Robotic Process Automation<\/a> (RPA) seems to be everywhere these days. Tools like UiPath<\/a> and Microsoft\u2019s Power Automate<\/a> are launching new features at breakneck speed while teasing huge gains in operational efficiency.<\/p>\n RPA is a type of automation that replaces manual tasks and processes with automation ranging from spreadsheet and email handling to website and legacy application integration. It works directly with user interfaces \u2014 just like a user might \u2014 but can incorporate APIs as well as advanced features like machine learning and optical character recognition.<\/p>\n With the promise of easy-to-use tools and big ROI, many organizations have been quick to dive in and start rolling out their own bots. However, some now find their RPA programs<\/a> unable to scale, stalling out, or just not meeting expectations.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve invested in RPA, then this may, unfortunately, sound familiar. But fear not! Chances are that RPA can still boost your organization, so before you write it off \u2014 or if you\u2019re just starting your journey and looking for pitfalls to avoid \u2014 consider these common challenges and strategies to overcome them.<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to overstate the importance of business users \u2014 your boots on the ground \u2014 to a successful RPA program. Even if they aren\u2019t building bots, users should be excited to raise ideas, eager to improve processes<\/a> and committed to supporting automation efforts. Your program depends on it. Here\u2019s how to involve them:<\/p>\n As the number of automations grows, so too does the effort to maintain them. This is natural and expected \u2014 until the burden becomes too great. Don\u2019t wait until it\u2019s too late, or you might end up drowning in support tickets, forced to add resources that cut into the program\u2019s overall value or worse.<\/p>\n Perhaps the most pervasive challenge facing RPA programs is maintaining a healthy pipeline of automation ideas. Obvious use cases are often picked off early, leaving your team to scrounge for candidates after an initial RPA boom. So, what do you do when your backlog is ebbing?<\/p>\n1. Collaborate with Business Users<\/h2>\n
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2. Reduce RPA Maintenance Overhead<\/h2>\n
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3. Broaden Your Automation Horizons<\/h2>\n
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