Since RPA is an evolving discipline with new alternatives like no-code RPA, it’s helpful to spend a little bit of time to comprehend the most recent list of things to pay attention to while purchasing an RPA solution.
Also, if your organization is low on manpower or expertise in RPA, you are able to partner with a consulting business or BPO provider to help your organization automate its process.
8. Solution development
First, a detailed process map has to be ready to identify which portions of the process will be automated. The participation of subject matter experts from your business is critical when preparing the process map. This is particularly relevant if the process isn’t well documented.
After the role of RPA bots from the procedure is explained, RPA robots can start being programmed. Trade-offs such as quicker installation vs more flexibility must be addressed while creating the solution. Next, lean software development and quality assurance procedures will ensure that technical teams and business are on the same page and progressing.
A recent development is the launch of RPA marketplaces that offer reusable plugins/bots to ease RPA development. Implementation teams are well-advised to have a look at their RPA platform’s market for readily available code, not re-invent the wheel.
9. Testing the solution
The importance of testing cannot be over-emphasized. Always test the solution before implementation.
10. Run a pilot
Set targets for the pilot: These could be about precision (e.g. share of successfully processed statements) or automation (e.g. cases completed without human intervention).
Run a live pilot: Every day, the team responsible for the method reviews a random choice of bot output.
Evaluate pilot results: Run a comprehensive evaluation considering rare instances and difficult inputs. Just finalize the pilot when previously agreed targets are met.
11. Go live
After testing, if the results are the ones you expect, and no further changes have to be made, the next logical step is to go live. How?
- Design the governance of a new, bot-driven procedure with assistance from the present team.
- Clarify roles and responsibilities
- Construct a fallback strategy: A fallback plan will be useful if the RPA solution requires rework after roll-out. Though such a plan wouldn’t be used the majority of the time, it’s quite beneficial to be prepared when a fallback is necessary.
- Go live: Communicate the new procedure to all relevant stakeholders and go live!
- Analyze the results
12. Set up a team responsible for RPA deployment and maintenance
Due to changes in the marketplace and regulation, you’ll want or have to modify your processes. Putting in place a competent team responsible for the RPA deployment and installation is vital for the future success of your bots. Businesses either set up Centres of Excellence (CoEs), work with service providers, or educate their company employees on preserving the existing RPA bots and develop new automation. To support the team accountable for RPA deployments, process mining tools can help them track changes in processes and because of this, identify when RPA bots will need to be maintained or modified.
Do you think you have a process that can be automated? Contact us to see how we can help you!