Robotic Process Automation for SMEs

Abstract

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a software-based solution for automating rule-based business processes that perform routine tasks with structured data. Various recent studies have reported the benefits of using RPA in terms of productivity, cost, speed and error reduction. RPA, with its numerous positive features is already being used by many, mainly larger, companies at this point in time. The literature reviewed was mostly not focused on a specific company size, industry or country. The existing knowledge base is mainly focused on RPA in large companies. This master thesis aims to complement the literature in the area of Swiss SMEs. Therefore, the research examined why only a few SMEs use RPA and how the potential of RPA can best be transmitted to SMEs.As a method for answering the research thesis and the research questions, the Design Science Research method was applied. With the help of an artifact, new knowledge was gained, and subsequently, evaluated....