In every company, there are certain tasks and activities that do not require the know-how of a specialist. This means that these processes can either be outsourced or automated. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has established itself as a very useful tool for process automation in interaction with various other automation technologies as well as varieties of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and process analysis tools in recent years. But what good is the best tool and the most innovative technology if there is a hitch in the implementation?

Make or Buy?

Many Business Process Automation Projects fail because too often attempts are made to simply automate processes without sufficient knowledge of the processes and automation technology and methodology. Employees are well advised to search the market for professional consulting providers and not to reinvent the wheel. After all, professional implementation is critical to the success of an installation. Companies can choose between setting up their own Center of Excellence (CoE) or, if they do not have sufficient staff or expertise, working with a consulting provider to get help in automating processes. So the question everyone must ask themselves at the outset: Make or Buy?

Specialized consulting companies with specially trained consultants offer a comprehensive service for the roll-out of an end-to-end solution that covers the crucial steps and draws on a broad technology stack. This includes clarifying the question of the right tool, the necessary infrastructure and the compatibility of internal applications with the tool, as well as process analysis, process automation and provisioning, and operation and monitoring.

Implementation is what matters

Automating processes means, as a first step, understanding processes in detail. Although it is not mandatory to use a process mining solution for an implementation, Process Mining does accelerate and simplify the process analysis phase. This is because before process automation, the good Lord has placed the detailed process map, which shows which parts of the process can and should be automated in the first place. Then the developers select, for example, the best RPA software tool to automate the corresponding process. Like any software project, process automation goes through a software development lifecycle to ensure the quality and sustainability of the solution. Once the software robot has been developed, the next step is the extensive testing of the developed bot in an appropriate test environment. If the test is positive, the deployment phase is initiated, i.e. the bot is transferred to productive operation. Once the bot has been executed, it is publicly available. Continuous support ensures that any errors that occur are rectified immediately.

The PoC brings the proof

Whether the planned software robot has the caliber to deliver the desired results and the efforts are not in vain can best be determined with a proof of concepts. It can be used to verify whether the specific process automation has the potential for a real application. In short, the PoC represents proof that the project is feasible and justifies the costs.  

The right lid for every pot

As diverse as the consulting scene is, so is the range of services and the technological approach of the consultancies. We present a few consultancies below, although the compilation makes no claim to completeness. Which one is ultimately right for you depends on your individual requirements and your specific needs.

Specialized consultations

Roboyo

Roboyo, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Nuremberg, Germany, offers innovative consulting and implementation services in the areas of Intelligent Automation (IPA), Artificial Intelligence, Personal Robotic Assistance, Intelligent Document Processing, and Low Code Application. In doing so, Roboyo has adopted a field-proven approach to automate and increase the effectiveness of its customers' business processes. Services include process transformation, software implementation, managed services and training. For process assessment, the consulting team uses Roboyo Scout, which is part of the Roboyo Converge ecosystem, and Procify to identify processes with automation potential in the initial phases, including opportunities to implement RPA, OCR, NLP and other advanced technologies. Roboyo Converge serves as an intelligent platform designed to rapidly automate and address scaling and management challenges. Roboyo says it works with best-in-class software providers in the areas of RPA, personal robotic assistant (PRA) and artificial intelligence (AI) such as Blueprism, UiPath and ABBYY.

In June 2021, Roboyo acquired AKOA "to form the world's largest professional service company for Intelligent Automation". AKOA's scope of services includes consulting and practical implementation as a service. AKOA works with advanced automation tools in the areas of process mining, RPA, IPA, AI chatbots, artificial intelligence, and test automation from technology partners UiPath, Blue Prism, and ABBY, among others, and applies its expertise to overcome the challenges of implementing automation solutions.

Together, over 230 employees now work in locations in 16 cities, in 9 countries and 3 continents under the umbrella of Roboyo, which was founded by former Deloitte and Capgemini consultants.

Weissenberg

Since 2013, the Weissenberg Group, headquartered in Wolfsburg, has been helping to create forward-looking digital solutions from practice for practice with its strategic and interdisciplinary consulting as a manufacturer-independent provider. Within the scope of RPA software consulting, Weissenberg helps to select the most suitable RPA system from its technology partners UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Softomotive and the technology platforms of ABBY, Ansible, ARIS, bizagi, CHEF, puppet, Signavio according to the requirements of their specific processes.

