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Application of Robotic Process Automation

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Chapter 75
Application of Robotic Process
Automation

Krishna Kumar, Rachna Shah, Narendra Kumar,

and Ravindra Pratap Singh

1 Introduction

RPA is used to automate the repetitive tasks which are performed in the industries
based on defined rules by using software bots. All the RPA tools can be segregated
into four different types of tools which are listed in Table 1.
As each tool has its features, a comparison of companies and methods used for
the development is listed in Table 2.
The selection of the RPA tool is based on various criteria like time required for the
development, technology used, scalability option, security issues, cost of the tool,
etc.

2 Literature Review

To know the development in RPA, an extensive research review has been performed.
Huang and Vasarhelyi [1] applied RPA to audit area and proposed an RPA framework
for auditors and allows them to focus on tasks that require professional judgment.
Syed et al. [2] reviewed the deployment of the RPA organizations. Schörgenhumer
and Eitzlmayr [3] proposed a numerical method for the model-based study of the

K. Kumar (B)
Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee, India
e-mail: kkumar@ah.iitr.ac.in
R. Shah
National Informatics Centre, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
N. Kumar
School of Computing, DIT University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
R. P. Singh
Bipin Tripathi Kumaon Institute of Technology, Dwarahat, Uttarakhand, India

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021 929
X.-Z. Gao et al. (eds.), Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Engineering, Algorithms
for Intelligent Systems, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4604-8_75
930 K. Kumar et al.

Table 1 Type of RPA tools

RPA Tools Description
Cognitive automation bots It can handle unstructured data to
make decisions
Self-learning tools It can analyze human activities
Excel It is a basic automation tool
Software bots It can interact with other systems

Table 2 Companies and

Companies Method
development method
Another monday Drag and drop automation process
AntWorks Bot cloning is possible
Automation edge Drag and drop automation technique
Automation anywhere Drag and drop and AI-augmented
RPA tool
BluePrism Enterprise automation with drag and
drop automation
Jacada Desktop automation
Kofax Unified design environment with
built-in analytics
Kryon systems Strong analytics and deployment
efficiency
UiPath Drag and drop functionality with
visual designer
Visual cron Integration and task scheduling tool

underlying SPH formulation sloshing problems. Modeling of solid wall boundary

conditions as well as consistent density field treatment have proved crucial.
Alexovič et al. [4] explained the role of RPA in pharmaceutical industries. A
high sample-throughput can be achieved by automating the sample pre-treatment,
resulting in high accuracy and low waste output of dangerous solvents and risky
biological materials. Schäffer et al. [5] proposed a pragmatic approach for optimizing
knowledge-intensive engineering processes, focusing on the incremental, tool-based
development of a popular knowledge base. Ma et al. [6] reviewed the RPA system and
concluded that it can eliminate the errors in repetitive work. Kommera [7] concluded
that the RPA is a software that imitates the steps a human takes to complete repetitive,
rule-based tasks. Madakam et al. [8] reviewed the RPA technologies available for
different business models. Enriquez et al. [9] examined the current state of RPA to
identify potential gaps in both scientific and industrial literature, and concluded that
some phases of the RPA lifecycle are already being solved on the market.
Asatiani and Penttinen [10] analyzed the challenges posed by Senior Vice Pres-
ident of the OpusCapita Group, who are looking for ways to market RPA and add
75 Application of Robotic Process Automation 931

