Automating the apparel supply chain has typically focused on robots replacing workers on the factory floor or in warehouses. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) or ‘bots’ are usually not part of the automation discussion. However, they probably should be since this technology could potentially drive huge gains in productivity and cost savings. Software providers claim that using RPA can reduce staff costs by up to 90%. <h3><strong>What Is It and How Does It Work?</strong></h3> Essentially, RPA is the process by which a software programs uses a combination of automation, computer vision, and machine learning to automate repetitive, high-volume tasks, that are rule-based and trigger driven. The program or ‘bot’ is able to record tasks performed by a human on their computer, then perform those same tasks without human intervention, assuming that there are logical steps to performing those tasks. Unlike other technologies that are trained to “think”, RPA is programed to execute specific tasks. Any processes that require people to do a high volume of repetitive data work could potentially benefit from implementing RPA. The most common uses of RPA programs supplement repetitive functions or data-intensive processes, where logic-based outcomes are anticipated. <h4 style="padding-left: 40px;"><strong>The Right Tech for the Right Job</strong></h4> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">• The process must be rule-based.</p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">• The process must be repeated at regular intervals, or have a pre-defined trigger.</p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">• The process must have defined inputs and outputs.</p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">• The task should have sufficient volume.</p> <h3><strong>Improving the Merchandise Retuns Process</strong></h3> In the retail sector, returns processing is benefitting from this. Free returns are a key driver of online sales, but they’ve created a processing monster for retailers. It’s a necessary process with plenty of “opportunities” for inefficiencies, errors, and other issues. It’s also a high volume process. Traditionally, returns have been processed manually. With RPA, software can now handle the return, which includes a series of repetitive steps: sending a message confirming receipt of the return, updating the inventory system, making the payment adjustment to the customer, ensuring that the internal billing system is updated, and so on. <h3><strong>More Efficient & Accurate Manufacturing</strong></h3> In manufacturing, RPA is being used to check Bill of Materials (BOM) to ensure accuracy. If any error happens here it could lead to a massive loss of time and money. When a company uses multiple carriers and multiple insurances, RPA can a report of which choice is giving the best cost, insurance and transit time. <h3><strong>Tech Team Up: ERP Meets RPA</strong></h3> The integration of RPA in ERP could be the next stage in planning resources. The reports, like inventory, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Pricing and other reports are automatically generated and you can automate them to send via email or upload it in a share point folder. In inventory area, A manufacturing industry can monitor the current inventory and will notify them when the stock is low. Then you can automate them to reorder again. They can also mass update the SKU automatically. <h3><strong>Worth the Price?</strong></h3> Determining the price of an RPA solution depends on the number of bots and software components that make up their RPA deployment. But, on average, a single bot (or unit) tends to cost somewhere between $5,000 and $15,000. According to Deloitte, a company deploying 500 RPA bots would cost around $20 million (including software licenses, planning, process reengineering, programming, testing, and implementation) could potentially realize $100 million in savings, assuming the bots replace 1,000 employees. Price will largely depend on the complexity of the task for the software bot to perform. But once that bot is paid for, it can perform infinite tasks without extra cost.