Available Course

Big Picture of RPA (Robotic Process Automation) – An Introduction

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Duration: 2 Hours
CPD Hours: Attendance at this seminar will secure 2 hour/s verifiable CPD points including other professional bodies (SAICA, SAIBA, ACCA, IACSA, IRBA & etc)
Course Facilitator: Lynette Berger
T:  011-886-1395
E:  gillian@probetatraining.co.za
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RPA is automation software that can span multiple systems and mimic human activity. It need not include advanced computing techniques associated with machine learning or artificial intelligence. Audit firms are increasingly likely to encounter robotics in traditional areas of Audit focus, such as Finance and Accounting, in addition to new processes that take advantage of RPA capabilities. RPA is quickly becoming ubiquitous in large organizations. Just recently, 34% of shared services organizations have implemented or are in the process of implementing robotics. By 2020, automation and smart machines will reduce employee requirements in these shared services centers by 65%. By then, more than 40% of data science tasks will be automated. Within the next few years, Audit is increasingly likely to encounter RPA in routine audit engagements. RPA’s purpose is to mimic human activities, therefore many controls around RPA processes are likely to look similar to those of the processes they are replacing. However, RPA implementation often includes process redesign. And these new technologies will introduce new risks to the organization. Audit should therefore consider the various risks when evaluating RPA pilots or implementations. However, the first step is to become familiar with the RPA process.

This session offers a broad overview of the basic concepts of an RPA process afterwhich we will introduce further audit approaches around RPA in follow-up sessions.

RPA – What is it and how it works What Robotic Process Automation Is Not RPA vs Test Automation RPA - Why now? The mindset Pros and Cons Vendors and RPA platforms Building a simple robot (demo) A basic plan for piloting and implementing RPA (in a business) - identify, evaluate and prioritizing processes - Design, develop and test - Implementation and continuous improvement - Piloting Best fit industries and functions Benefits and challenges of RPA Risks Associated with Robotic Process Automation Questions to ask as audit firms design and implement RPA control structures

Who this course is for individuals who want to learn the basics of RPA and the impact on a personal level, business level and client / consumer level – Auditors and Accountants: this is the session for you!