value to existing and new customers. Asquith and Horsman [11] analyzed the chal-
lenges of tackling increasing caseloads, large volumes of digital data, and main-
taining review efficiency. Balasundaram and Venkatagiri [12] concluded that RPA
can help to provide better service to employees and managers, ensure compliance
of HR processes with standards and regulations. Carden et al. [13] reviewed a large
technology company anonymized as TECHSERV as they plan, manage, and imple-
ment automation of the robotics processes. Automation of the robotics process has
been strategically deployed to automate its business processes.
Chacón-Montero et al. [14] analyzed that an RPA project follows a life-cycle
similar to that of a software project. However, a testing environment is not always
available in certain contexts. The deployment of the robots in the environment of
production thus entails a high risk. Vijaya et al. [15] applied RPA to automate
the process of insurance claims, as RPA is already implemented in motor vehicle
insurance. Presently an agent dealing with these various types of consumer insur-
ance policy must register each policy dividing it by form and requiring different
registration procedures depending on the insurance the consumer is applying.
Automation Anywhere [16] explained that RPA bots are capable of logging
into business applications using passwords similar to humans and automating tasks
involving any business application, including legacy applications without API.
Naveen et al. [17] concluded that the RPA delivers advanced software system robots
that take the place of humans whenever complicated processes or routine tasks are
controlled by machines. Timo [18] discussed the RPA-Enterprise Architecture part-
nership in terms of viewpoints and implications. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
is the initial idea of automating business processes through the presentation layer
of existing application systems. Issac et al. [19] concluded that RPA can accel-
erate back-office tasks in commercial industries, remote IT management tasks, and
resource conservation in multiple sectors.
Moffitt et al. [20] explained how the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can
interfere with the traditional audit model. RPA is expected to repurpose the role of
the auditor with its ability to automate repetitive and manual, rule-based tasks by
replacing perfunctory tasks and highlighting higher order-thinking skills which will
ultimately contribute to enhanced audit quality. Patil et al. [21] proposed an RPA
solution for the education domain for the analysis of student’s examination results.
Kobayashi et al. [22] explained the communication robot as one of the consumer
services, such as an AI. There are still high hurdles for the elderly in the operation of
such advanced IT devices, as they have realized high functions seen in the cooperation
of network and home appliances.
Kokina and Blanchette [23] explored emerging themes surrounding bot implemen-
tation for accounting and finance tasks. Leshob et al. [24] explained the RPA which
refers to configuring software-based robots for business processes to do the work
previously performed by the organizations. Maalla [25] explained how the existing
market-based business process management system replaces manual desktop oper-
ations utilizing system development and connects various systems to the business
workflow to achieve the effect of improving interaction efficiency. Nam [26] listed
factors influencing citizen attitudes regarding job replacement were explored through
932 K. Kumar et al.

robotic automation and alternative policy options. An analysis based on regression is

used to predict which attitudinal category an individual belongs to what degree he or
she supports certain policy options based on their awareness, perceived likelihood,
and expectations of positive job replacement outcomes.
Graves et al. [27] installed Laboratory automation systems (LAS) across North
America at over twenty-two sites offering automation of many pre-analytical and
analytical activities in clinical laboratories. Just a few laboratories for the treatment
of hemostasis disorders have automated for the study of citrated whole blood. To
have a fast turnaround, the study of coagulation factors in citrated blood requires
a significant amount of labor; therefore, automation of this analytical method is
attractive. Therefore, they have developed an automated workstation for coagulation,
using a systematic approach to design and engineering automation. Firstly, they have
used a discrete simulation of events to measure potential performance and define
possible bottlenecks for the proposed workcell for coagulation and created a three-
dimensional animated workstation computer model to simplify the design of the
workstation. Finally, a prototype workcell was constructed using a mobile robot, an
articulated robotic arm, and an analytical coagulation system.
Sindhu et al. [28] classified the term RPA which can be split as robotic representing
an object capable of being programmed by a machine to execute computer tasks,
known as a robot; method meaning the series of actions taken in a sequential order to
accomplish a specific purpose; and Automation indicating performing tasks without
human interference. Work was undertaken to create a virtual text to voice assistant
bot that assists a manager who is responsible for handling item inventory to his
varied other jobs. The customized software robot ensures that if the stock in any
item’s inventory reaches the level of reordering, bots itself sends the message to the
supplier by email to reorder the items required. The study shows that RPA can be a
better substitute for a human being who can more effectively carry out intense time
and necessary activities.
Prasanti et al. [29] explained how a busy manager of the corporate world can
engage RPA as an intimate and reliable assistant to more competently and effec-
tively perform repetitive human tasks. With’bot’ assuming the human assistant’s
task of sending routine email responses. Kaelble [30] explored the benefits offered
by automation of robotic and desktop processes, giving more and more mundane
work to machines that can handle it well and without complaint. It introduces the
idea, discusses where it functions best, and describes some of the value that it can
bring to your company. Data digitization was an explosive force for productivity and
progress, but it also created its new roster of mundane work roles.
Sreeja et al. [31] introduced a user-friendly automation process using the RPA
tool. These include record-keeping, questions, estimates, and transactions. Sengupta
[32] explained how Software Performance Testing (SPT) can be performed using the
RPA tool. SPT is the kind of Non-Functional Testing (NFT) to prove the program to
be implemented by the project team/product team is functioning as planned regarding
system safety, stability, the robustness of endurance, etc. This check is a very impor-
tant part of a live device. Several instances have been seen in the software industry
history, the live application has been demoted or scrapped due to the system being
75 Application of Robotic Process Automation 933

