Robotic Process Automation (RPA) promises dramatic gains in efficiency by automating repetitive, rules-based tasks. However, not all processes are equally suited for automation. Choosing the right processes is critical for RPA success and maximizing ROI.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:
- What makes a process an ideal RPA candidate
- A step-by-step approach to identify automation opportunities
- Real-world examples of impactful RPA use cases
- Best practices for getting leadership support
- Key considerations before implementation
Follow along as we demystify RPA prioritization and set your automation initiatives up for success.
What Makes a Process RPA-Ready?
RPA works best for processes that are:
- Rules-based – Can be reduced to a defined set of steps, conditions, and business logic
- Mature and stable – Not prone to frequent changes in policies or systems
- High-volume – Performed repeatedly without much variation
- Prone to human error – Automation minimizes costly mistakes
Processes that require significant human judgment or interpretation may not be ideal RPA candidates from the outset. However, sub-processes can often be automated to augment human workers.
For example, an underwriter assessing a complex insurance claim may still benefit from a bot gathering policy documents or extracting data from forms.
A Systematic Approach to Identify Automation Targets
Leverage Process Mining
Manually mapping processes across large enterprises can be impractical. This is where process mining solutions come in handy.
Process mining algorithms analyze system logs and workflows to discover processes, variants, volumes, bottlenecks, and interdependencies.
This data-driven insight makes it easy to pinpoint automation opportunities based on cost-benefit tradeoffs.
Prioritize High-Impact Business Processes
Not all processes are equal. To maximize ROI, RPA initiatives should target:
- Processes that impact revenues or customer experience
- Mission-critical workflows prone to business risk if delayed
- High exception rates indicating potential process issues
For example, order processing, IT service requests, customer onboarding, financial reconciliations, and regulatory reporting are prime automation targets.
Streamlining these functions has a multiplier effect on cost, quality, risk exposure, and competitive advantage.
Validate with Business Users
Technical feasibility alone shouldn’t drive RPA priorities. The people executing business processes day-to-day have valuable insights.
Collaborating with business users ensures you automate the right workflows, understand exceptions, and secure buy-in upfront.
Their input combined with process mining gives a 360-degree view to inform automation roadmaps.
Best Practices for RPA Planning
Here are key considerations when mapping out an automation journey:
- Balance key user priorities with technical or financial constraints
- Consider processes with extreme seasonal volume spikes
- Validate that new systems aren’t slated to replace legacy platforms
- Weigh accuracy needs – RPA works for fault-tolerant workflows
- Analyze sub-processes when full end-to-end automation isn’t feasible
Getting this prep work right is the foundation for RPA success.
Common and Impactful RPA Use Cases
While your company’s needs are unique, some common automation opportunities yield great results across industries:
- Invoice Processing – Bots efficiently extract data from invoices and feed into ERP systems
- Financial Reporting – Automated consolidations and report generation minimize errors
- IT Service Requests – Bots instantly respond to password resets, system access, etc
- Customer Onboarding – Automating repetitive data entry and document collection
- Claims Processing – Gathering supporting documents and populating forms
The processes above check all the boxes in terms of rules-based logic, high volume, and business impact – making them ideal RPA candidates.
Getting Leadership Buy-In
Even with strong technical and business cases, RPA projects compete for scarce budget and resources.
Here’s how to secure executive sponsorship:
- Lead with business outcomes over technology
- Model returns across revenue, cost efficiency, and customer experience
- Benchmark metrics against industry peers
- Relate to strategic priorities around growth, risk, and innovation
- Emphasize how RPA enables redeployment of talent to higher-value work
With thoughtful planning anchored in real-world impact, you can get stakeholders on board.
Next Steps Before RPA Implementation
Once target processes are identified, businesses must evaluate solutions and methodology.
Here are key pre-implementation steps:
- Shortlist RPA vendors aligned to use case complexity
- Define Phase 1 scope focusing on 1-2 high-ROI processes
- Analyze process gaps requiring optimization before automation
- Perform pilot testing under contained conditions
- Develop measures quantifying automation outcomes and ROI
Rushing into enterprise-wide automation without diligent planning risks failure. Our 12-step RPA implementation guide provides structured advice to set up bots for success.
Scheduling a free consultation with our RPA experts also lends insights tailored to your environment.
The Right Processes Unlock RPA Potential
Choosing automation targets warrants upfront effort but pays long-term dividends in performance and scalability.
This guide outlined a rigorous approach combining process mining, business input, and financial diligence.
Optimizing process selection, securing leadership buy-in, and piloting RPA responsibly sets the stage for transformative outcomes.
To discuss how automation can reshape operations, schedule a free consultation with our RPA specialists.