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.
West London
3 Brook Business Centre,
Cowley Mill Road,
Uxbridge, UB8 2FX
East London
London, E11 1GA
South London
London Bridge
73–81 Southwark Bridge Road,
London, SE1 0NQ
City London
London, EC2M 1JH
We believe we are more than just your average accountancy firm. Our goal at Barnes Roffe is to engage our clients through a proactive relationship, which provides you with the resources and tools you need to enable you to take charge of your finances with confidence.
Tax news, audit news and any new accounting news ... with the help of our topical tips, blogs and key guides you can enjoy the benefit of being regularly informed of business and accounting updates which are likely to be relevant to you and your business.
PLEASE NOTE: By the very nature of this type of information the details of tax law might have changed since they were published, so contact your Barnes Roffe partner before acting on any matter contained in these documents.