Ep. 54 Understanding the strengths and limitations of Robotic Process Automation for Federal Systems

Many phrases are bandied about that give the impression that they will solve the world’s problems. You know them as well as I do:  artificial intelligence, machine learning, and even Robotic Process Automation.

This is an interview with Brian Baney from Aeyon. He has worked with many varying applications of RPA to solve federal problems and can give an objective perspective. During the interview, Brian gives a full orb analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of applying RPA to federal systems.

The discussion begins with defining terms. Rather than a panacea for all ills, Brian reminds the listeners that an RPA system merely responds to programming languages, not human languages. As a result, much consideration must be given to the design of the RPA system. This includes identifying data sources, organizing data, and knowing where a human must step into the process.

Brian’s company, Aeyon, has a fantastic track record with organizations ranging from the Air Force to the Marines to NASA. He gives unfiltered answers to questions presented in the interview.

For example, he willingly admits bots can add complexity to a system. One bot may be difficult to manage; what kind of unintended consequences will accrue when a group is interacting with each other?

The answer is to have experience with process mining and business process management to take advantage of the benefits RPA brings to the table. This includes reducing errors, eliminating mundane tasks, and freeing up time for federal technology professionals to use for value-added tasks like determining the impacts of multiple bots on a federal system