Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robotics is nothing but computers that imitate human actions, the process is a series of steps which mainly lead to some meaningful task, Automation means any task which is done without human intervention is known to be automated. Some common RPA examples and use cases we encounter include automation of data entry, data extraction, and invoice processing. There are additional examples of RPA use cases automating tasks in different business departments (Sales, HR, operations, etc.) and industries (banking, retail, manufacturing, etc.).
To do RPA, we have tools such as Blue Prism, Ui Path, Automation Anywhere, etc. Blue Prism helps us to automate the business processes in a better manner. This Blue Prism tool provides a visual designer which is used for drag and drop functionalities which you can observe once you open the Blue Prism dashboard and it is based on Java programming language. There is a great benefit for you if knew Java programming language already.
“We’re fascinated with robots because they are reflections of ourselves.”
— Ken Goldberg
Blue Prism
Blue Prism is a Robotic Process Automation tool developed by Blue Prism which is a UK-based software development company operating in the field of RPA. Blue Prism enables companies to automate rule-based, manual, and repetitive processes utilizing software robots so that human errors are eliminated in implementing business processes. The Blue Prism tool which is based on Java programming language allows business analysts and developers to create software robots using business objects and processes easily because the tool provides drag and drop functionalities. Making development in Blue Prism requires less technical knowledge so that even business people can easily develop their software robots.
Components of Blue Prism
There are four major components of Blue Prism:
Process Studio
Process Flow
Object Studio
Application Modeller
Control Room
Let’s take a look at each of these components one by one.
Blue Prism processes are flow diagrams that are graphical representations of the process the computer follows. These processes manipulate data, interact with external applications and perform decisions and calculations. These processes are created in the Process Studio. On the left-hand side, there is a Stages toolbar used to create stages in a process.
Process flow as the name suggests is the logical structural flow of the various stages defined to automate a repetitive task.
Now, there is a need for communication with external applications in all businesses. This communication cannot happen in the Process Studio, hence another component called the object studio is used for this purpose. It is the area where objects known as Visual Business objects (VBOs) are created. These objects are used for communicating with external applications. One VBO can provide an interface with exactly one external application.
Using Application Modeller, we can create application models with Object Studio. The UI Elements of a target application can be exposed to the Blue Prism program using Application Modeller.
Processes created in the Process Studio do not run on the version of Blue Prism local to the desktop but run on an external resource known as a digital worker. The processes which run from the Control Room is known as a Session. With the help of the Control Room, the processes are performed in an efficient manner.
Blue Prism Installation
Since the installation steps are quite long, I will not be covering the same in this blog. Instead, you can refer to Blue Prism installation guide , where they have shown step-by-step on how to configure, activate and install Blue Prism.
Most Common Use Cases of Blue Prism RPA
Excel Automation
The task is to automate the process of assigning employee performance based on their assigned ratings. In order to accomplish this, we need to perform Excel automation in order to read the data from the excel file.
Fig. Excel file with some records
Fig. Process studio
Fig. Output
Using Blue Prism to Automate Web Applications
In order to accomplish this, we use a ServiceNow instance and automate the creation of new users in the users’ table. We then enter information into each field on the form, save the changes, and then collect the password.
Fig. User Table in ServiceNow Instance.
Fig. Excel File with user records.
Fig. Process studio
Benefits of Blue Prism RPA
Quality Service: As a result of end — to — end auditing being performed by the digital workforce; Blue Prism ensures superior Service Quality.
Higher Accuracy: One of the main goals of automation is High accuracy and Blue Prism delivers that.
Scalability: Blue Prism provides a scalable approach to automation as it based on intelligent Digital Workforce performing tasks
Quick Deployment of Services: Service deployment has been made easier and faster because the application’s controls can be automated irrespective of the onscreen position.
Flexible Workforce: The Digital Workforce can work 24 * 7 and provide accurate results efficiently.
Statistics: Analysis of the data has become very easy due to the readily available dashboard tools and analytics.
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed reading this blog.
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