A structured approach to implementing Robotic Process Automation in HR

Abstract

Technological innovations are changing the industrial landscape. As technology transforms the world, the HR function needs to focus on embracing automation and other technologies that promise efficiency, service effectiveness and cost savings. Deployment of robotic process automation (RPA) can help (a) to offer better service to employees and managers (b) ensure compliance of HR processes with standards and regulations (c) facilitate rapid initiation and completion of HR processes (d) enhance efficiencies by digitizing data and auditing process data (e) improve HR productivity and cost savings by automating manual and repetitive tasks. A robust and structured approach needs to be in place to identify HR processes that can be automated using the RPA approach. In this paper the authors (a) suggest a four step approach – validation, assessment, evaluation and classification - to analyze processes and verify their suitability for automation using RPA (b) identify HR processes that has relevance for the RPA approach within the broad areas of HR Strategy, Talent Acquisition, Talent Development & Performance Management, Compensation & Benefits, HR Operations and Employee Relations (c) recommend a process for mapping HR RPA propensity. A case study is also presented for greater clarity on adoption of RPA in HR processes.

Artificial Intelligence and Business Value: a Literature Review

“…Automation of tasks through AI involves replacing human work with a machine. By automating tasks, organizations may relieve some employees of repetitive routine tasks, which enables them to focus on other knowledge-intensive activities that add more value to the organization (Makarius et al, 2020), thus increasing their productivity (Balasundaram & Venkatagiri, 2020;Bauer & Vocke, 2019;Bytniewski et al, 2020;Finch et al, 2017a). Moreover, machines can perform tasks quicker and with greater precision than humans, increasing organizations' throughput, particularly in manufacturing industries and supply chain operations (Balasundaram & Venkatagiri, 2020;Finch et al, 2017a).…”

“…By automating tasks, organizations may relieve some employees of repetitive routine tasks, which enables them to focus on other knowledge-intensive activities that add more value to the organization (Makarius et al, 2020), thus increasing their productivity (Balasundaram & Venkatagiri, 2020;Bauer & Vocke, 2019;Bytniewski et al, 2020;Finch et al, 2017a). Moreover, machines can perform tasks quicker and with greater precision than humans, increasing organizations' throughput, particularly in manufacturing industries and supply chain operations (Balasundaram & Venkatagiri, 2020;Finch et al, 2017a). Furthermore, AI use can reduce the time required to complete some key business processes (Coombs et al, 2020), and improve the error-rate and lag times by automatizing a series of tasks (Wamba-Taguimdje et al, 2020).…”

Internal Determinants in the Field of RPA Technology Implementation on the Example of Selected Companies in the Context of Industry 4.0 Assumptions

“…Authors writing about this technology define it in different but convergent ways. The most frequently repeated term is a software solution, which describes robotic process automation as a computer program [27,[39][40][41], the effect of which is the automation of work performed so far by a human [21,23,39]. Table 1 presents some sample definitions describing the RPA technology.…”

“…Asatiani et al [21] The automation of service tasks that were previously performed by humans Process of automation, replacement of human work with artificial intelligence Sobczak [40] A class of IT tools that enable developing software robots using a graphical wizards, software solution Balasundaram et al [41] Software program that executes steps taken by humans to finish the task Software solution, mimic human steps Martinek-Jaguszewska [42] Technology that takes over the steps taken by humans to proceed with the business process mimic human steps, software solution, replacement of human work, help in business process Definitions presented above indicate two essential elements (in addition to the "computer program" mentioned above). The first is "to imitate humans" and the second is "to replace human labor".…”

“…Replacing a human, or performing work previously performed by a human, is a response to a very high level of generality and leaves a lot of room for guesswork. A more precise term is imitating human behavior [43][44][45] or mapping steps taken by a person to complete a given task [41]. Expanding the definition to include such terms allows the user to imagine the way in which artificial intelligence is supposed to work in a much easier way.…”