Speak with one of our experts today to learn how other manufacturing organisations are already embracing this technology and what you can do to get ahead of the market. You can also visit our resources centre to download a copy of the ‘RPA Use Cases in Manufacturing” guide.
If you want to learn more, we’re currently offering a FREE 1 HOUR SOLUTION DESIGN SESSION, where we will discuss your specific business needs, the benefits you will realise and an estimated cost for automation. We guarantee it will be a very informative and potentially a business changing session.
You have nothing to lose, but so much to gain.
WHAT CAN SOFTWARE ROBOTICS DO FOR MANUFACTURING?
Manufacturing has always used physical robots in assembly, testing, and packaging. Back-office operations have, however, remained understaffed and under-utilised resulting in delays. Problems like under-skilled staff and shifting regulations have reduced efficiencies for manufacturing firms. They have turned to RPA to optimise these back-end operations. RPA is now the essential tool for manufacturers to maximise their output for minimal cost.
Software robotics is essential for manufacturers to access new revenue streams and improve back-end efficiency. A balance of highly skilled virtual workers and technically skilled human staff can quickly lead to massive improvements in output, revenue and profit.
RPA is best used in rule-based processes with a high volume of data and clear workflow. In manufacturing, they can specifically be deployed for a number of processes.
BENEFITS
- Improved customer engagement. Tasks such as returns processing, order and delivery updates and virtual chatbots can be managed with RPA in real-time. This enables increased customer satisfaction and experience. This also frees staff for higher value tasks and to provide support for more complex situations where human interaction is needed.
- Greater inventory management efficiency. RPA can track inventory data, providing alerts when levels are low, avoiding both overstock and undersupply.
- Error avoidance. Manual and repetitive human processing tasks often lead to input and data errors. RPA eliminates this risk, resulting in more accurate invoice processing, order management, and general record keeping.
- Cost savings. Software Robots execute the same tasks as human workers in less time, eliminating human errors and dramatically reducing operational costs and increasing productivity by freeing staff for higher value operations.
- Increased revenue. The benefits of RPA enable organisations to plan smarter, make more strategic decisions, and offer an improved customer experience that keeps customers coming back.
- Reduced Operational Costs – RPA can work 24/7 without stopping. You won’t need additional staff to support busy seasonal periods.
- Standardised Levels of Quality – Your virtual workforce replicates every process identically. Quality assurance checks are efficient and extensive.
- Improved Control – Your RPA records every action end-to-end, so you have full visibility of where the robots are adding value.
- Seamless Integration – Robots can be easily incorporated into your existing IT architecture without incurring significant costs or structural changes.
EXAMPLES
- Managing Stock and Inventory
- Robots can monitor and control inventory levels.
- They can generate stock notifications and automatically re-order products when necessary.
- Minimal shortages of materials occur as a result.
- Monitors emails from suppliers websites to confirm delivery information and quantities – updating your planning systems and sending real-time notifications to avoid stoppages.
- Purchase Orders
- RPA can use a rule-based workflow function to extract data.
- Approval is obtained from senior staff and the request is processed accordingly.
- Capacity is shared and bottlenecks are avoided.
- Invoicing Reconciliation
- Download and verify supplier costs against quotes
- Reconcile invoicing and credit notes
- Generate queries to suppliers and finance depts for resolution
- Vendor Communication
- The virtual workforce can open and manage all emails, downloading attachments when necessary.
- Details are logged into the central hub and the next action is deter.
- Customer Communication
- Robots can automate delivery schedule communications, checking sales orders and production plans.
- Customers are automatically emailed with their delivery schedule.
- Chatbots offer almost 24/7 interaction, increasing customer satisfaction and faster resolution of queries.
- Enables staff to just manage exceptions and deal with revenue generating activities.
PCML MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION
DRIVING INNOVATION BY GETTING COMPANY-WIDE BUY-INS
PCML Ltd. are a modern manufacturing company with seventeen sites and over one-hundred staff. Having always placed an importance on culture and shared ideals, the company wanted to approach digital transformation in the same way, ensuring everyone bought into the robotics project before implementation, to ensure no feelings of concern were created.
FAQs
Although every division can benefit from the introduction of RoboticProcess Automation (RPA). Numerous forward-thinking councils are already experimenting with automation in a number of different areas. Most manufacturing companies start by automating high value transactions, where quality and accuracy is critical. This is typically in (1) revenue & benefits, (2) finance and (3) HR departments. Much of this work is rules-based, repetitive and time-consuming, an ideal fit for automation. Staff released from this admin work can then invest time enhancing council revenue.
Common examples include Accounts receivables, Accounts Payable, Supplier setup, on-boarding new starters, leavers.
You want to innovate and grow your company and need technology to support your ambitions. It can be hard to convince your peers to invest in long-term and risky technology projects. Robotics is an easy technology to start your digital transformation journey. It works with your existing IT systems and doesn’t require integration or APIs to be built. Your return on investment is quick – allowing you to trial new ideas and evolve the ones that show promise.
Artificial Intelligence is a powerful technology that aims to simulate human thought. The technology isn’t there yet, so current technology is being used to identify and deal with complex data patterns. AI requires training and this requires a large volume of data. AI requires interfaces to access existing IT systems and the results must be communicated in a way that affects the service your customer receives.
If you think of AI as the brains, think of Robotics as the hands. Robotics performs work as humans do today, accessing IT systems (including spreadsheets, websites, and email) to complete processes which deliver value to your customers. Robots don’t require interfaces; they access the screens and reports that your staff use. Robotics links into the most common AI platforms enabling you to introduce AI into your business processes.
What is the expected ROI?
Although this is dependent on your organisations use for robotics and every single business case is difference, we expect to see ROIs quickly. For example in a £10,000 initial investment, previous results have yielded a 75% ROI by the 3rd month and 180% ROI within nine months.
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