--- title: Challenges of Implementing Robotic Process Automation description: Robots aren’t plug & play devices, especially not in an industrial setting; They require considerable prep-work. image: https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/challenges%20of%20RPA.png --- - a - [eBay Store](http://stores.ebay.com/premierautomationllc) - [PanelShop.com](https://panelshop.com/) - [Careers](http://careers.premierautomation.com/) - [Resources](https://premierautomation.com/resources/) - [Visitors](https://premierautomation.com/resources/visitors/) - b - [What We Do](http://www.premierautomation.com/what-we-do/) - [Solutions](http://www.premierautomation.com/solutions/) - [Robotics](https://www.premierautomation.com/robotics/) - [Who We Help](http://www.premierautomation.com/who-we-help/) - [Our Story](http://www.premierautomation.com/our-story/) - [Contact](https://info.premierautomation.com/contact) ## We’re here to help in any way we can, contact us today. **Phone:** [412.373.3700](tel:4123733700) **Fax:** 412.373.2900 **Email:** [sales@premierautomation.com](mailto:sales@premierautomation.com) [![premierautomation](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/premierautomation-May/logo.jpg?width=480&name=logo.jpg "premierautomation")](http://www.premierautomation.com/) - [PanelShop.com](https://panelshop.com/) - [Careers](http://careers.premierautomation.com/) - [Resources](https://premierautomation.com/resources/) - [Visitors](https://premierautomation.com/resources/visitors/) - [What We Do](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/system-integrator-overview/) - [Overview](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/system-integrator-overview/) - [Project Methodology](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/project-methodology/) - [Systems Integration](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/system-integration/) - [Repair Services](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/repair-services/) - [Field Services & Commissioning](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/field-services-commissioning/) - [Solutions](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/overview/) - [Overview](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/overview/) - [Core Solutions](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/core-solutions/) - [Drive Solutions](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/drive-solutions/) - [Power & Distribution](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/power-distribution/) - [Products](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/products/) - [Robotics](https://premierautomation.com/robotics/overview/) - [Resources](https://premierautomation.com/resources/) - [Case Studies](https://premierautomation.com/who-we-help/projects/) - [Literature](https://info.premierautomation.com/literature) - [Blog](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog) - [Visiting Premier Automation](https://premierautomation.com/resources/visitors/) - [Supplier Code of Conduct](https://premierautomation.com/resources/supplier-code-of-conduct/) - [About](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-history/) - [Our Mission](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-mission/) - [Our Culture](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-culture/) - [Our History](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-history/) - [Contact](https://info.premierautomation.com/contact) ![tempBanner.jpg](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/premierautomation-May/tempBanner.jpg?width=1470&name=tempBanner.jpg "tempBanner.jpg") ![blog2.jpg](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/premierautomation-May/blog2.jpg?width=1584&name=blog2.jpg "blog2.jpg") # Innovative Thinking # Challenges of Implementing Robotic Process Automation Posted on [July 09, 2019](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/challenges-of-implementing-robotic-process-automation) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) ![challenges of RPA](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/challenges%20of%20RPA.png?width=300&name=challenges%20of%20RPA.png)Robots aren’t plug & play devices, especially not in an industrial setting. They require considerable prep-work, ranging from the initial design stage, to implementation, to regressive testing & troubleshooting. Things can get even more complicated when you are trying to achieve a great degree of [automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/automation)through robots that work in conjunction, not just from the technical point of view, but from the financial side as well. With that being said, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is no longer a supplementation to existing human labor; it is a necessity. Without RPA, companies can lose their productive edge and get driven out of the market altogether, rendering the “robots-replacing-humans-job” null & void altogether. Implementing RPA, on the other hand, can digitize labor and introduce technologies such as machine intelligence and Big Data to the plant floor, while leveraging the power of well-developed concepts such as cloud-computing. The benefits are far-reaching, positively attributing employees as well, helping them with hectic tasks, not just those that involve physical movements, but those with heaps of raw data. Unfortunately, getting RPA to your factory isn’t the easiest thing to do. There are dozens of interlinked challenges making it daunting for technical & business teams to carry out such an implementation. The following is a list of the most major ones, along with a strategy on how they can be resolved. ### **Process Analysis Issue** In order to implement [robotics](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/robotics) for process automation, it is very important that all teams are supportive, be it leadership or technical personnel. This helps to build confidence around the implementation and ensures that everyone is willing to work towards the project’s success. Sounds easy, right? It isn’t. Operation leads are often confused when it comes to implementation. It can be daunting to get them to believe in the concept. This usually happens when the leads are tasked with