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Robotic process automation

Author

Listed:
  • Peter Hofmann

    (Project Group Business & Information Systems Engineering of Fraunhofer FIT)

  • Caroline Samp

    (University of Bayreuth)

  • Nils Urbach

    (University of Bayreuth)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Hofmann & Caroline Samp & Nils Urbach, 2020. "Robotic process automation," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 30(1), pages 99-106, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:30:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s12525-019-00365-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s12525-019-00365-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wil M. P. Aalst & Martin Bichler & Armin Heinzl, 2018. "Robotic Process Automation," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 60(4), pages 269-272, August.
    2. Rainer Alt, 2018. "Electronic Markets on digitalization," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 28(4), pages 397-402, November.
    3. Jan Brocke & Wolfgang Maaß & Peter Buxmann & Alexander Maedche & Jan Marco Leimeister & Günter Pecht, 2018. "Future Work and Enterprise Systems," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 60(4), pages 357-366, August.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Christian Engel & Philipp Ebel & Jan Marco Leimeister, 2022. "Cognitive automation," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(1), pages 339-350, March.
    2. Rainer Alt, 2021. "Electronic Markets on robotics," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(3), pages 465-471, September.
    3. Uklańska Anna, 2023. "Robotic Process Automation (RPA) – Bibliometric Analysis and Literature Review," Foundations of Management, Sciendo, vol. 15(1), pages 129-140, January.
    4. Daniel Belanche & Luis V. Casaló & Carlos Flavián, 2021. "Frontline robots in tourism and hospitality: service enhancement or cost reduction?," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(3), pages 477-492, September.
    5. Rainer Alt & Jan Marco Leimeister & Thomas Priemuth & Stephan Sachse & Nils Urbach & Nico Wunderlich, 2020. "Software-Defined Business," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 62(6), pages 609-621, December.
    6. Rainer Alt, 2020. "Evolution and perspectives of electronic markets," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 30(1), pages 1-13, March.
    7. Plattfaut, Ralf & Koch, Julian, 2021. "Preserving the legacy – Why do professional soccer clubs (not) adopt innovative process technologies? A grounded theory study," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 237-250.
    8. Julia Siderska, 2021. "The Adoption of Robotic Process Automation Technology to Ensure Business Processes during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-20, July.
    9. Rainer Alt, 2021. "Electronic Markets on digital platforms and AI," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(2), pages 233-241, June.
    10. Nora Nahr & Marikka Heikkilä, 2022. "Uncovering the identity of Electronic Markets research through text mining techniques," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(3), pages 1257-1277, September.
    11. Lukas-Valentin Herm & Christian Janiesch & Alexander Helm & Florian Imgrund & Adrian Hofmann & Axel Winkelmann, 2023. "A framework for implementing robotic process automation projects," Information Systems and e-Business Management, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-35, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Robotic process automation; Business process automation; Software robots; IS ecosystems; Back-office; RPA;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M15 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - IT Management

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