At Marra, we recently hosted a webinar diving into the business value of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and how IT professionals and business leaders can use it to drive smarter, more scalable operations. If you missed it, here’s a quick recap of the highlights and key takeaways.
What Exactly Is RPA?
RPA uses bots to mimic the actions of people using computers e.g. logging in, clicking through applications, copying data. It’s ideal for repetitive, rules-based tasks that span teams and systems. Imagine needing to post a message on LinkedIn: instead of doing it yourself, you hand it off to a bot. That’s RPA in action.
We also covered how RPA compares to other automation types. Digital Process Automation (DPA) often operates behind the scenes, like automating an online order process. RPA, in contrast, simulates human interaction with systems. Together, these fall under the broader umbrella of Business Process Automation (BPA).
Why RPA Means Business
RPA isn’t just about saving time—it’s about consistency, scalability, and impact. It frees up your teams to focus on high-value, engaging work, rather than repetitive admin. And when done right, it scales with your business.
RPA thrives in environments where workflows are:
- Rules-based and deterministic
- Frequent and repetitive
- Low on human intuition
- Dependent on consistent outcomes
Sound like something in your organisation? You’re not alone. From customer service and payroll to procurement and planning applications, RPA can make a measurable difference.
How to Spot Automation Gold
A big part of our webinar focused on identifying the right RPA opportunities. Through our Strategic Consultancy, we ask questions like:
- Where are your teams using manual desktop apps or file-based workflows?
- Are tasks frequently passed between people or teams?
- Are you relying heavily on work queues or SaaS platforms?
- Are there recurring customer service or back-office tasks ripe for streamlining?
These are powerful signals that an RPA opportunity might be hiding in plain sight.
Getting Ready to Automate
Preparation is everything. We walked through a practical checklist covering everything from stakeholder mapping to workflow boundaries and governance. One key tip? Assume you don’t fully understand the process. Ask questions, map everything, and challenge assumptions. RPA success hinges on clarity and alignment.
Real Results from the Front Line
We shared a real-world success story from a county council that automated manual tasks in its Benefits Team using Power Automate Desktop. The results? Faster processing, reduced errors, improved citizen support and a team empowered to extend automation even further.
The ROI of RPA
Whether it’s direct cost savings, increased productivity, or freeing up staff for strategic work, RPA delivers tangible returns. And with the evolution of AI and new features like Copilot integration, RPA is only getting smarter and more powerful.
Want the full picture, including our checklist, real-world challenges, and a look at the future of RPA?
Watch the full webinar below:
Have questions or curious about where RPA could take your team next? We’d love to chat.
