February 2, 20188 yr In today’s world, when RPA technology assisting business to grow rapidly, we have also seen significant examples of its failure results by not delivering expected savings in stipulated timelines, here I have picked up top 5 root causes for its failure; 1. Poor Assessments Unaccounted process exceptions , scenarios or volume subgroups Overlooked availability and accessibility of systems being used Improper segregation of rule based and subjective steps Assumptions on periodic volume fluctuations Unclear definition around business requirement Consequences on upstream and downstream processes Not mapping a right solution or tool for exiting problems 2. Non-standardized processes Variation within process steps across business units Non-standardized / unformatted process inputs Too many Handoffs between robot and human in future state process Changes in process and technologies 3. Frequent changes in process and systems after assessment Systems / PC upgrades (MS office version, SAP version etc.) Attempt of automating unstable processes 4. Cost of Application Operations New requirements around roles and skill not being provisioned Insufficient provisions of infrastructure maintenance cost 5. Insufficient Governance control & Communication Setting up aggressive roadmaps to show short terms gains Delay in raisin flags when project missed the milestones or found risk Lack of communications between technology and process The form and scale of these root causes might vary between industries however; existence is substantiated by many examples. To overcome these issues experts has given their opinions and guidance, but the most powerful formula proves to be the right amalgamation of lean six sigma with a Robotics process automation has solution Here I have, very high level brief, How Lean six sigma ensures success of RPA deployment; Lean tools such as value stream mapping, detail process mapping not only help assessors to map the right process along with exceptions for various volume subgroups but also provide information about quick solutions that can reduce the automation requirements Understand customer requirement and converting them into technical requirement is very critical to any project including RPA projects, hence the right tool such as QFD shall be used before making solution proposal Correct sampling methods can be used to get detail insights of selected processes and more accurate prediction around expected savings from automation solutions Control charts, Box Plot provide better depiction of process volume fluctuation, variability and other common / special causes that can impact overall delivery Detail FMEA (Failure Mode Effect Analysis) can be utilized to identify most of the solution failure and assist placing, creating controls even before solution gets implemented or delivered to client Creating project plan with LSS concepts such as RACI, Project charter, project governance model will help following standard approach for any RPA deployment Critical decision substantiated with data using Hypothesis testing will ensure reduction in project risks and chances of rework while deployment. It also makes decision more transparent and reliable compare to intuitive decisions It’s just not LSS but there is a need to consider other Business Excellence concepts that can make technological solutions better. Some of them are Creativity and Innovation, Business Modelling, AHP, which one may learn during Business Excellence Master Black Belt program.
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