4 ways to prepare for an automation resolution

Happy 2019! It’s a new year of technological developments, business growth and ongoing transformation, and we’re excited about it! As the new year begins, your organization may be considering investing in new technology, like a robotic process automation (RPA) solution.

Implementing new technology takes planning and careful prep work from multiple teams across your organization, and it’s important to set up the framework and make sure every team that will be affected by an RPA implementation is ready before any new technology is set up. Here are our top tips to prepare for a smooth RPA integration in 2019:

1. Get buy-in from the bosses. This may seem obvious because, but you don’t want them to simply give you the OK and leave you to your own devices; you want them to be involved as much as possible. Assuring that they understand the potential benefits of an automation solution will set you up for ongoing support in the future.
2. Prepare your controller. The controller is responsible for your company’s finances and, therefore, will likely be the person who experiences the greatest impact from RPA, as most RPA solutions are implemented into accounts payable or receivable departments. By preparing your controller, you can ensure that processes and procedures are honed and ready to be automated. Remember: RPA does not improve inefficient processes, it simply makes inefficient processes faster. So, before you even install automation software, check in with your controller and make sure that staff and procedures are ready.
3. Understand that RPA doesn’t eliminate humans. Make sure your staff knows the impact RPA will have on their jobs. At first glance, automation appears to be the tool that will make human employees obsolete. However, while automation will replace some tasks, the idea that the human worker will be unnecessary is far from the truth. It will not eliminate the need for the one thing humans have that machines don’t: authentic intelligence. Letting your staff know this is important to assure them that their jobs are not being lost to the robots.
4. Mitigate risk and set yourself up for opportunities. There is a risk with any big software implementation, but by preparing yourself for those possible risks and mitigating them before implementation even takes place, you can set yourself up well for the opportunities that RPA technology can bring.

New year, new tech. It’s time to prepare yourself and your team for a technology resolution that is sure to provide ongoing benefits from year to year.