Published By: Shrippad Mhaddalkar
Date: April 11, 2020

Let’s start the process for RPA (Robotic Process Automation). This was the call from the stakeholders.

“Hey, but from where do I start this prestigious journey?” This was the thought that cropped up in my mind 4 years back when I started this journey.

Let’s look at what we have now:

• Process documents (SOPs)
• Business excellence team or a competency analysis available
• Documented standardized process flows

If anyone of the above is missing, let’s start with BPM (Business Process Management) first:

What Next?

1. Now you know all the critical processes which have a higher ROI with respect to automation candidature
2. Simulate the processes in IGRAFX tool, if available, for determining key critical paths, loops and failure modes
3. Streamline the steps to arrive with a reduced MUDA
4. Consider implementing Business Process Automation prior to RPA.
   Example:1) Consider whether an existing system or application can be overhauled with resident app features. 2) ITSM tool can integrate with AD and here Automation is not required to integrate with AD for managing Access Management related tickets
5. Post the stage where BPA is deployed, look at the process cycle time to check for the need for automation
6. If there is a need, build a target operating model with RPA solution architect and business analyst
7. Avail the required collaterals (data gathering phase) such as access credentials, web links, workflow specimens, email templates required in your processes
8. Share automation recommendations to business and request a sign-off
9. Now kick off the RPA development phase
10. Regression and UAT is likely to go smoothly if an effective bot is deployed in production