Experienced technology consultants create an IT infrastructure concept for the hardware and software requirements on the basis of which a scalable RPA solution can be successfully developed, implemented and operated. A small-step rollout as part of a Proof of Concepts (PoC) provides the opportunity to observe and analyze how the RPA solution works with existing systems, applications, data and processes in its target environment. After the transfer to live operation, 2nd and 3rd level support guarantees smooth operation. The Robotic Operations Center (ROC) operated by Weissenberg provides the solid foundation for scaling the digital workforce. With its RPA as a Service, Weissenberg provides hands-on experienced developers for the simple and safe elimination of bottlenecks in RPA programming capacity.

Business Consulting House

The Business Consulting House is dedicated to end-to-end process consulting. The services offered range from the overall automation idea to the maintenance of the automated process and include process automation strategy, concept development, activation and execution. Leveraging innovative technologies such as DPA, RPA, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) from technology partners such as UiPath, Automation Anywhere and inspirient cognitive analytics, Business Consulting House is able to implement customized visualized strategies for the development and maintenance of automated processes. From evaluation of the potential, analysis of long-term plans, in-house training, full documentation of the implementation, design of an operating model, framework for planning, building and operating process automation, to implementation of the respective technology, Business Consulting House accompanies companies on their automation journey.

Deefinity Digital Consulting

Deefinity Digital Consulting advises and supports small and medium-sized businesses as well as large customers to get ready for digitalization and automation. In doing so, the Berlin-based company implements the latest technologies such as RPA & IPA, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital solutions and platforms from its technology partners UiPath, Automation Anywhere, AZUR, Microsoft, Amazon Web Service, Bots and People and fir RWTH Aachen. The services offered range from the development of intelligent bots enhanced with decision-making capabilities thanks to advances in deep learning and cognitive technology, to the development and deployment of the necessary infrastructure for automation solutions, the establishment of a systematic operating model and the implementation of a strong change management and governance framework, to agile project management and the development of RPA centers of excellence.

Wemakefuture

Wemakefuture is Germany's first cloud automation agency that iteratively and agilely creates automated workflows for improved customer experiences using iPaaS and Cloud BPA for SMEs, start-ups and large enterprises. With the introduction of the integration solution, all eligible processes are analyzed and optimized before being automated. Wemakefuture partners with leading digital and IT industry software providers such as Integromat, Zapier, Automation Hero, Power Automate, n8n and Airtable. The certified Zapier expert, Integromat partner, Automation Hero partner and Airtable service provider offers IT consulting to optimization of customer journeys and long-term support after roll-out.

The iPaaS provided by Wemakefuture includes ready-to-use workflows or templates for various applications that are easy to configure and integrate, allowing the solution to be used by staff with little or no technical expertise. In addition to scaling quickly and reliably through the cloud-based infrastructure, the SaaS model also provides logs and data auditing options for tracking and monitoring real-time and historical data.

CGI

As part of an efficient implementation, CGI combines RPA with other technologies to automate even complex decisions, processes and interactions and to develop new digital operating models. CGI offers its customers not only customized and flexible solutions, but also a broad portfolio of services in the field of RPA, from strategy to full-managed service. As part of its Robotic Consultation Services (RCS), CGI helps clients develop an automation strategy, implement RPA or establish a complex governance structure.

With Robotic Delivery Service (RDS), CGI helps customers automate their processes with RPA and serves as an extended workbench for scaling projects. Robotic Operation Services (ROS) includes operations, regardless of whether the company runs its RPA infrastructure on the CGI Automation Platform, in the cloud or in its own data center. The Robot as a Service (RaaS) includes managed services such as development of architectures, support in selecting the right tool, and consulting regarding platform and license usage. Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, UiPath, Service Now, AWS, Google, Microsoft, SAP, Salesforce and Celonis are on board as technology and platform partners, forming a network together with market analysts and consultants to help automation projects succeed.

Bots & People

Bots & People launched a vendor-independent platform. Their approach differs from the other classic approaches. At Bots and People, the focus is on enabling people, which is related to the fact that Bots and People originally comes from the training sector.

