Tungsten RPA enables automation of labor-intensive, multi-step tasks across systems and data sources with no coding.

RPA, or robotic process automation, delivers new levels of efficiency by using software to perform tedious and repetitive tasks normally done by humans. With this digital workforce carrying out their instructions, humans are free to focus on higher value tasks, such as engaging with customers. RPA works best for high volume task workflows with highly defined, rules-based processes and clear endpoints.

These robots interact with software interfaces as a human would and bring multiple potential benefits to business users. Costly errors and typos that create confusion are easy to eliminate with bots that always enter data correctly. Optimized and scaled RPA can reduce business operating costs and open the door to more advanced intelligent automation solutions as your business gains experience.

Any task that is repetitive, rules-based and takes place within typically static frameworks (such as software or a website with a format that rarely changes) is a candidate for RPA. If a worker can easily break down their process into a series of steps involving software interactions, you can probably build a robot to replicate that process.

RPA robots don’t make decisions; they follow rules. If the rules break or bend, bots break down, too. Tasks that require complex decision-making and the ability to handle exceptions aren’t ideal for RPA. However, they can be suitable for other forms of automation through a comprehensive intelligent automation platform.

Think of RPA as a foundation for workflow automation. Robots can often represent an easy pathway to initial automation “wins” through a low barrier to entry. As you integrate RPA into your organization, the integration may reveal shortcomings in processes that you weren’t aware of previously. That revelation can start the process of your business embracing additional workflow automation tools and the transformation of how you do business.

No—in fact, RPA functions at its best when it works alongside humans to empower workers to deliver more high-value work. A common RPA use case is automatically fetching customer account data so that customer service representatives can efficiently help a larger number of clients. RPA hasn’t replaced the rep in this example. Instead, it has taken over less-valuable but still fundamental duties.

Deploying RPA always starts with identifying automation opportunities and educating your colleagues on the benefits of such an investment. When a project gets the greenlight, a multi-stage lifecycle process combined with the right platform choices will allow you to launch your first bot within days or weeks.