Businesses of all industries are implementing RPA solutions at a rapid pace to help speed operations and automate repetitive, manual tasks with more accuracy and efficiency. With this hot technology taking ground, some organizations are unfortunately implementing without a proper RPA roadmap and are not considering the challenges that may arise along the way, resulting in failed implementations and undesirable results. To assist in this process, below we list out some challenges to consider in the RPA implementation process.

Common Challenges with RPA Implementations

1. Conducting an Inaccurate Feasibility Assessment

Conducting RPA feasibility is a very significant step to have a clear understanding of the automation journey. Many businesses fail in their RPA journey for doing so inaccurately. Process feasibility stands out as one of the critical steps in the RPA framework, which involves process examination and technical feasibility. To ensure an accurate and thorough assessment, form a team of SME and automation experts to conduct the assessment by considering the following parameters: The process of automation, from project planning, to developing, deploying, supporting, maintaining and managing.

(Learn how to perform an RPA feasibility assessment here)

2. Choosing Inappropriate Processes to Automate

Not all processes are suited for RPA. For example, some processes require decision making and cognitive abilities. In these such cases, RPA is not a good fit. Perform process mining to identify the processes that are best suited for RPA-based automation, which uses a data-driven approach to decide, rather than human inference.

3. Lacking an Understanding of Integrations

An efficient RPA implementation requires robust integration with numerous business processes, applications, systems and technologies. Proper integration can lead to smarter, more efficient automation possibilities. To achieve this, consider a strategic approach. Find the right RPA vendor and tool that helps expand operations in accordance with defined business requirements.

Most RPA solutions focus only on particular regions of business operations, rather than the overall vision of the automation journey. In such situations, consider adding new capabilities to the present RPA tool as needs grow. Every RPA tool has unique capabilities and limitations, so it's important to clearly understand each tool's potential.

4. Possessing Data Bias

Data efficiency is critical to the success of any RPA implementation. An immense amount of data in various formats is sourced from enterprise systems, so it's crucial to have efficient practices to gather, classify and interpret that data for RPA applications to conduct process automation correctly. Data bias is a major challenge that negatively impacts this success, as data bias aims to use a data set not adequate for analysis. Data bias may occur from the data source itself, in the data gathering process, or in the categorization process.

5. Keeping an RPA Implementation on Track

Every business that deploys RPA expects a smooth ride and superior results, but none expect RPA to burden the automation process with bots that are unpredictable and generate unwarranted distractions.

Be sure to perform an examination of the selected RPA tool in terms of reliability and trustworthy service to ensure a seamless result. Begin by assessing the RPA tool possibilities to accommodate numerous users:

Does it result in any errors in the automation process?
To what extent of ease can the errors be detected and resolved devoid of human interference?
If manual intervention is required, to what extent does it demand human effort, time and cost?

The RPA tool must have its specific set of configuration tools customized to deal with various disputes.

6. Scope of Usability

In choosing the right RPA tool, one needs to look at the scope of usability the tool offers. An RPA tool is installed to speed up manual and repetitive business processes, so the RPA solution must deliver greater ease with less complexity. Though some tools offer a wide range of advanced and attractive features, they may be lacking in their usability and flexibility. Such tools also demand higher prices and need intense training to use. So again, when selecting the preferred RPA tool, consider the ease of usability the tool offers. The enhanced usability and flexibility can lead to swift progress and improved operational efficiency and productivity.

7. Extent of Adaptability

Flexibility is one of the pivot aspects of an RPA solution or any software solution for that matter. There's always a chance a business may not discover an application that complies with its defined automation needs. In such cases, businesses should work with the RPA vendor in designing the RPA solution that provides enough flexibility to accommodate ongoing changes or customizations as needed. This will save on extra costs that might otherwise incur by paying for additional customizations at a later stage.

8. Dismissal of Support Services

Like any other service or product, RPA tools are not just deployed and forgotten about. While choosing the right RPA tool, make sure the vendor can assist with evolving business requirements over time. The vendor should provide effective assistance to reduce delays in implementation and reinforce maintenance processes. Preferably, the vendor should also provide usage training, supporting documents, and a team to offer timely assistance.

9. Misconceptions to Get Over

In addition to considering the challenges that can arise with implementation, the following are RPA misconceptions that can also be hurdles to the process: