How can you manage the risks of RPA implementations?

2 Risk 2: Inadequate process analysis and design

Another risk of RPA is that it is applied to processes that are not suitable, efficient, or standardized. This can result in errors, exceptions, rework, and customer dissatisfaction. To avoid this risk, you need to conduct a thorough process analysis and design before implementing RPA. You need to identify the processes that are most suitable for automation, based on criteria such as volume, frequency, complexity, and variability. You also need to optimize and standardize the processes to eliminate waste, variation, and ambiguity, and ensure that they are well documented and tested.

3 Risk 3: Insufficient change management and training

A third risk of RPA is that it is not supported by adequate change management and training activities. This can cause fear, confusion, and resistance among the employees, who may perceive RPA as a threat to their jobs, skills, or roles. To avoid this risk, you need to involve and engage the employees throughout the RPA journey, and address their concerns and expectations. You need to provide them with appropriate training and support to help them adapt to the new ways of working, and leverage the opportunities that RPA offers. You also need to monitor and measure the impact of RPA on the employee satisfaction, performance, and productivity.

4 Risk 4: Poor quality and security of data

A fourth risk of RPA is that it is dependent on the quality and security of the data that it processes. If the data is inaccurate, incomplete, inconsistent, or outdated, it can compromise the output and performance of the RPA solution. Moreover, if the data is sensitive, confidential, or regulated, it can expose the organization to legal, ethical, or reputational risks. To avoid this risk, you need to ensure that the data sources, formats, and validations are reliable and consistent, and that the data is handled in compliance with the relevant policies and regulations. You also need to implement appropriate security measures and controls to protect the data from unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure.

5 Risk 5: Lack of scalability and maintainability

A fifth risk of RPA is that it is not scalable and maintainable in the long term. As the business environment, processes, and systems change, the RPA solution may become obsolete, incompatible, or inefficient. This can reduce the benefits and value of RPA, and increase the costs and efforts of maintenance and updates. To avoid this risk, you need to design and develop the RPA solution with scalability and maintainability in mind. You need to follow the best practices and standards for RPA development, such as modularity, reusability, readability, and documentation. You also need to establish a continuous improvement cycle that monitors, reviews, and enhances the RPA solution regularly.