Robotic Process Automation (RPA), the technology that empowers software robots to mimic human actions and automate repetitive tasks, has emerged as a transformative force in the dynamic technology landscape of Vietnam. According to PwC, the RPA automation market in Vietnam in 2021 had an estimated value of 2.9 billion USD, with astonishing growth rates reaching 203%.
The reason for this impressive growth is the effectiveness that RPA solutions bring to businesses when implemented in various sectors such as finance, banking, insurance, manufacturing, and retail.
Read more: Top 4 benefits of RPA Implementation
Despite the undeniable advantages of Robotic Process Automation, its adoption in Vietnamese enterprises remains relatively modest. The reason for this lies in many challenges that these businesses need to carefully consider before embarking on their automation journey.
Challenges of Implementing RPA
Standardizing Business Processes
Before embarking on Robotic Process Automation implementation, Vietnamese businesses must ensure that their existing business processes are standardized. Automating non-standardized or inefficient processes can result in wasted resources, extended implementation timelines, and suboptimal outcomes. Standardization also facilitates compatibility between the existing infrastructure and the RPA solution, preventing unnecessary delays and compatibility issues.
Support from Relevant Parties
Before deciding to invest in the RPA automation process, businesses need alignment with internal personnel and stakeholders. Without support from leadership and relevant departments, the likelihood of successful implementation is close to zero. According to Deloitte’s actual survey data, RPA offers:
- Improve accuracy: up to 92%
- Enhance work quality: up to 90%
- Boost work productivity: up to 86%
- Reduce costs: up to 59%
However, not all businesses in Vietnam can perceive this issue, nor dare to step out of their comfort zone to change traditional methods and pursue new deployment methods that may involve risks. In addition, challenging situations also need to be forecasted in advance to prepare contingency plans.
Internal Employee Trust
Some think Robotic Process Automation can replace organizational employees. In fact, it does not take away human jobs but only serves as a tool to help humans optimize their work. RPA acts as digital workers who do not take days off, get sick, or require biweekly payroll processing. This frees your human workforce from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on creative and critical thinking. Businesses can address these concerns by educating and informing employees about the benefits, challenges, and operational aspects of the automation process. Transparency and open communication are crucial to building trust in internal employees.
Initial Investment Budget
One of the primary challenges in implementing Robotic Process Automation solutions is the substantial initial investment required. Adapting it to the unique operational needs of different industries is complex and demands significant upfront costs. Businesses must allocate funds for acquiring the necessary hardware infrastructure, licensing Robotic Process Automation solution provider tools, and covering programming expenses, consulting fees, maintenance costs, and ongoing operational expenses.
Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Not all businesses in Vietnam are suitable for implementing RPA. For smaller enterprises with limited operational scale and no standardized processes, the cost of implementing RPA may outweigh the potential short-term returns on investment. RPA solutions are typically most effective for large corporations with numerous branches and repetitive processes (banks, financial and accounting firms), or small and medium-sized companies that have standardized their processes. Consulting with RPA solution providers can help businesses determine whether RPA aligns with their specific needs and objectives.
Navigating the Road to Automation
The bigger the challenge, the greater the results. By proactively addressing potential risks and developing contingency plans, businesses can navigate the implementation process effectively. A clear vision, a detailed plan, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential for businesses to harness the power of RPA, optimize costs, enhance customer experiences, and pave the way for future success.
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