Finding the perfect RPA match : a criteria-based selection method for RPA solutions

  • The benefits of robotic process automation (RPA) are highly related to the usage of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software products that can be easily implemented and customized by business units. But, how to find the best fitting RPA product for a specific situation that creates the expected benefits? This question is related to the general area of software evaluation and selection. In the face of more than 75 RPA products currently on the market, guidance considering those specifics is required. Therefore, this chapter proposes a criteria-based selection method specifically for RPA. The method includes a quantitative evaluation of costs and benefits as well as a qualitative utility analysis based on functional criteria. By using the visualization of financial implications (VOFI) method, an application-oriented structure is provided that opposes the total cost of ownership to the time savings times salary (TSTS). For the utility analysis a detailed list of functional criteria for RPA is offered. The whole method is based on a multi-vocal review of scientific and non-scholarly literature including publications by business practitioners, consultants, and vendors. The application of the method is illustrated by a concrete RPA example. The illustrated structures, templates, and criteria can be directly utilized by practitioners in their real-life RPA implementations. In addition, a normative decision process for selecting RPA alternatives is proposed before the chapter closes with a discussion and outlook.

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Metadaten
Author:Frank Bensberg, Gunnar Auth, Christian Czarnecki
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110676693-201
ISBN:978-3-11-067677-8
ISBN:978-3-11-067669-3
ISBN:9783110676686
Parent Title (English):Robotic process automation : Management, technology, applications
Publisher:De Gruyter
Place of publication:Oldenbourg
Editor:Christian Czarnecki, Peter Fettke
Document Type:Part of a Book
Language:English
Year of Completion:2021
Date of the Publication (Server):2022/11/30
Tag:business process automation; commercial offthe- shelf solutions; robotic process automation; software evaluation; software selection
First Page:47
Last Page:75
Link:https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110676693-202
Zugriffsart:campus
Institutes:FH Aachen / Fachbereich Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik
collections:Verlag / De Gruyter