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Robotic process automation

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Abstract

Within digital transformation, which is continuously progressing, robotic process automation (RPA) is drawing much corporate attention. While RPA is a popular topic in the corporate world, the academic research lacks a theoretical and synoptic analysis of RPA. Conducting a literature review and tool analysis, we propose – in a holistic and structured way – four traits that characterize RPA, providing orientation as well as a focus for further research. Software robots automate processes originally performed by human work. Thus, software robots follow a choreography of technological modules and control flow operators while operating within IT ecosystems and using established applications. Ease-of-use and adaptability allow companies to conceive and implement software robots through (agile) projects. Organizational and IT strategy, governance structures, and management systems therefore must address both the direct effects of software robots automating processes and their indirect impacts on firms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Project Group Business & Information Systems Engineering of Fraunhofer FIT, Wittelsbacherring 10, 95444, Bayreuth, Germany

    Peter Hofmann

  2. University of Bayreuth, Wittelsbacherring 10, 95444, Bayreuth, Germany

    Caroline Samp

  3. FIM Research Center, Project Group Business & Information Systems Engineering of Fraunhofer FIT, University of Bayreuth, Wittelsbacherring 10, 95444, Bayreuth, Germany

    Nils Urbach

Authors
  1. Peter Hofmann
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  2. Caroline Samp
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  3. Nils Urbach
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Correspondence to Peter Hofmann.

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Hofmann, P., Samp, C. & Urbach, N. Robotic process automation. Electron Markets 30, 99–106 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-019-00365-8

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