Implementing bots and robotics process automation (RPA) can be an exciting way to improve efficiency and reduce costs within an organization. However, RPA programs require ongoing support and maintenance to function effectively and deliver value.<\/p>\n
In fact, Forrester has found that 45 percent of companies experience weekly bot breakdowns<\/a>, often resulting from a lack of this process. Proper support and maintenance ensure RPA programs run smoothly, adapt to changes and meet the business\u2019s needs. Without it, automation programs may suffer from errors, inefficiencies and a lack of user adoption.<\/p>\n In this post, we will explore why RPA requires support and maintenance, the consequences of neglecting these steps, and strategies for mitigating risks while maximizing the value of your automation program.<\/p>\n RPA programs<\/a> may require more support and maintenance than expected for many reasons. First, the tools currently on the market are designed to be easy to use, even for non-technical business users or entry-level developers. That means people may develop automations monolithically without considering outside influences or constraints.<\/p>\n For example, a subject matter expert (SME) may design an automation based on their own understanding of a process without considering how changes to the system or other variables might affect their automation. The result may be their automations are inflexible and prone to breaking when faced with unexpected changes. As automations evolve, different developers may also offer different solutions for common scenarios, which can lead to inconsistencies and increased support costs.<\/strong><\/p>\n Another reason RPA programs may require more support and maintenance is that RPA is sensitive to any changes to the user interfaces of the applications it interacts with. For example, if the layout or function of a website or software application changes<\/a>, it can affect how the RPA bot interacts with the system. You could also automate changes to the business process, which may require additional changes you need to address in the bot code.<\/p>\n In addition, incomplete requirements can drive-up support costs and prevent the project from reaching its ROI goals. For example, if a developer designs an automation to work with a specific version of an application, but the company upgrades to a newer version, the automation may no longer work as intended. You may need a significant effort to update the automation to work with the new version of the application.<\/p>\n Overall, RPA programs can require more support and maintenance due to a combination of factors, including inflexible automations, sensitivity to environmental changes and incomplete requirements.<\/strong> By understanding these challenges and taking steps to address them, you can improve the support and maintenance of your RPA program and ensure its long-term success.<\/p>\n When your team focuses on RPA support and maintenance, they are dedicating a significant portion of their time and resources to ensuring the RPA program is functioning properly and any issues that arise are dealt with promptly. This process may involve monitoring the bots’ performance, identifying and fixing bugs, and implementing updates and upgrades.<\/p>\nWhy Do RPA Programs Require Support and Maintenance?<\/h2>\n
What Happens When Your Team Prioritizes RPA Support and Maintenance?<\/h2>\n