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Bachelor thesis, Degree of Master of Science in Business and Economics, School of Business and Economics at Linnaeus University in Växjö, Spring 2019, 2FE24E. Title: Robotics Process Automation - Important factors to take into consideration in a decision basis Authors: Linn Duàn och Lisa Strömvall Examiner: Pia Nylinder Advisor: Elin Funck Background and problem discussion: Robotics Process Automation (RPA) is a form of automation that has become a tool for achieving increased efficiency and quality improvements. In this study, we have chosen to investigate which factors that are important to take into consideration in a decision basis when implementing RPA. Increased efficiency, shorter lead times, increased customer satisfaction and improved job satisfaction are some of the many benefits that RPA can offer a company. However, it is important that the implementation is done on well-adapted processes and that previous documentation is available for evaluation. To know if an RPA is a profitable project, companies can use an ABC calculation or an investment analysis. Regarding the employees, RPA can cause concern among employees who are afraid that robotization will lead to a reduction of jobs in the future. But in relation with RPA taking over repetitive tasks, employees can apply excess time on more qualified tasks. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to highlight relevant parts of a decision basis by evaluating RP A. By highlighting important elements in a profitability analysis, identifying qualitative effects and obstacles that arise in connection with RPA, the study will present essential factors that should be taken into consideration in a decision basis. Method: A qualitative research approach has been used where we started from an evaluation study to answer our purpose. The insurance companies Folksam and If have been used for empirical collection. During six semi-structured interviews, questions have been asked about the reasons behind the implementation, how RPA is used, positive and negative effects, and issues concerning the employees' experiences at the implementation phase. Finally, all data have been transcribed, analyzed and sent back to the respective respondent for validation. It also explains the quality criteria’s and ethical considerations that permeate the work. Conclusion: The study results in important factors that should be taken into consideration when a decision basis is presented. The factors are presented as components in an investment analysis, lost/added activities in an ABC-calculation, and identification of qualitative effects as well as obstacles that limit the desired efficiency. Furthermore, it is explained how the different parts of the decision basis are interdependent and that they should be used as a complement to constitute a well-founded basis, to determine whether an implementation of RPA is appropriate or not. Key words: Robotics Process Automation, automation, efficiency, qualitative effects, calculation, decision basis. |
