Government agencies are beginning to leverage an emerging technology, robotic process automation (RPA), to streamline tasks and reduce administrative burdens. GovLoop’s eBook dives into how RPA works and what makes it successful, plus provides six examples of RPA in action at the state level.
Full summary:
Robotic process automation (RPA) is emerging as one of the technologies with the greatest potential to transform how government agencies work. GovLoop summarizes this potential in a new eBook, “Your New Digital Coworker.”
“RPA software can automate repetitive tasks, fully automating some operations while working in collaboration with people on others. These digital coworkers free up their human counterparts to focus on tasks that are more complex, engaging and bring more value to the agency.
The potential for automation is even greater when artificial intelligence (AI) joins the mix. AI simulates human cognitive functions, making it possible for a program to solve problems and learn as it goes. That intelligence enables RPA to take on a greater range of tasks.”
The eBook provides a high-level overview of how RPA works, explains how it simultaneously benefits agencies, workers, and citizens, and suggests how government agencies can create harmony between human workers and digital bots. It also shares six state government success stories, including how New Mexico’s Department of Health and Human Services blends RPA and AI to help people identify which benefits they might qualify for, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or child care.
As the eBook notes, RPA can produce cost savings, new efficiencies, and stronger regulatory compliance.
More importantly for human services, that means caseworkers have time to focus on engaging clients and doing meaningful, mission-driven work.
Bonus reads! Here are a few additional resources to help you understand the what, why, and how of RPA:
- What is Robotic Process Automation? [Laserfiche]—Dives deeper into how RPA works, what processes it can be applied to, and how it can fit into wider IT modernization initiatives.
- You’ve Probably Never Heard of Robotic Process Automation, but … [Scientific American]—Addresses some of the common misperceptions surrounding RPA (for example, robots will take our jobs) and explains how, in fact, it can positively impact employee engagement and morale.
- Implementing Automation to Eliminate Manual and Repetitive Work [GovLoop]—Another angle from GovLoop explaining how RPA can transform government through a series of short videos.
- The Business Leader’s Guide to Robotic and Intelligent Automation [Deloitte]—Explores the similarities and differences between RPA and intelligent automation, as well as how the two can be used in tandem.
- Automation Could Be the Way to Make Government More Efficient [Governing]—Provides a unique perspective, arguing that adoption of RPA and other emerging technologies isn’t happening fast enough to keep up with demand for services.
- How to Get Your Organization in the Right Mindset for Automation [Forbes Technology Council]—Shares key steps to mitigate risk and manage organizational change if you’re considering implementing RPA or similar technologies.
