Screwing car parts in the right place, picking jars of jam off the conveyor belt and putting them in a box, checking freshly baked computer chips for possible flaws: tasks like that we are happy to leave to robots. But office workers are also often faced with repetitive and anything but exciting tasks. We can safely leave those, too, to robots. Especially in the transport and logistics sector, it is time to take a closer look at how Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can increase productivity, avoid mistakes and make employees happier.
Manual processes still prevail in the transport and logistics sector. In tasks such as track & trace, capturing invoice information, managing customs forms or submitting proofs-of-delivery, human interactions play a major role and thus there is a high risk of errors. In the worst case, these errors mess up the entire supply chain. Moreover, manual entry processes often lead to delayed order entry, which does not help customer relations at all. Delivery delays and lost sales are also common, all of which can easily lead to staff dissatisfaction. Recent research by ABBYY, provider of Digital IQ solutions, shows that manual input processes and checking long documents are the work we dislike the most. According to the survey, the majority of respondents would prefer to hand over such tasks to robots.
The digital employee knows no frustration
In logistics in particular, there are numerous monotonous tasks related to document processing and data collection; tasks that can be simplified with smart automation solutions and integrated AI technologies. These types of monotonous, repetitive tasks are well suited for Robotic Process Automation or RPA. A digital worker, or robot, can retrieve the required data instantly. Information exchange between different systems is also fast and error-free. The same applies to the input of new data, such as customer information: a software robot is able to continuously check data for correctness and accuracy. Moreover, it is possible to automatically extract data from contracts or product information and make it available for other applications. The result: incoming and outgoing goods, even complaints, can be processed instantly. This leads to an optimised workflow for both man and machine. At the same time, satisfaction increases - not only among customers but also internally, for example among management, because they always have the latest figures.
The benefits of RPA can be demonstrated with a simple real-life example from logistics. A driver can upload his freight documents on the road, sign them online and receive and process other signatures. The data is sent via a central server to a shared services centre (SSC). There, for example, is an application that sends status information to all relevant logistics systems. Proof-of-delivery software also makes it possible to enter and forward delivery documents via mobile devices. Suppliers, in turn, can initiate invoicing processes directly by simply taking a picture of the receipts with their smartphone.
Automation offers added value
One thing is certain: using automation solutions like RPA to optimise processes in data acquisition and processing is the way forward for the logistics sector. Robots complete this kind of job at lightning speed and are available 24 hours a day. Moreover, the sector benefits from greater accuracy, lower error rates and large cost savings. These kinds of solutions also have a beneficial effect on people: because data entry is automated, employees can focus on social interaction and other creative work. This not only increases their motivation and satisfaction, but also improves business relationships and customer confidence.
Author: Robert
Bien, ABBYY