Here’s a list of features and services you’ll find on the new Bots & People platform:

1. Automation Services —  Explore the automation marketplace and find professional automation vendors, including tools, tech, developers, professional consultants, analysts, and coaches.
2. Automation Academy — The Academy features a range of courses aimed at automation beginners and experts alike.
3. Free Automation Knowledge — Bots & People offers useful free content that aims to educate our platform’s visitors on everything automation, including blogs, ebooks, podcasts, videos, whitepapers, webinars, events and more.
4. Automation Community — The platform features a vibrant community of individuals who share a passion for automation.
5. All-in-One Solutions —  Bots & People includes comprehensive support known as Automation as a Service (AaaS) and is an end-to-end solution for businesses interested in integrating automation and coaching employees on the subject.

Bots & Peoplecontinuously updating our platform with fresh learning content, blogs, features, and more, so make sure to join our platform to learn about the latest additions to it.

Other consultations

In addition to the specialized consulting and service companies, the large consulting firms now also offer various services when it comes to the optimization and automation of business processes. Management consultancies have also long since recognized that effective and sustainable process optimization can only be realized profitably with the technical possibilities of intelligent process automation. Unmistakable in all approaches is the actual origin.    

PWC

In order to leverage the many benefits as an important contribution to the digital strategy, the PWC RPA Competence Team offers support services along the entire journey, from strategy consulting to RPA potential analysis, tool selection and implementation. To this end, PWC says it combines RPA expertise with process transformation excellence and technology know-how. At PWC, the starting point for the development of an "Organization 4.0" is knowledge of the cultural facets of a transformation process in conjunction with a holistic approach along the entire path of reorganizing the company.

EY

Limited to the life sciences, financial services, healthcare and chemicals industries, EY offers support in the area of IPA. The starting point is the evaluation of the organization and processes in order to identify automation candidates and restructure processes. EY also uses process mining to systematically analyze business transactions and uncover risks and opportunities. Once the processes have been identified and restructured, the bot application is installed, configured, tested and used. In the process, EY prioritizes functions and restructured processes to maximize the benefits of RPA. Operational services also include hosting, monitoring and continuous improvement of a robotics solution, as well as remote diagnostics and maintenance via a secure connection round out the range of services.

KPMG

KPMG sees itself as a partner in making RPA, advanced learning and cognitive computing an integral part of the world of work. To this end, KPMG takes an approach that accompanies companies at every step of their journey to a digital working world, from strategy to implementation. Using its Business Analytics service based on the Digital Labor Assessment, KPMG determines the maturity level and potential in the areas of RPA and Smart/Cognitive Automation. Once the focal points for technological transformation have been identified, KPMG builds on this to design a strategy and roadmap for a workforce of the future. After selecting the right vendors and partners for their clients' individual needs, KPMG develops applications to lay the foundation for future-proof digital transformation.

Capgemini

Capgemini Consulting considers itself well prepared to guide clients through every step of the process. In tool-focused RPA deployment, the client acquires the rights to the RPA software, while Capgemini experts provide technical and strategic support. In assisted RPA deployment, Capgemini consultants work with an RPA software vendor to ensure a smooth RPA implementation and organizational transition through clear communication across the enterprise.

Capgemini also offers a complete factory service to clients around the globe through Capgemini Business Services. Here, Capgemini Consulting works directly with the service provider of the client's choice. Factory Service is less about technical support and more about helping companies focus on the added value of RPA to ensure they get the most out of their RPA deployment.

Deloitte

The global, cross-industry and cross-functional Deloitte Center for Process Robotics stands for a holistic approach to automation. The more than 1,000 process and automation experts of the multi-industry player view Process Robotics not only as a pure technology topic, but also from a business and, above all, process perspective, because only detailed and comprehensive process knowledge allows successful automation decisions. As a manufacturer-independent consultancy, Deloitte works with all leading suppliers in order to ensure, according to its own statements, independent consulting and support for the implementation of the automations.

Conclusion

As demand for process automation increases, companies need to make strategic decisions regarding the use of automation solutions and platforms to achieve greater efficiency, performance and cost-effective ROI. Case studies show that using a best-of-breed approach, i.e., combining process mining and machine learning tools with RPA, saves significant time and money.

The diverse consultants offer a wide range of approaches and solutions that cover almost every industry requirement. With their experience in dealing with automation solutions, they ensure a high level of efficiency throughout the implementation phase and thus provide valid arguments for a "buy" in the "make or buy" question that more and more companies are asking themselves in view of the increasing complexity of automation technologies.