The Implications of Robotic Process Automation in the Automation of Economic Processes: A Case Study of Fruit Processing Factory

Abstract

For several years, big companies in Romania and beyond have faced various challenges, including digitization. This involves transitioning to new versions of integrated ERP systems, incorporating cutting-edge database trends like in-memory technology and SAP HANA, and adopting Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for modelling the economic processes used, like order to cash or procure to pay. While the deadline for SAP solutions is set for 2027, the preparations for this shift are extensive and require a mixed team of engineers and economists. Consequently, many SAP clients are exploring using auxiliary interfaces and RPA to streamline economic processes. To provide insights into potential solutions, this article presents a study on the strategies adopted by one large company active in fruit processing, from production to sales and distribution. This study aims to show how intelligent technologies can help company departments automate economic processes. The study draws on questionnaires sent to the users from the mentioned company and the authors' own experience in creating interfaces used for economic processes. The research results confirm that it is time when certain stages of the economic process to be performed by a software bot, which will allow company employees to have the necessary time to study and improve work with economic processes. Companies should prioritize the intelligent processing, storage, and distribution of data to beneficiaries, especially regarding repetitive tasks. Every company should prioritize attracting European funds for automation and digitization, as incorporating intelligent technologies into daily work is essential.