Automation is a concept that has been previously introduced in organizations as a means to improve their processes. However, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is an emerging method to automate processes with software, which the industry calls robots. These robots perform repetitive and low-complexity tasks previously performed by humans in front of a computer which as is known is the most commonly used feature in a company nowadays. Using the Design Science Research methodology to build up this article, it is argued that RPA is being used idly compared to its full potential which would entail using process improvement techniques before applying the automation itself. Thus, this article proposes a new approach to RPA through the use of Lean techniques. This article assesses two market leaders in RPA. It suggests a framework of activities for organizations that are investing in RPA and that want to take advantage of the capabilities currently offered by this technology. The majority of the demonstration proposal was carried out in a Portuguese private bank in three processes. Depending on the different cases, it had an overall positive evaluation in the field or simulations. Comparing RPA and Lean RPA projects in the number of resources (time, FTE) needed to carry out business processes, the latter approach presented values that were significantly lower and, consequently, satisfactory.
Keywords: Business processes; Continuous improvement; Lean RPA; Lean management; RPA; Robotic process automation.
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