Important Update
With the rise of technologies such as data science and machine learning, the IT industry has successfully brought the digital era. Robotic Process Automation, or RPA, is slowly making its way into the IT industry. But what will be the effects of implementing RPA on the current workforce?
Though RPA is implemented to increase the efficiency and reduce the errors caused by humans while carrying out tedious and repetitive processes, it does give rise to questions related to its implementation.
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RPA has moved the control from humans to machines with rich data sets and advanced algorithms. This means that the machines will make a majority of the decisions going forward. Let us have a look at some of the impacts that RPA will have on the existing workforce.
Workers who used to carry out menial tasks will no longer need to do them. Over the years, RPA will enhance itself with more capabilities, thereby reducing manpower.
RPA can be seen as a double-edged sword as the reduction of human input may result in an increased probability for employees to lose their jobs. RPA has the potential of eliminating jobs from the labor market.
RPA is still at development stages of innovation, which may result in unwanted outcomes. A recent study has suggested that 30% to 50% of the RPA projects initially fail. It may look promising in the beginning but may result in unexpected outcomes that may be harmful to your business.
The thought of what’s possible should not overshadow the practicality of the processes that need to be improved first. You have to be mindful when it comes to setting expectations for RPA.
Having robots in your office carrying out your work looks like a scene from a sci-fi movie, but you have to step out of your dream world and understand that RPA is a complex system. Your workforce may not get well along with RPA and may find it tough to master it.
You need to bring about some technical advancements for technical understandings through specialized training so that this threat could be turned into an opportunity.
The returns from RPA can be substantial and quite often occur very quickly, but you cannot put the stability of your company to risk if the returns are only marginal.
However, generally, there will be a repayment schedule available so that it is easy to afford and control the finances. You have to take into consideration the throughput, defects as well as an item of capital expenditure while implementing RPA.
The main objective behind implementing RPA is to empower the employees and not make them jobless. If you automate the tedious and boring tasks, your employees can apply their energy and intelligence in other productive aspects that will benefit your business.
You should see RPA as a platform for enhancing your workforce and not replacing it.
