Robotic process automation (RPA) is the practice of automating routine business operations and processes. These are usually high-volume repeatable tasks that previously needed humans to perform. Some of these tasks involve the maintenance of records, handling of transactions, calculations and even managing queries.

Many SMEs today are looking at RPA to streamline enterprise operations and cut down on costs. Gartner’s research indicates that 40 percent of large enterprises shall implement RPA software, up from less than 10 percent today, by 2020. RPA can help automate mundane rule-based business processes, enabling business users to focus on other important tasks. It can be implemented on a case-to-case basis. RPA is usually implemented without disrupting existing business operations and legacy systems. It can lead to faster turnaround times for streamlined business operations. RPA is also highly scalable.

It works in a way where it gets seamlessly integrated with other systems. In case of SMEs, RPA can be used to handle daily repetitive tasks in everyday business operations. Some of these include data management, HR processes, payroll and even invoice filing. RPA can help cut the risk of human error in such processes.

Finally, let’s address the elephant in the room: is RPA expensive? SMEs can choose to opt for a cost-effective cloud-based-pay-as-you-go model to reduce the cost of RPA deployment significantly. There are various enterprise-level RPA offerings that offer free demos. SMEs can use the trial period to perform a cost/benefit analysis. There is even free RPA software on offer, UiPath’s Community Edition and Work Fusion’s RPA Express are some notable offerings here.

Pricing is based on process inputs, process outputs and business outcomes. Estimates indicate that 90 percent of mid and large-sized organizations shall have at least one process that utilizes RPA by 2022.