Lessons in RPA – Don’t slavishly copy the human process – ‘Re-imagine IT!’

When developing your robotic automation, the temptation is to look at the existing human process, document all the current manual steps and tasks, and programme the robot to replicate them. Unsurprisingly, you will get the same outcome – but typically around three times quicker. Job done … right?  Well, not necessarily……… if you slavishly copy the human process you may not be getting the best out of the software. Also, this […]

Lessons in RPA – Benefits identification is easy, benefits realisation isn’t…

In Lesson 4 we talked about focusing on value, not savings. Expanding on that theme, let’s consider the difference between identifying benefits and delivering them. They are not the same! Many projects show fantastic returns in their business case, but how many have genuinely delivered when it comes to the post-implementation review? Importantly, how much time is wasted trying to justify why it fell short!  Here’s […]

Lessons in RPA – Focus on value, not savings … and avoid being parochial!

In Lesson 3 we talked about the importance of filtering and prioritising your opportunities. Building on that, it’s crucial that you think creatively about what value your investment can bring. The traditional view of RPA is to undertake manual tasks so you can reduce your labour costs. Whilst savings in people related costs can be part of your strategy, it’s unlikely to bring you the largest rewards. This is […]

Lessons in RPA – Establishing a Clear Method of Filtering and Prioritisation

In Lessons 1 and 2 we talked about gaining senior stakeholder buy-in and getting the correct level of assistance to get started. If you have pitched your RPA offering well during initial discussions with interested parties, then the chances are that you will have a pretty substantial set of potential process improvement opportunities all clamouring for your attention and resources. It’s a good problem to have – right? However, you want to minimise […]

Lessons in RPA – Be Clear About Your Strategy & What Assistance You Need

Building on from Lesson 1, clarity about your strategy and what you aim to achieve is essential. Think deeply about what success looks like – are you aiming to cut costs, improve speed to market, streamline processes to create capacity to do something more useful, grow your top line, protect existing revenue, increase compliance etc, etc. Automation can enable you […]

Lessons in RPA – ‘Senior Buy-In’ and ‘Effective Communication’ are Essential

It sounds obvious – but you need to ensure you have senior level support for the undertaking you are about to start, ideally a decision maker or a person in a position of influence. For most companies, a digital transformation programme represents a significant culture shift, and no matter how good your intentions and technology, it’s the hearts and minds of the people involved […]

UK employment outlook

2020 has been a challenging year on many fronts. Not least in the UK employment market where the impact has already been huge, despite the extensive and commendable levels of support available from the UK Government. Sadly the position is expected to worsen during the early part of 2021, as the economy starts its slow […]

Can we talk about the future?

Until recently, you were running a very successful business. You had a plan in place to grow further and had worked out how to win …. but then the pandemic comes along. This wasn’t part of the plan! Uncertainty is now greater than ever. The context for business has changed and the route you previously […]

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How do organisations plan in these uncertain times?

A recent survey by CGMA Advantage (July’20) highlighted the impact that the pandemic is having on the strategic plans of an organisation: – 41% said that their strategy needs updating in response to the pandemic– 24% said they are crafting a new strategy to reflect the new realities of business– 17% are awaiting the long-term […]