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What is Robotic Process Automation?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is the use of software that can be programmed to mimic basic tasks across applications just as a human would. It can reduce the burden of repetitive and simple tasks.

RPA aims to free humans from repetitive computer-based work, with a virtual workforce. Humans are then able to make judgment calls, handle exceptions and provide oversight, and get to focus on more important and more interesting work.

The implementation of RPA capability creates value across five dimensions:

  • improved staff and student experience,
  • improved process or output quality,
  • improved process speed and throughput,
  • increased revenue realised, and/or
  • decreased process cost.

Automation isn’t innovation. Innovation is what you do with the time that automation creates.

What does the RPA Program do?

The RPA Program is managed and delivered collaboratively through a centralised Centre of Excellence (COE) consisting of colleagues from Digital Solutions, and Transformation, in addition to our product partners and delivery partner.

The RPA Program:
  • Provides transformation support and advice to the University. We suggest, where appropriate, technological solutions that are fit-for-purpose for problems and opportunities being experienced within the community.
  • Through our implementation lifecycle, reviews policy, process and system with a major focus on reducing unnecessary steps and minimising ‘pain points’ for staff and students, prior to automation.
  • Builds on the technical literacy of the University community, and through a collaborative approach we ensure benefit from new developments in technology is realised.

What can software robots do?

RPA robots are capable of mimicking many – if not all human user actions. Here are just some of the tasks that can easily be handed over to software robots:

  • Log in to any application
  • Move files and folders
  • Read and write to databases
  • Scrape data from the web
  • Connect to system APIs
  • Extract contents from documents, PDFs, emails and forms
  • Open emails and attachments
  • Send emails
  • Make calculations
  • Make rules-based decisions

What makes a good candidate for automation?

Higher suitability scores will be achieved by processes which:

  • are mature and well-documented*
  • are repetitive/high volume
  • have a structured and readable data input, such as Excel, Word, email, XML, PPT, readable PDFs. *Note that handwritten inputs are not recommended at this time.
  • have defined logic/ are rules based
  • do not have expected changes in the next 6 months

Promapp is a solution which documents, manages and assigns ownership to business processes

Documentation of the current state processes is a prerequisite for consideration of a candidate, as it is a critical enabler for successful design, development and delivery of the automation solution. If there isn't sufficient documentation of the current state processes, the Center of Excellence team can undertake this on behalf of the business unit. The tool is embedded in several areas across the University.

What kind of robots do we have?

Unattended robots

Unattended robots work independently and usually on separate virtual machines. They may require human intervention for questions and exceptions.

Attended robots

Attended robots work under the supervision of the human user and on the same workstation. The activities of the robot and human are directly related.

Want to learn more?

Come and join us and learn to build-a-bot at a Hackathon Session. These sessions are a hands-on opportunity to learn about software robots and begin to build your own robotic process automation solution. Hackathon Sessions run for approximately 3 hours.

Attendees should have a Griffith Windows laptop on which we can install UiPath Studio.

Attendees should preferably have intermediate skills with MS Excel to keep up with the exercises.

RPA support

Need support for a bot you are building in Studio X?

For support during a Hackathon Session the presentation/coaching team will be able to help you.

For post-hackathon build support before a bot is published, contact RPA-Program@griffith.edu.au.

Need support for a published bot in UiPath Assistant, UiPath Apps, Scheduled or email based bot?

Contact usg-rpa-development-team@griffith.edu.au

or

log a ticket through the IT Service Centre with attention to the ‘UniOps – Automation’ team.

Have an idea for automation?

We partner with process owners and subject matter experts (SMEs) to assess the suitability of the process candidate.

Contact us

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