Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
🦾 What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?
Robotic Process Automation, or RPA, is a type of computer software that does simple, repeated office work automatically — just like a human would do on a computer.
It does things like:
- Typing data into forms
- Copying and pasting information
- Sending emails
- Checking reports
- Creating bills or invoices
This software is called a “bot”. It is not a real robot – it’s just a computer program that works fast and without making mistakes.
🎯 Why do companies use RPA?
Companies use RPA because it saves time, money, and effort. It also:
- Reduces boring and repeated work for employees
- Avoids human mistakes
- Does the job 24×7 without any rest
- Increases speed and accuracy
- Improves customer service
🧾 Simple Example
Suppose an accountant has to:
- Check employees’ timesheets
- Make an invoice in ERP software
- Send the invoice to the client
- Send reminders for payment
This work is the same every month. So, RPA can do this automatically without human help. It saves time and makes fewer mistakes.
💼 Where is RPA used in finance?
- Banks: for credit card applications, checking documents, and approval process
- E-commerce & logistics: for tracking orders and delivery
- KYC Process: for checking and updating customer records
🏦 Real-Life Example: ICICI Bank
ICICI Bank started using RPA in 2016. They used over 200 software bots, and now they process more than 20 lakh transactions per day! This helped them become faster and more efficient.
⚠️ What are the problems with RPA?
- Lack of trained people to manage bots
- Some companies choose the wrong software
- Not all tasks can be automated – some need AI or human decisions
- Bots also need updates and regular care
- No clear plan or team can cause failure
🛡️ How to use RPA in the right way?
- Make a team with IT, HR, legal, and process experts
- Train employees to work with bots
- Plan clearly which tasks to automate
- Create a Center of Excellence (CoE) to manage RPA across departments
- Keep humans ready to support bots when needed
👨💻 Future Job Opportunities
RPA will not remove jobs but change jobs. People will need to learn new skills and do smarter work, while the bots do routine work.
According to McKinsey, by 2030, millions of people may switch jobs because of automation and technology.
✅ Final Thoughts
RPA is not a robot. It is smart software that helps humans do office work faster and better. It saves time, money, and effort. It is a big change in how companies work — and it will help India’s digital economy grow faster.
