Robotic automation has taken many industries by storm. Industries are trying to achieve automation slowly or rapidly depending upon their requirements. There is a generic level of automation taking place at all levels in an organization.

What is Robotic Process Automation?

RPA is a simple software bot that has the ability to replicate human tasks, provided they are straightforward, recurring & structured. Therefore, they are predominantly utilized for the back-office and at times front-office tasks consumed by data entries & arithmetic.

Robotic Automation entered the office environment to supplement humans in order to execute mundane, linear and laborious tasks. Previously, these tasks utilized human time and energy. Humans now are in an advantageous position to take up challenging tasks like customer service, revenue generation and self-performance.

Primarily there are two types of Robotic Automation bots that can be deployed in an organization.

• Attended bots - where human interaction is required to start or stop.
• Unattended bots - where human interaction is not needed and can work independently.

Also Read: Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in the long run

What are Attended RPA bots and their benefits?

Attended Robotic Automation (RPA) bots mostly cater to the front-office activities, and are actively put into use when the entire process cannot be fully automated. Therefore, these robots function alongside humans, to say lightly they behave like personal assistants to humans.

Benefits of attended RPA bots:

1. Task centric:
   Deployment is rapid and simple as there is only a minimum set-up requirement. It is easier to integrate with the current workflow. They have structured and specific tasks to perform and they stick to them and provide excellent services.
2. Enhance customer loyalty:
   Employees are now relieved that they have a virtual assistant helping them during customer service. Instead of switching between various applications to collect data, bots get the information and keep it ready. Now the employee can focus on the customer queries to solve their problem.
3. An early ROI:
   Every investment is expected to bring an early return. With the elimination of wasted time, unnecessary errors, postponed deliverables, the firms are able to realise a quick ROI.

What are unattended RPA bots and their benefits?

Unattended Robotic Automation (RPA) bots, once programmed, can work independent of any human intervention. It executes tasks and interacts with applications without any user input. They can be triggered by events and be pre-scheduled when and where to start.

Benefits of unattended bots:

1. Uninterrupted functioning:
   This special capability of bots functioning tirelessly round the clock helps to increase productivity. Unlike humans or attended bots it seamlessly functions uninterrupted, delivering accurate and rapid results. These types of robots are used across all types of industries but specifically in service sectors like healthcare, telecommunication, etc.
2. Reduction in operating cost:
   Firms deploying these robots get greater benefit by eliminating errors, enhancing accuracy, adherence to compliance and reduction of repetitive tasks. So, firms are not forced to recruit additional employees to fulfill deadlines. Increased production brings savings in the form of profit and reduced operational costs.
3. Synchronized task execution:
   Once the bots are programmed for execution of tasks, the administrators are freed to concentrate on other priority tasks. For example, if accounts payable bots are coded to process the invoices; the bots will search for the right email, download the attached invoice, start recording the details in the applications, check details, validate and send for approval.
4. Remote access:
   Companies enjoy the advantage of running bots on any platform convenient for them, cloud, private servers etc. Therefore, employees can access the interface remotely and perform their assigned tasks like reporting, auditing etc. without any restrictions.

Also Read: Five industries witnessing a surge in RPA bot automation

Which type of Robotic automation is suitable for my firm?

Both have their share of merits, but firms usually take decisions based on time and processes. Attended Robotic Automation (RPA) bots enjoy the freedom of shorter time efficiency, whereas unattended Robotic Automation (RPA) bots are for a longer period of time.

Finally, both bots are helpful for firms to establish a strong business foundation. They achieve it through accuracy in results, flexibility to scale, simpler to deploy, integration with other applications & well marked workflows.

If your firm is thinking about deciding which Robotic automation (RPA) bots to deploy, we have got the expertise to advise the best for your firm. Talk to our automation experts to learn more about accounting automation and how it will work in your environment.