RPA Integration - People, Process & Technology
People
Connect appropriate IT functions as early as possible in the robotic process automation (RPA) timeline
It is essential to be provisioned access to internal networks, applications, and infrastructure early on, but it takes time and approval
Create a reliable channel of communication between the RPA developers and the project managers
Problems should be raised to the project managers as early as possible because if they linger without being addressed, they can turn into huge problems quickly.
Fully establish expectations for handover
If you plan to hand over a live RPA solution to a support team, you need to ensure that they are provided with full documentation as well as a process and solution overview.
Identify the support team early and align with their needs during the design and configuration stages
Process
When automating a process, avoid deviating from the original, agreed-upon scope unless it is a consensus that has been formally signed off
This prevents misaligned objectives and wasted development time and reinforces the need for thorough planning
Make sure that the existing processes are fully documented and double-check important metrics and assumptions with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Sometimes, SMEs may provide inaccurate or conflicting information that can go unnoticed unless it is cross-checked
A function not directly related to the implementation needs to be made aware of the impact it may have on the organization as a whole and the organization’s ways of working
RPA can have significant impacts on downstream processes such as volume bottlenecks
Technology
RPA objects and components should be built with reusability as a focus. They should be organized into libraries and centrally governed
This will help you avoid repeating work that has already been completed
Understand the interactions between supporting applications and RPA when it comes to development and testing
Make sure you not only enlist application-specific personnel when needed but also test a wide variety of cases to catch potential bugs or problematic interactions
Comments