What RPA actually is
Robotic process automation uses software 'digital workers' to complete rules-based tasks that people currently do on screen — reading a queue, checking fields, entering data and updating records.
Unlike a new platform, RPA works with the systems a firm already uses, which makes it a practical option where integrations are limited.
RPA, APIs or both?
Where a system offers an API, a direct integration is usually faster and more robust. Where it does not, RPA can operate the interface. Many legal workflows use a combination of the two.
Questions to ask before you start
- Is the process rules-based and repeated often?
- Can exceptions be clearly identified?
- Which systems are involved, and do they have APIs?
- Who reviews the work the automation cannot complete?
- How will actions be logged for audit?
Choosing tooling
We use our own RPA tooling, chosen and configured for each project, so the approach fits the workflow rather than a licence model.