RPA + BPO: the best of both worlds in perfect synergy
In order to concentrate on the core business or to make processes more efficient and cost-effective, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) was and is an effective means. Not only can considerable savings be achieved as a result, but also reliability and often greater expertise on the part of the service provider are positive effects of the BPO.
With Robotic Process Automation (RPA), the human experts at the BPO partner have recently been joined by more and more digital assistants (bots) that can take over rule-based and repetitive activities.
Will RPA eliminate outsourcing?
The answer is quite clear: No.
Of course, both automation and outsourcing are about understanding the processes, mapping them out in detail, and then getting other resources (robots or FTEs) to replicate them. Although the bot works 24/7/365, it can “only” take over the rule-based processes based on structured data that run the same way over and over again. As soon as technical judgement or situational decisions are needed or data is available in an unstructured way, the human expert or experts are needed – as of today. RPA is only partial outsourcing, so to speak.
What is the right mix for outsourcing today?
From the perspective of a pure BPO provider, RPA could be perceived as a threat. An RPA process no longer needs to be outsourced and thus does not generate BPO revenue. A pure RPA provider, on the other hand, is limited to the processes that meet the above criteria. Isn’t it obvious to secure the advantages of both approaches, i.e. RPA+BPO=Smart BPO? This means looking for a BPO provider who can also do RPA or asking for an RPA provider who also has human specialists for the complex processes in its portfolio.
How does Smart BPO work in concrete terms, for example in finance and accounting?
A team consisting of specialists for processes in finance and accounting and specialists for an RPA solution (software) records both the RPA-suitable processes and the transition of the complex processes towards BPO, as well as all IT-relevant topics. At the same time, the conception, transition and handover of operations of the BPO processes will take place on one track and the design, development, test and go-live of the RPA processes on the other. In the end, the fusion of proven BPO services and modern RPA solutions creates sustainable advantages for customer processes in finance and accounting.
Examples of synergies in accounts payable or reporting & controlling can be found under www.smart-bpo.de
With ICS adminservice GmbH, you can rely on a service provider that offers the best of both worlds in perfect synergy. We look forward to talking to you.
Image source: Pixabay, Photographer: Tumisu
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