Introduction

Robotics Process Automation (RPA) has been a game-changer for businesses looking to automate repetitive and mundane tasks. By mimicking human actions, RPA software robots can perform tasks with high accuracy and speed, freeing up human resources for more strategic and creative work. However, with the increasing demand for RPA, businesses are starting to realize that it may not be the best solution for every automation need. In fact, according to a report by Gartner, “RPA will not be the right solution for 80% of organizations due to technical and operational challenges.” (1)

In this blog post, we will explore alternative solutions to RPA for business process automation. We will discuss the limitations of RPA and introduce four alternative solutions that can help businesses achieve their automation goals.

Limitations of RPA

While RPA has been successful in automating simple and repetitive tasks, it has several limitations that make it unsuitable for more complex processes. Some of the limitations of RPA include:

  • Inability to Handle Complex Decision-Making: RPA software robots are not equipped to handle complex decision-making or tasks that require human judgment.
  • Limited Integration with Other Systems: RPA software robots may not be able to integrate seamlessly with other systems and applications, which can limit their functionality.
  • Security and Compliance Risks: RPA software robots can pose security and compliance risks if not properly secured and monitored.

Alternative Solution 1: Business Process Management (BPM)

Business Process Management (BPM) is a holistic approach to managing business processes that involves designing, executing, and monitoring processes. BPM software provides a platform for businesses to model, simulate, and execute processes, and can be used to automate complex processes that involve multiple stakeholders and systems. According to a report by IDC, “BPM can help organizations achieve a 20% reduction in costs and a 15% improvement in productivity.” (2)

Alternative Solution 2: Low-Code Development Platforms

Low-code development platforms are visual environments that enable users to build applications without extensive coding knowledge. These platforms provide pre-built templates, drag-and-drop interfaces, and automated testing, which make it easier for users to build and deploy applications. According to a report by Forrester, “Low-code development platforms can reduce development time by up to 90% and improve application quality by up to 50%.” (3)

Alternative Solution 3: Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)

Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) is a type of automation that combines RPA with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to automate more complex processes. IPA software robots can learn from data and adapt to changing processes, making them more efficient and effective than traditional RPA software robots. According to a report by McKinsey, “IPA can help organizations achieve a 30% to 50% improvement in productivity and a 10% to 20% reduction in costs.” (4)

Alternative Solution 4: No-Code Automation Platforms

No-code automation platforms are cloud-based platforms that enable users to automate processes without any coding knowledge. These platforms provide pre-built automation templates, drag-and-drop interfaces, and automated testing, which make it easier for users to automate processes. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, “No-code automation platforms can help organizations achieve a 25% reduction in costs and a 15% improvement in productivity.” (5)

Conclusion

While RPA has been successful in automating simple and repetitive tasks, it may not be the best solution for every automation need. Alternative solutions such as BPM, low-code development platforms, IPA, and no-code automation platforms can provide more flexibility and functionality for businesses looking to automate complex processes. We hope this blog post has provided you with a better understanding of the limitations of RPA and the alternative solutions available. What are your thoughts on RPA and alternative automation solutions? Leave a comment below and let us know!

References:

(1) Gartner. (2020). “Gartner Says 80% of Organizations Will Not Be Ready for RPA by 2023.”

(2) IDC. (2019). “The Business Value of BPM: A Study of BPM Adoption and Benefits.”

(3) Forrester. (2020). “The State of Low-Code Development Platforms, 2020.”

(4) McKinsey. (2020). “The Future of Work: Intelligent Process Automation.”

(5) MarketsandMarkets. (2020). “No-Code Automation Market by Solution, Service, and Industry Vertical.”