Robotic Process Automation (RPA) was once considered as a technology platform capable of automating linear, repetitive and structured data. Now this simple innovation has morphed with machine learning, artificial intelligence to scale its skill set to find solutions even for complex tasks.

As per reports from Fortune Business Insights “Robotic Process Automation” Market to Hit USD 6.10 Billion by 2027 and it is backed by increasing demand for digitalization. Business leaders have unanimously accepted that maintaining their industries is impossible without automation. In order to stay abreast to meet the challenges and responsibilities of their firm, they cannot afford to stay behind the digital transformation curve.

Businesses are enthusiastically climbing the ladder of the automation journey. However, it is always easier said than done, because there are many factors and impediments to be considered before embarking. In terms of pricing, scaling, employee resistance, implementation, future scaling etc.

It is extremely important and beneficial for firms before embarking on deploying a Robotic automation mission, to have a thorough understanding and checklist for guidance.

Also read : What methodology adopted in selecting the processes to implement Robots

Important points for using checklist during deploying robotic automation in your firm.

1. Introduce - a well planned and executable strategy for Robotic Automation:
   The success of any strategy needs to be aligned with the objectives of the business, which depends on its employees, mechanism and its processes. Therefore, the planned strategy can be executed by utilizing the human resources for identifying places where automation bot can be utilized. Later educate the employees how to co-work with the robots executing the processes.
2. Recognise - places ideal for income generation through deploying RPA:
   The success of an accounting firm is established through satisfied clients. This is feasible only through meeting client deadlines, accurate services and easy access / availability round the clock. When Robotic automation is deployed in areas such as marketing or customer care in addition to the financial area, then it is going to generate additional revenue.
3. Locate - areas where time & resources are wasted, but conducive for RPA:
   Usually, ideal processes are identified for Robot automation. Most common area within a firm happens to be Finance and Accounting (accounting automation & bookkeeping automation) which sets the stage for automation. However, automation is not just about processes, it is about elimination of unproductive labour and time. Some places where it is justified are:
   
   1. Sales
   2. Marketing
   3. Human resources (email processing bots)
   4. Payroll (payroll bots)
4. Initiate - areas where processes are standardized for deploying automation:
   It is recommended to start automation where the process is already standardized. The obvious division is finance & accounting where there is a huge amount of data entry tasks. The early gains can be witnessed through applying attended or attended bots depending on the processes.
   Unattended bots take care of repetitive and recurring tasks which function under a set precondition. Attended bots are aided by human intervention since the process is fragmented and has to be started with the help of employees.
5. Expand - in a phased manner automation deployment:
   With Robotic automation popularity soaring, there are innumerable case studies and first-hand experiences. This helps many firms to have an idea about how to deploy, yet, each firm has its own legacy and is unique.
   For starters, line employees are well versed in handling repetitive, time-consuming jobs that are department specific. They are well qualified to address the issues and how adapting RPA is beneficial. It is necessary to empower them to identify areas, design and develop with the RPA team and finally implement.
   Therefore, from a small pilot project to begin with, it can be gradually phased out and scaled depending upon the need.
6. Assemble - a team with the right skill set for deploying automation:
   For a success story to emerge, it is necessary to build a team inclusive of members from management, employees from respective departments, operations, IT etc. Only then it will be possible for the deploying team to understand exactly what is required, the hurdles to cross, time needed, cost involved, how to achieve. Only through a suitable think-tank can we attain a successful implementation.
7. Prepare - the management for achievable goals after deploying RPA:
   There is always a misconstrued notion amongst Management that only RPA is deployed and all the problems related to the firm will be resolved. Automation is not a magical formula for overhauling the firm’s structure. Definitely, it helps in filling the gaps which were not mastered by humans. It achieves its target through accuracy, capturing time element, refined outcomes, and non-stop efficient performance.
   Through these activities it helps in building customer/client satisfaction, stand out among its competitors, and help in the overall productivity of the company. But internal problems need to be resolved by the management, not through automation.
8. Promote - the benefits to both employees and management by deploying RPA:
   Does Robotic automation bring ROI earlier or after some time is very subjective, depending upon various factors. Yet, it reduces the operating costs slowly and steadily once RPA is introduced in stages. Furthermore, management should tutor the benefits to employees to brace themselves for sharing space with a robot. They also need to accept change and support this initiative. This bonding helps to foster a culture of transparency, innovation and goodwill.

Also read: How do Accounting firms and bookkeeping practices ensure their data security during deployment of robots?

Does your firm understand the need for innovation and start thinking about deploying automation in accounting? Our accounting automation experts can help in providing you with the right solution. Please contact us to find out how our accounting automation solutions can help your firm.