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5 Essential Questions to Ask RPA Consultants for Successful Implementation

Posted on on October 25, 2024 | by XLNC Team

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Like all software development projects, the success of your robotic process automation (RPA) implementation depends significantly on the RPA consultant you choose to partner with. 

Selecting the right consultant can mean the difference between a smooth, efficient implementation and a frustrating experience fraught with delays and misunderstandings. We hope this guide aids you in assessing RPA implementation consultants, allowing you to make the best choice for your company. At XLNC Technologies, we are committed to supporting your RPA journey and look forward to the opportunity to work with you. 

This post outlines the top 5 key questions to ask RPA consultants and provides insights from experts in the field.

The Value of an RPA Implementation Consultant

As RPA platforms continuously evolve, understanding the nuances of each becomes increasingly challenging. Moreover, many have experienced development projects that faltered due to factors unrelated to code quality. Often, issues arise from missed deadlines, budget overruns, or poor project management—elements that are often overlooked but crucial for success.

This guide aims to ensure that your next project is a resounding success. We’ve highlighted five critical questions to ask your RPA vendors, along with our answers. Our goal is not only to demonstrate our capabilities but also to help you make informed decisions for your organization. Let’s dive in!

How quickly will we reach positive ROI with RPA?

Understanding the timeline for ROI is critical. While many customers appreciate that positive ROI can often be realized in months rather than years, the focus should be on how vendors approach this question. The most thoughtful responses indicate a robust process for delivering results.

Our answer: RPA is designed to reduce the time spent on non-value-added work and eliminate costly errors. By analyzing potential savings against the project costs, we can determine when the project will pay for itself. However, many vendors have developed RPA ROI calculators that help clients gauge their ROI timeline effectively.

What’s your experience in our industry?

Every industry presents unique challenges and requirements. While the overarching goal of RPA is the same—automating processes to free up employees for higher-value tasks—understanding industry-specific nuances is vital.

Our answer: XLNC Technologies has experience across various sectors, but we excel in manufacturing, logistics & transportation, BFSI, HR, and retail & e-commerce,  where compliance and privacy regulations are critical. Our commitment to understanding industry-specific challenges allows us to bring valuable insights to the table.

What RPA software would you recommend?

Many organizations exploring RPA will have conducted preliminary research and may already have preferences. However, the software recommendation should be based on a thorough understanding of your specific needs.

Our answer: We frequently work with Primo RPA, UiPat, IBM, Automation Anywhere, Primo RPA, Blue Prism and Power Automate. We always prioritize understanding our client's processes and requirements before making any recommendations. Our approach involves considering people, processes, and tools to determine the best fit for your organization.

How does your team put together a scope of work for RPA?

A well-defined scope of work is crucial for the successful execution of a project. Understanding how a consultant determines the scope can provide insights into their project management approach.

Our answer: Our scoping process begins by assessing whether you want to automate a single process or expand the project to encompass multiple processes. We conduct thorough consultations with process owners to gather all necessary details, including applications involved and potential exceptions.

What are the most important questions we haven’t asked yet?

This question invites the vendor to reveal more about their perspective and operational style. It allows you to gauge how proactive they are in addressing potential concerns.

Our answer:

Two crucial questions we often discuss with clients are: 

Why are you pursuing RPA now?

What does success look like for your organization?

Understanding your motivations and definitions of success helps us tailor our approach and ensures we’re aligned with your objectives. 

Conclusion

Selecting the right technology partner can be a daunting task, particularly in the fast-evolving realm of robotic process automation. However, by asking the right questions and evaluating potential consultants' responses, you can identify the partner best suited to help your organization transition smoothly to an automated future.