As IBM's CEO, Ginni Rometty, famously stated, "Some people call this artificial intelligence, but the reality is this technology will enhance us. So instead of artificial intelligence, I think we'll augment our intelligence."

One of the most promising tools available to the modern C-level leader seeking to augment their corporate intelligence and enhance their competitive advantage is Robotic Process Automation (RPA). This advanced form of business technology uses software robots or "bots" to automate routine, rule-based tasks. Hence, freeing up human workers to focus on higher-value strategic thinking and innovative work.

For effective implementation, take a look at these Robotic Process Automation best practices:

• Digital Transformation: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy (27-slide PowerPoint deck)
• Process Automation & Digitalization Assessment (41-slide PowerPoint deck)
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) (36-slide PowerPoint deck)
• Process Automation Toolkit (321-slide PowerPoint deck)
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) - Implementation Toolkit (Excel workbook and supporting ZIP)

Understanding Robotic Process Automation

At its core, RPA is the application of technology that allows configuration of computer software to capture and interpret existing applications for processing a transaction, manipulating data, triggering responses and communicating with other digital systems.

Benefits of RPA to Management

C-level leaders who successfully implement RPA experience myriad benefits. Among these are:

1. Increased labor productivity.
2. Improved accuracy through reduction in human error.
3. Faster processing times.
4. Innovative capabilities at higher speed.
5. Minimized Operational Risks.

RPA, when fully realized, can result in radical improvements in efficiency and productivity, significant cost savings, and considerable gains in Operational Excellence.

Explore related management topics: Operational Excellence Operational Risk

Identifying Opportunities for RPA Implementation

A crucial step in successfully leveraging RPA is identifying the tasks most suited to automation. High-volume, repetitive, rules-based tasks prevalent in Finance, HR, Procurement, and IT operations are prime candidates. It is this data-driven Decision Making process that can generate the highest ROI for companies investing in RPA.

Explore related management topics: Decision Making

Implementing RPA: Best Practices

A strategic, well-planned implementation of RPA can be game-changing. Here are key best practices to consider:

• Clearly define the scope and objectives of the RPA initiative.
• Assemble a diverse team of stakeholders to ensure broad support.
• Pilot the technology on a specific process before full-scale implementation.
• Communicate the benefits and implications to the workforce.
• Prioritize continuous improvement and develop a robust governance framework.

Explore related management topics: Continuous Improvement Best Practices

Harnessing RPA for Digital Transformation

RPA is more than a tool for improving operational efficiency. It is a stepping stone towards achieving Digital Transformation. With RPA serving as an underpinning technology, organizations can progress to implementing more sophisticated solutions such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Explore related management topics: Digital Transformation Machine Learning

The Future of RPA

With the rapid advancements in technology, RPA is set to evolve into a more powerful tool in the corporate strategy playbook. The combination of RPA with cognitive technologies like machine learning, natural language processing and speech recognition has the potential to revolutionize the way companies operate. Far from rendering human employees obsolete, RPA is augmenting human intelligence and enabling the workforce to contribute strategic value in ways not previously possible.

Leaders who understand the value and potential of RPA will be best positioned to guide their organizations in harnessing this powerful technology to drive Peak Performance, maintain Competitive Advantage and usher in a new era of workplace productivity.

Explore related management topics: Corporate Strategy Natural Language Processing Workplace Productivity