1) What is Robotic Process Automation?

Robotic Process Automation is a kind of automation in which software robots perform a job of human beings to complete repetitive, rule-based tasks. It allows organizations to automate their digital processes across various applications and systems without changing the existing systems or IT infrastructure.

2) Write down some important applications of RPA.

Some of the popular RPA applications are listed below:

Barcode Scanning
Invoice Processing
Information Validation
Report Generation
Data Migration and Data Entry
Onboarding
Data Extraction from different files
Price Comparison
Maintaining customer data

3) Write down some benefits of RPA.

Some of the important benefits of RPA are described below:

Faster

The software robots are responsible for performing the operational processes. They can work 24/7 and act quickly when compared with human beings. Therefore, the work can be done within a short period.

Cost-Effective

RPA robots do not require any kind of leave or break. They can work all the time. Thus, RPA is cost-effective.

Accuracy & Quality

Because of RPA bots, there is a minimum to no chances of human errors. Robots are consistent as they follow the set of instructions given to them. Therefore, RPA increases the accuracy and quality of business processes.

Increased Customer Satisfaction

RPA helps organizations to achieve increased customer satisfaction with fast, accurate, and consistent performance

4) Mention popular RPA tools. Describe each in short.

There are three popular RPA tools:

Blue Prism

Blue Prism is a trading name of UK based software corporation, Blue Prism Group. The term 'Robotic Process Automation' was initially innovated by Blue Prism Group. Blue Prism helps organizations to automate repetitive, rule-based digital business processes in an agile and cost-effective manner.

UiPath

UiPath offers Windows-based desktop Robotic Process Automation. It supports a high range of automation in desktop, web, Citrix, and many other applications.

Automation Anywhere

Automation Anywhere is another popular RPA tool. It offers a user-friendly platform to automate complex business processes. It can be used to automate a vast amount of tasks, from basic windows configuration processes to the ultimate networking and remote database processes.

5) List down some limitations of RPA.

RPA cannot be used for the processes that require judgment.

RPA cannot learn from experiences.

It cannot understand the unstructured inputs that are non-electronic.

RPA enhances the efficiency of workflows by replacing human tasks with automated tasks. However, there are some limitations to the types of tasks on which it can be implemented.

6) What are the steps that one should follow before implementing the RPA?

Some of the basic steps for the successful RPA implementation are:

Identify automation opportunities.
Select suitable processes.
Develop a business case.
Find a popular RPA vendor.
Model RPA development.
Start building RPA bots.

7) How much time may an RPA implementation take approximately?

Generally, an RPA implementation may take a few weeks. However, complex business processes can take more time, depending on the level of complexity.

8) Does RPA require some special skills to operate?

RPA does not require any kind of special skill or programming knowledge. However, some basic knowledge or training will be beneficial to become an RPA certified professional. Most of the RPA tools provide a user-friendly platform that can be used to automate the tasks easily with the help of a flowchart type structure. One can use drag and drops feature of RPA tools to automate processes.

9) List the few advantages of the RPA tool.

RPA helps in the automation of repetitive, rule-based digital processes.

RPA provides real-time scheduled compliance processes and accurate auditing.

RPA offers real-time visibility for locating bugs/defects in the processes.

10) Is it possible to audit RPA processes? What is the benefit of auditing RPA processes?

Yes, it is possible to audit RPA processes. It is helpful to know about new strategies that can be beneficial.

11) List Down the major phases of the RPA life cycle.

Discovery Phase
Solution Design Phase
Development Phase
UAT (User Acceptance Test)
Deployment and Maintenance Phase
Execute Bots

12)What do you understand by a thin client and thick client in RPA? Explain with examples.

Thin Client

The thin client can be referred to as applications that never acquire the quality properties while spying using any RPA tool. It does not run on a local machine. It runs only on virtual client/server architecture.

Example: VMware, VirtualBox, or any other virtual environment.

Thick Client

The thick client can be defined as the applications which provide handful attribute features using RPA tools.

Example: Apps like notepad, browser, etc.

13)What do you understand by the term 'Bot'? What are the different types of bots available in Robotic Process Automation?

A term 'bot' or 'robot' refers to the set of commands that are used to automate the task.

There are usually four types of software bots available in Robotic Process Automation:

TaskBot
MetaBot
IQ Bot
Chatbot

14)What are the steps to create an RPA software bot?

Following are the steps to create an RPA bot:

First, the task is recorded.
Then the bot is implemented into the RPA model.
Then the bot is tested as per the requirements of the business.
Lastly, the bot is uploaded to perform the automation.

15)How is Robotic Automation different from screen scrapping or macro?

Many people often make a mistake of referring RPA to a screen scrapping or macro. However, RPA technology is much more powerful than a screen scrapping or a simple macro. RPA is the combination of both technologies with many other features and optimizations. RPA tools offer a platform to perform end-to-end process automation.

16) What do you understand by Citrix Automation?

It is used for automating tasks like form-filling and form-submission in a virtual desktop application. It is also beneficial to perform data entry tasks.

17) How do you calculate the future scope of Robotic Process Automation? Is it a good option to start a career?

RPA is a growing technology, and it is spreading into the different sections. The future of RPA is very bright, as several human actions can be automated. Because an RPA does not require any programming skills, therefore, it is easy to start a career in it. Anyone can become an RPA certified professional with some basic knowledge or training.

18) What is the main goal of the RPA process?

The primary goal of RPA is to replace or reduce the repetitive and rule-based tedious tasks which are performed by humans. Therefore, a human can focus on the tasks that require human intelligence.

19) Write down the critical factors to be considered in the planning phase of automation.

Some critical factors to be considered in the planning phase of automation can be described as the following:

Choosing the right RPA tool
Selecting the right framework
Selecting several items, such as in scope and out the scope, based on the task Identification of deliverable.