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BUSINESS PROCESS AUTOMATION: ENHANCING EFFICIENCY AND COMPETITIVENESS IN MODERN ORGANIZATIONS
(2024)
The first section of the thesis provides a historical overview of automation, spanning from the first industrial revolution to the current era of highly advanced AI-driven technologies. It emphasizes how important Business Process Automation (BPA) is in today's hectic corporate climate when productivity and competitiveness are key factors. The main focus is on Robotic Process Automation (RPA), which is especially useful in situations with legacy systems since it effectively automates repetitive processes. This study explores the differences between terms and concepts related to automation, including business process automation (BPA), robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and business process management (BPM). Companies looking to optimize their processes face a changing landscape due to the involvement of various technologies. Using real-world case studies and industry best practices, the thesis provides a thorough examination of the effects of BPA, emphasizing the primary drivers, challenges, and benefits of BPA adoption. A mixed-methods approach integrating quantitative and qualitative research was used as the methodology. Surveys, case studies, and documentation from different organizations are included in the study, based on those who have implemented RPA at their work. This method enables a thorough analysis of BPA's effects on efficacy, productivity, and affordability. Case studies from prominent firms like Capgemini Consulting, PwC, and Deloitte are reviewed to gain insights regarding their BPA journey. Significant gains in customer satisfaction, cost savings, error avoidance, and operational efficiency are shown by this research. They also draw attention to difficulties like opposition from employees, problems with integration, and the requirement for upskilling. The thesis indicates that although big firms have similar motives for adopting BPA, the process of adopting BPA varies depending on the specific circumstances of each firm. Stakeholder engagement and change management are critical components of successful BPA programs, according to key results. The study highlights a balanced, strategic, and context-sensitive approach, offering a useful insight for companies in establishing their BPA strategy. It provides a comprehensive examination of the role that business process automation plays in modern companies, highlighting the ways in which it can radically alter corporate strategy and operations in the digital age. It gives a thorough examination of the challenges involved in putting BPA into practice and offers tactical advice to businesses hoping to use these tools to boost productivity and competitiveness.
This thesis is a study examining the potential of implementing automation solutions in the financial month-end close of TomTom Business Unit Automotive Finance. The aim of this study is to identify processes with potential for the implementation of Robotic Process Automation and/or Artificial Intelligence, to improve month-end close in the selected case company.
The theoretical framework delimits Digital Business Transformation from Digitalization and Digitization. It provides background knowledge on Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence and points out how digitalization impacts the finance function of the future. Furthermore, factors for successful implementation of automation are discussed.
The study applies the strategy of action research performed in a two-staged research examination, including the performance of interviews and the analysis of the interview results. The interview’s goal was to examine month-end close processes, gathering information about the process itself and its characteristics, to have a solid understanding on the processes for the subsequent analysis. The data analysis was conducted applying two different approaches, varying depending on which automation tool best suited the process.
The research result showed that half of the processes in month-end close of Automotive Finance have the automation potential. This automation is more related to the implementation of processes into SAP Analytics Cloud and the use of included Artificial Intelligence features than to the use of Robotic Process Automation.
This result confirms the theoretical findings on the high potential of automation in reporting and endorses the automation potential of month-end close in TomTom Business Unit Automotive Finance.