Robotic

Process
Automation
(RPA)
in Industrial
By Abhigam Shah

Automation
Course: Industrial Automation
Roll No: 22BCE006
 • Introduction to RPA
• What is Industrial Automation?
Topics to be • The role of RPA in Industrial Automation and its applications

covered in •
•
RPA tools for Industrial Automation
Challenges of Implementing RPA in Industrial Automation
the seminar • Future Trends
• Video
Introduction to RPA
What is RPA?

• It refers to a software technology that uses virtual robots or bots to perform

repetitive tasks that humans normally do
• According to IBM, Robotic process automation (RPA), also known as software
robotics, uses intelligent automation techniques to perform repetitive office tasks
of human workers such as extracting data, filling in forms, moving files and more
• RPA and intelligent automation refer to the expansion of RPA functionality by
incorporating sub-disciplines of Artificial Intelligence, like Machine Learning,
Natural Language Processing(NLP) and Computer Vision
Characteristics of RPA

• Rule-based decision making

• Workflow automation
• Integration capabilities
• Scalability and flexibility
• User-friendly interface
• Cost savings
• Works with existing IT infrastructure
Working of RPA

• Recording of actions: Here a user records a

sequence of actions and procedures with the
applications to create a workflow as shown in
the given figure
• Building a software bot to copy the user’s
actions and perform them in a repetitive
manner
• Performing the tasks: After the bot is trained
to perform the actions, it can perform these
tasks in different situations with the help of
intelligent automation.
Working of RPA (an algorithmic
approach)

1. Planning
• involves identifying repetitive, rule-based
processes suitable for automation such as data
entry, report generation
• Analyse workflows to document current steps,
inputs and outputs
• Define objectives, success metrics and
constraints for the RPA implementation
Working of RPA (an algorithmic
approach)

2. Conducting (Development and

Testing)
• Develop RPA bots with the help of tools such as
Automation Anywhere, UiPath, or Blue Prism
• Test the bot in a controlled environment to
ensure accuracy, compatibility and versatility
with existing systems
• Validate outputs against real-world scenarios to
identify and fix issues
Working of RPA (an algorithmic
approach)

3. Execution
• Deploy the bot into the live environment to
execute automated tasks
• monitor its performance to ensure compliance
with industry standards and business rules and
expected outcomes
Working of RPA (an algorithmic
approach)

4. Reporting
• Generate reports summarising bot activity
such as tasks completed, time saved, errors
avoided etc
• Analyse performance data to identify areas for
optimisation
• Communicate results to stakeholders and plan
for scaling or refining automation processes
What is
Industrial
Automation ?

The Fundamentals and basis for RPA

 • Industrial Automation is the process in which
Revisiting we use robotics, machines and control systems to

Industrial
perform tasks that humans previously carried out
• Sensors gather real-time data such as

Automation temperature, pressure, motion etc. from machines

and processes
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs),
microcontrollers, or computers analyze the data to
make decisions based on the predefined logic
• Actuators, robots or control systems execute
commands to perform tasks like assembly,
packaging or quality checks to ensure efficiency
and precision checks
Types of Industrial Automation

• Fixed Automation

• Flexible Automation

• Programmable Automation

• Integrated Automation

• Process Automation

• Robotic Process Automation

The Role of RPA in
Industrial Automation
And its applications
The Role of RPA in Industrial
Automation

RPA or software has helped in the advancements towards industry 4.0 and has
played a key and integral role in industrial automation in the following ways.
1. Enhancing Operational Efficiency
2. Integration with Existing Systems
3. Cost Reduction and Scalability
4. Data Analysis and Reporting
5. Improving Compliance and Quality Control
The Role of RPA in Industrial
Automation

1. Enhancing Operational Efficiency

• RPA automates repetitive tasks such as data entry, inventory updates, and
scheduling, allowing human workers to focus on more complex, strategic
activities
• This reduces errors, increases speed and ensures consistent, high-quality results
The Role of RPA in Industrial
Automation

2. Integration with Existing Systems

• These tools can interact with multiple legacy systems, databases and
applications without requiring significant overhaul changes to the infrastructure
• It thus streamlines data flow between systems to ensure a seamless integration
in production, manufacturing and other business processes
The Role of RPA in Industrial
Automation

3. Cost Reduction and Stability

• By automating manual tasks, RPA reduces labour costs and operational
overheads
• It also enables scalability, as additional tasks can be automated without the
need for significant capital investment in new infrastructure
The Role of RPA in Industrial
Automation

4. Data Analysis and Reporting

• RPA can aggregate and analyse real-time and real-world from various machines
and processes in industrial environments, providing actionable insights for
decision-makers.
• It can automate the creation of reports, improving the speed and accuracy of
data-driven decisions
The Role of RPA in Industrial
Automation

5. Compliance and Quality Control

• RPA ensures adherence to industry standards and regulations by consistently
following predefined rules without any deviation
• It is particularly useful in quality control, ensuring that products meet the
required specifications and minimizing human error
Applications of RPA in Industrial
Automation

1. Supply Chain Management

• Automated Order Processing: RPA can automate
the processing of purchase orders, invoice
verification, and inventory management,
reducing delays and human errors.
• Shipment Tracking: Bots can track shipments in
real-time, update inventory systems, and notify
relevant stakeholders about delivery statuses.
Applications of RPA in Industrial
Automation

2. Manufacturing and Production

Line Automation
• Routine Maintenance Scheduling: RPA can
automate the scheduling of machine
maintenance based on sensor data, ensuring
equipment is serviced on time to prevent
breakdowns.
• Quality Control: RPA bots can collect and
analyze production data to identify any
deviations from quality standards, triggering
alerts or corrective actions.
Applications of RPA in Industrial
Automation

3. Data Management and Reporting

• Real-Time Data Collection: RPA can extract data

from various sensors, machines, and systems
(e.g., ERP, SCADA), consolidate it, and update
databases automatically.
• Automated Reporting: Bots can generate
performance, compliance, and inventory
reports on a set schedule, reducing manual
effort and ensuring timely decision-making.
Applications of RPA in Industrial
Automation

4. Predictive Maintenance
• Machine Performance Monitoring: RPA can
integrate with IoT sensors to monitor machine
performance and predict potential failures
based on real-time data.
• Automated Alerts and Work Orders: When a
maintenance issue is detected, RPA can
generate work orders, notify maintenance
teams, and even order replacement parts.
Applications of RPA in Industrial
Automation

5. Regulatory Compliance and

Auditing
• Compliance Reporting: RPA can track
compliance with industry regulations and
automatically generate compliance reports for
auditing purposes.
• Document Management: RPA can assist in
organizing and managing documentation
required for regulatory compliance, ensuring all
documents are up-to-date and accessible.
RPA Tools used in Industrial
Automation

1. UiPath: Used for automating inventory

management, procurement and reporting in
manufacturing operations

2. Automation Anywhere: Used to streamline

supply chain processes, order processing and
compliance tracking

3. Blue Prism: Automating routine maintenance

checks, equipment calibration and logistics
operations

4. Kofax RPA: Automating Data capture from

sensors, generating maintenance reports and
handling order management
Challenges of implementing RPA in
Industrial Automation

• Integration with legacy systems

• Scalability and maintenance

• Employee resistance to change

Trends in RPA

• Integration with AI & ML

• Enhanced decision making
• Intelligent Automation
• Cloud-Based RPA Automation
• Scalability and Flexibility
• Accessibility
• Hyper automation
• Comprehensive Automation
• Process Mining
RPA Manufacturing Use Cases Video
Thank you