10 Examples of RPA Pushing the Boundaries of Automation

Robotic process automation (RPA) is transforming organizations worldwide. Considering it’s more accessible and affordable to integrate than many similar technologies, it can push the boundaries of automation. On that note, here are some of the best examples of RPA in action. 

1. Level One Tech Support

RPA can address low-level tech support issues that are relatively simple but time-consuming. For example, it can update software, reset passwords or perform basic troubleshooting. Its work on these repetitive tasks could save information technology (IT) professionals hours every day.

Tech support is one of the most relevant examples of RPA, considering IT departments worldwide have been experiencing a skills shortage for years. While 56% of industry leaders say they don’t have enough staff, 64% feel new applicants lack experience. This technology offers one of the few feasible solutions to this sector-wide labor scarcity.

2. Compliance Management 

Out of all examples of RPA, compliance management has to be one of the most complex. It involves aggregating data of different formats from various sources, monitoring everyday operations and reporting results to regulatory agencies. Needless to say, any software involved in the process must be highly accurate. 

Of course, RPA can achieve high accuracy better than humans. This fact is especially true considering it can run on triggers, meaning it responds to potential non-compliance instead of on an arbitrary schedule. The result is a rapid, precise report of company-wide compliance. 

RPA-driven compliance management is already something many companies have implemented. Considering experts believe RPA’s global market value will reach $13.4 billion by 2030 — a $12 billion increase from 2020 — it’s no surprise people want to integrate it into their organization in some way.

3. Hiring 

On average, human resource (HR) professionals spend three to six weeks recruiting one new candidate. Since much of the process involves repetitive, rule-based tasks like sorting through applicants, updating job postings and reaching out to potential hires, RPA can take over.

This technology can source and screen candidates to filter out the duds before the stack of resumes ever reaches a human’s desk. Automation will give HR professionals more time to complete value-rich tasks and establish a better connection with potential hires. 

4. Complaint Processing 

One of the best examples of RPA involves complaint processing. Usually, people are the only ones who can effectively handle angry customers because the situations are so nuanced. However, this technology can take over because it mimics humans effectively. Plus, it can resolve issues faster and work during off-hours.

RPA can remedy any scenario that aligns with existing complaints. If it comes across anything it’s never encountered, it can sort that issue into a new category. The same principle applies to overly complex grievances. In the rare instance it comes across something too complicated, it can alert a customer service professional and have them take care of things.

5. Billing

Automated billing is one of the best examples of RPA in action. It can minimize human error, improving accuracy and lowering administrative overhead costs. Since it bills automatically, organizations will potentially see returns faster. 

6. Database Maintenance 

Many organizations need to manage their databases better. Instead of storing unnecessary, corrupted or obsolete information, they can use RPA to organize everything. It can clear redundancies, delete unessential data and update anything outdated.

Database maintenance is one of the best examples of RPA functioning in a complex setting. Since organizations can make their software bots respond to specific triggers, they can seamlessly automate this task — even though it usually requires a human touch.

7. Diagnostic Testing 

Diagnostic testing is one of the best examples of RPA pushing the boundaries of automation. Previously, IT professionals have had to carry out repetitive, monotonous tests on company systems to identify and resolve any issues. Now, software bots can carry it out and fix any low-level tech problems. Organizations can set them to trigger whenever they detect an anomaly in system performance. 

8. Onboarding Management 

Onboarding is usually lengthy and tedious — HR professionals often spend at least one month on it. That being said, humans don’t really need to be involved. Generally, the process is only so time-consuming because there’s so much administrative work and paperwork involved. Needless to say, RPA can easily automate these things. 

When it comes to new hires, RPA can automatically share job details, send over the necessary paperwork, guide them through training and delegate tasks when they run out of work. It can even answer common questions, saving managers and HR professionals time. 

9. Offboarding Management 

Typically, people are directly involved with offboarding because it’s such a nuanced situation. Depending on the reason for an employee’s exit, it can be an emotional, unorganized period. That being said, RPA shows a lot of potential in this area. It can take over rule-based paperwork, documentation, communication and information retrieval duties.

Offboarding management is one of the best examples of RPA automating complex tasks. This technology can retrieve a person’s account information, send them offboarding paperwork, schedule their exit interview and wipe them from the company systems — safeguarding proprietary data and saving everyone involved as much time as possible.  

10. Returns Processing 

Returns processing is another one of the best examples of RPA pushing the boundaries of automation. Although it seems like a relatively straightforward process, it often becomes overly complicated. People often miss the return window, want compensation, try to send back non-returnable items or want a pre-paid shipping label. 

There’s also the issue of fault — the person processing the return has to determine whether it’s valid or not. They can send a replacement, issue a refund, direct the customer to the shipping company or deny the return outright. Although these variables might make it seem overly complicated, RPA can easily take on the work.

Truthfully, this process is primarily rule-based. RPA can operate on an if-then framework to resolve things as quickly as possible. Also, people can get returns processed in off-hours since software bots can continue operating constantly, saving customer service agents time. 

These Examples of RPA Prove Its Worth

These examples of RPA performing complex duties prove how valuable it is. Although it is mainly limited to rule-based tasks, it can still fully or partially automate high-functioning tasks.