RPA’s day has come – the intelligent evolution of a productivity bot
Summary
Global spending on robotic process automation (RPA) software is expected to reach $2.9bn this year, according to Gartner, cementing the idea that the machines are here to take our jobs, but are thankfully focused on the boring, yet necessary repetitive tasks. According to Varsha Mehta, senior market research specialist at Gartner, providers of RPA software are now “pushing beyond a traditional single technology-focused offering to a more advanced suite of tools”. Those companies that have significant transaction processing, as well as challenges with legacy systems and integration, may see RPA and the broader intelligent automation function as a way to overcome potential bottlenecks. In truth, the market looks a little fragmented, although key players, such as UiPath, which went public on the New York Stock Exchange last year, and firms such as Salesforce (through its MuleSoft arm), Microsoft, Automation Anywhere and Pega feature strongly as leaders or visionaries in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant. Retailers can also see the benefit of intelligent automation in the form of conversational AI, which can boost online sales via engaging chatbots.” Parker adds that RPA could process returns efficiently and make the whole experience simpler for customers.