What is robotic process automation?
Robotic process automation (RPA) is software technology that mimics the way humans interact with software to perform high-volume, repeatable tasks.
RPA is a productivity tool that allows businesses to design rules-based software scripts that execute specific business or information technology (IT) activities in an automated fashion.
How RPA works
Robotic process automation functions as a virtual robot that acts on data to keep all parties informed and up to date. RPA makes it straightforward to build, deploy and manage software robots that interact with digital systems and software.
RPA continuously evaluates what is happening, what is likely to happen and what needs to happen to achieve the best result—as defined by stated rules.
RPA automates recurring supply chain processes that often require significant time or effort. Examples of processes where RPA executes steps:
Data entry and manipulation
Predictive maintenance
Transferring data between applications
Triggering responses
Executing transactions
Robotic process automation is commonly used to complete back-office tasks.
Benefits of robotic process automation
Boost productivity for humans while bots complete rote activities
Improve efficiency, lower costs and reduce errors by allowing technology to execute steps where staff time is spent transposing information
Bolster data security when information transfers occur digitally in secured networks instead of legacy paper-based systems
Access, analyze and store granular data collected across bills and disparate systems, assembled into consolidated reporting
RPA vs. API
Both RPA and API are forms of automation that involve programming a logical series of decisions and executing those decisions many times per day.
An application programming interface (API) relies on technology integrated within an operating system. An authentication key allows immediate access and open exchange of information.
Robotic process automation is not integrated and occurs outside an operating system. Task automation or decision automation relies on a bot logging into a system to obtain the required information for execution within an adjacent system.
RPA in transportation and logistics
Robotic process automation in transportation and logistics is increasingly applied to gain efficiency across the supply chain.
Automation allows transportation orders to be passed into the Transportation Management System (TMS) and routed across the entire supply chain, including inbound and outbound movements. The TMS determines the best carrier for each move while accounting for limited carrier capacity to ensure a global least-cost solution across all modes. Loads are tendered, tracked throughout movement and delivered according to the rules outlined for the RPA process.
Exceptions are handled automatically. Script-based bots determine the proper course of action based on the exception. If a tender is rejected, a bot identifies the next best carrier and tenders the load accordingly. If an order system communicates that a shipment needs to be expedited, a bot determines the proper routing and automatically reroutes a rail leg onto an air carrier.
When bots exhaust their rulesets, the system assigns the next process step to the appropriate person for resolution.
RPA can also be used in a brokerage organization to focus attention on the most lucrative loads, augmenting the judgment of the user through digital freight matching.
If there is an issue in source data, once passed to the TMS, a bot can execute validation steps: confirming a shipping address, identifying and resolving errors, and updating the system to reflect accurate information.
Let the bots do the busywork
How technology supports RPA in transportation management
Key applications of robotic process automation in a TMS:
Freight shipment tracking and customer communications: Customers access their accounts to determine where goods are and when shipments are expected to arrive
Inbound check call management: RPA saves resources and supports proactive planning for deliveries requiring a signature or that should not be left unattended
Automated review and response to communications: Companies update system information to facilitate efficient and accurate freight shipments
Routing freight orders to the best fulfillment center: By gathering data from multiple disparate systems and linking it together, RPA enables efficiencies not attainable with standalone on-premise solutions
Automated reporting and feedback to drivers: RPA improves communication with drivers and other parties in the freight management chain and helps focus efforts on priorities