The world of tech is rapidly changing. New software systems are being developed all the time to assist businesses in working more efficiently.

One such tool is the rise of robotic processing. Using powerful software tools, it is possible to automate repetitive processes in your business.  The advantages of such automation are:

• The systems can mimic human interaction with your systems or have direct data exchanges into the systems.
• They can work across all applications including legacy applications (just as a human can).
• It is non-invasive to existing systems, running alongside your systems, processing data as if it was a human operator.
• They can work quickly and accurately – faster and more accurate than a human, particular when performing mundane and repetitive tasks.  It does not make mistakes, it does not get tired.
• The availability of the virtual workforce can be automatically ramped up or down to handle peaks and troughs, or work overnight.

For example, if you are onboarding a new member of staff you might have to enter details from a joining form into your HR software, payroll software, create accounts in your IT systems, undertake security checks, create a welcome pack, notify people in the organisation, book resources for training, communicate with the company’s pension provider or the benefits provider, notify facilities management, and much more.  If this is a frequent process, and for some organisations it is, the process can be done in seconds as opposed to hours. The system will handle information provided quickly and accurately, it will send automated notices when the information is inaccurate (e.g. an expected phone number does not have sufficient digits) or incomplete (e.g. a field on the initial form has not been completed correctly). These systems can be set up with balances and checks to avoid nonsense data being accepted. They cannot make up missing information and will be perfectly accurate. They will escalate queries to a real person when they need to.

As another example, order processing from an online form can be automated, taking the order for the goods, setting up the customer in your database, placing the order on your inventory management, copying the delivery address across, undertaking a credit check or taking payment, despatching acknowledgements of the order or when the goods ship, etc.

These systems can massively reduce the time taken to process the required data. Many organisations use such systems, where they need to automate a large process or where they need to move data frequently between legacy computer systems and a complete re-write of the separate systems is not feasible.

Currently, the major market leader in automation technology is UiPath Automation Platform – Leading RPA Company | UiPath. But don’t panic! The robots haven’t taken over yet, but they can help you where necessary. Consultants such as VKY Automation, who we thank for assisting with this Topical Tip, can assist in putting together a feasibility study and project plan to automate your processes and create a more efficient business.

If you have any queries or would like to discuss further, please contact your Barnes Roffe partner for a referral to our chosen consultants.