unable to behave as expected with its features and functionalities when the system is
being used simultaneously at high load. Only when we do performance testing can
we simulate this type of verification.
Ivančić et al. [33] investigated how the academic community defines RPA, and to
what extent it has been investigated in the literature in terms of the state, trends,
and application of RPA. Jovanović et al. [34] explained that business processes
are part of every business daily routine; they are asked to perform in the best way
possible, without any losses. Traditionally, people try to automate processes over time
using many techniques that could include machines or mechanical robots. A lot of
preformed processes are done using computers in the modern business or e-business,
so there is a need to avoid losses caused by bad or slow process performance. The
way process automation is done using software that will perform like humans and
perform tasks on computers is referred to as automation of robotic processes. It is
normally used to automate processes of relatively low to intermediate complexity
and high repetitiveness. A business that automates its processes using robotic process
automation should gain multiple benefits in terms of cost reduction, improve process
efficiency, and significantly reduced the number of process rework tasks.
Romao et al. [35] concluded that inexperienced or untrained models that even-
tually decrease productivity and increase errors resulting from unfounded or even
wrong decisions, as well as a case study in the banking sector that shows some exam-
ples of the benefits and risks of BPM solutions using AI-related agents/artifacts.
Uskenbayeva et al. [36] presented the findings of the study and the implementation
of the RPA methodology. The work is based on the robotic automation approach
for administrative business processes. The concept of robotic process automa-
tion addressed the benefits of RPA technology and the stages of successful RPA
implementation.
Willcocks et al. [37] explained a series of dilemmas facing senior managers,
reflecting on the potential application of robotic process automation (RPA) to human
resources (HR) operations and global business services (GBS). William and William
[38] developed a Corporate Service Providers (CSP) RPA system in Singapore to
support their annual compliance processes for their customers and their ad hoc
requests. Yatskiv et al. [39] presented a test approach to the program using RPA.
It is a business workflow automation approach, in which the program emulates user
actions within a graphical user interface to achieve the desired outcome. The summary
of the research review is presented in Table 3.
From the above review, we can conclude that RPA can be applied in any area, but
it is not applied to date in the energy sector. Therefore there is a scope to identify the
areas where RPA can be applied.

3 Application of RPA in Energy Sector

Digitization plays a major role in the development of any industry. The wind and
hydropower plants are mostly located in remote areas. Automation is required to
934 K. Kumar et al.

Table 3 Summary of research review

Reference Work areas
Syed et al. [2], Ma et al. [6], Madakam et al. Review papers
[8], Enriquez et al. [9], Asquith et al. [11],
Carden et al. [13], Naveen et al. [17], Issac
et al. [19], Moffitt et al. [20], Kokina et al. [23],
Leshob et al. [24], Sindhu et al. [28], Prasanti
et al. [29], Sreeja et al. [31], Ivančić et al. [33],
Jovanović et al. [34], Yatskiv et al. [39]
Balasundaram et al. [12], Willcocks et al. [37] HR process
Huang et al. [1] For account auditors
Schörgenhumer et al. [3] A numerical method for the model-based study
Alexovič et al. [4] Pharmaceutical industry
Schäffer et al. [5] Knowledge management
Kommera et al. [7] Office work automation
Asatiani et al. [10] Challenges of OpusCapita group
Chacón-Montero et al. [14] Software testing
Vijaya et al. [15] Insurance claims
Automation Anywhere [16] Loan processing
Timo et al. [18] Enterprise architecture for RPA
Patil et al. [21] Examination result compilation
Kobayashi et al. [22] Consumer services
Maalla et al. [25] Enterprise management
Nam et al. [26] Citizen attitude examination
Graves et al. [27] Clinical testing
Kaelble et al. [30] Digitization of data
Sengupta et al. [32] Software performance testing
Romao et al. [35] Banking sector
Uskenbayeva et al. [36] Administrative business process
William et al. [38] Corporate services

optimize system performance and to increase the efficiency of the plants. Smart
sensors installed at the different locations in a power plant generates a large volume
of data every day. To generate reports based on the data is an everyday task. In
the case of the energy sector, RPA can be utilized for the generation of shift duty
charts, generation of tariff reports, generation of load schedule, generation of fault
reports, energy generation reports, generation of salary slips of employees, and also
to communicate reports automatically to the concern authorities.
75 Application of Robotic Process Automation 935

4 Conclusions

RPA is a powerful tool to perform repetitive tasks quickly without any error. RPA is
presently implemented in the banking, insurance, and pharmaceutical sector. Some
other areas are also under development. It can be utilized in many areas to minimize
the manpower requirement. Power plants are running continually and generating
large volumes of data. To know better insight and prepare daily reports RPA can be
utilized.

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