Baby steps creating big efficiency improvements has RPA poised to be the biggest factor for fast and productive results in 2019.
Government agencies are aching for better efficiency. Every day, incompatible software or outdated legacy systems make the job harder for those working to keep things running. With a lot of room for improvement in various areas, choosing the right solutions to achieve the best results can be difficult. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has laid the groundwork for the future, but the onus is on agency leaders to take the next step.
TheModernizing Government Technology Actofficially calls on government agencies to apply for “modernization funding” and upgrade the legacy systems holding everyone back. With a world of options looming for decision makers, it’s no wonder why, in August, Mick Mulvaney singled out Robotic Process Automation (RPA) as a new technology agencies can use “to reduce repetitive administrative tasks,” with the help of the Office of Management and Budget. OMBemphasizedthe government’s efforts to streamline operations, reminding agencies in a memo that, “ThePresident’s Management Agenda (PMA)prioritizes reducing the burden of … low-value activities and redirecting resources to accomplishing mission outcomes that matter most to citizens.”
“The President’s Management Agenda (PMA) prioritizes reducing the burden of … low-value activities and redirecting resources to accomplishing mission outcomes that matter most to citizens.”
A Useful Solution
Large, system-wide overhauls are difficult, time-consuming projects for any organization. These massive projects become practically impossible in the public sector. Fortunately for decision-makers, impressive results are possible without these massive overhauls. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a complimentary technology that can increase efficiencies and produce results quickly, no matter what legacy system an organization has deployed.
The technology works by automating repetitive and routine processes that would otherwise drag down agents and fill up their time. With RPA bots completing these tedious processes, otherwise preoccupied government officials are freed to focus on more complex issues where their expertise is needed.
Government agencies flooded with repetitive but required tasks (like Freedom of Information Act requests, various registration processes, or form submissions) can begin implementing RPA bots today to take over these responsibilities and, according to the OMB, “significantly reduce the burden on Federal employees.”
“Those searching for reliable technology that’s ready to implement today have the answer they’ve been looking for: Robotic Process Automation.”
Step By Step
At Zappix, we believe results matter. That’s why we begin every Mobile On-Demand project by identifying the most common use cases where our technology can provide utmost benefits for the organizations. Limiting the number of use cases greatly accelerates integration and creates a manageable project that has an immediate impact on operations. By focusing on a few specific uses, our customers take baby steps in implementation and see big results when a project launches just 4-6 weeks later.
Erik Carlson, assistant director of digital experience at Principal Financial Group, is looking to implement a similar strategy. At the recent CMSWire DX Summit,he sharedhis focus going into 2019: baby steps and quick wins. Carlson and his team say they’re a long way off from providing the innovation and digital experience they want to give customers. “I’m honestly looking for quick wins in 2019 because we have a big gap that we need to try and close,” Carlson said. “So, it’s really baby steps.”
As government agencies look to hit the ground running in 2019 and get closer to the modern, digital goals OMB has set for them, decision-makers would be wise to take a page from Erik Carlson and the private sector — implement RPA for some quick wins and reap real rewards.