an array of responsibilities without giving them an understanding of the concept itself. To deal with this, the operating leads must be helped in understanding how RPA would benefit them and the company. A set of seminars or workshops would be a good starting point for this. ### **Business Case Issues** No project, big or small, can be successful unless it has the full blessing of the top-tier management. All management functions must be briefed with the RPA implementation, ranging from investor groups to operating personnel. All processes that will be impacted as a result of this must be identified as well and alternatives should be drawn up beforehand. ### **RPA Development** RPA development is still a fresh concept. This means that there may be difficulties in finding the right skillset for getting the job done. Since you’re looking for a customized solution, and not one that says, “one-size-fits-all," considerable effort must be made to track down effective RPA teams. In addition to requiring effort, RPA development can be expensive as well. A common issue in organizations is lack of design teams. Therefore, before the project is given a go-ahead, the HR must ensure the required skills are either present or accumulated through hiring. ### **Mismanagement of Responsibilities** It is well-known that once done, RPA will prove fruitful for your company in all aspects. But how does one get there? The new responsibilities that are created as part of the RPA implementation may create confusion among different functions. It is important that roles be defined during the design process so that every team is aware of the new set of responsibilities they have. Realignment of resources must be carried out all the way to the bottom so that every employee is empowered. ### **![bigstock-Automated-production-line-in-m-27412211](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Automated-production-line-in-m-27412211.jpg?width=300&name=bigstock-Automated-production-line-in-m-27412211.jpg)Lack of help from local team members** This is a well-recorded challenge when it comes to implementing RPA. If the local team members aren’t motivated enough, they may not actively help in getting the work done. A well-staffed and knowledgeable team is key to a successful implementation that is both cost and time effective. ### **Economics** Robotics Process Automation can help boost performance of processes by 70–80 percent, however, the cost of implementation isn’t nominal. The level of automation drives the cost. For instance, it is very much possible that an automated process has a cost that is five times that of a non-automated one. Common additions include hiring new staff, training employees and additional operation & maintenance costs. Before jumping into RPA, one should do a cost-benefit analysis to ensure long-term ROI. ### **Maintenance** After an RPA implementation has been carried out, maintaining it is paramount to its continued profitability. During the first few months, this will be a challenge. A scheduled maintenance protocol must be introduced and enforced so that any issues that may spring up are nipped in the bud. ### **Picking the wrong RPA** If the design phase has been rushed, then managers may only identify issues with the RPA during the implementation phase. By that time, the company would’ve burnt through a lot of cash, making any roll-back highly improbable. Nonetheless, there’s no benefit of an implementation if it doesn’t do the job it is intended for. Still, most companies indulge in unplanned implementations and end up with operational issues that may be of extreme severity, rendering the entire project useless. ### **![Control System UpgradesConversions Featured Image 330x330 copy](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Control%20System%20UpgradesConversions%20Featured%20Image%20330x330%20copy.jpg?width=300&name=Control%20System%20UpgradesConversions%20Featured%20Image%20330x330%20copy.jpg)Infrastructure Issues** Dealing directly with infrastructure is one of the toughest challenges with RPA. It will be difficult to get every employee on board with the new implementation and things will get complicated especially if your company doesn’t have an interconnected system. A centralized infrastructure team is essential to an RPA implementation’s success and will help fasten the pace of the project. ### **Post-implementation adoption** Once the implementation has been carried out, employees may feel threatened for their tasks or positions altogether. This can lead to a situation where the employees sub-consciously or otherwise ignore the system and continue doing things the old way. This isn’t new, and the issue is known to surface every time an automation breakthrough is made. Timely intervention from the leadership can prevent this from happening. By making them understand that RPA would benefit them and not substitute their jobs, the implementation can fulfill its core purpose. Furthermore, it can lead to innovation from within the employees as to how the system can be utilized in a better manner. This will ultimately lead to greater productivity and swollen economic growth. [**![Copy of our solutions](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20our%20solutions.png?width=728&name=Copy%20of%20our%20solutions.png)**](https://premierautomation.com/who-we-help/industries/) **Interested in learning more?** **Visit our website [www.premierautomation.com](http://premierautomation.com)****, or talk to one of our specialists today.**   [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/548870/e95e8e3e-dd0b-47f6-959d-3345ce6f155f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/548870/e95e8e3e-dd0b-47f6-959d-3345ce6f155f)   Share on: - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### Categories - [Automation (77)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/automation) - [Industry Trends (56)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/industry-trends) - [Robotics (42)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/robotics) - [Safety (24)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/safety) - [Drives (18)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/drives) - [Motors (18)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/motors) - [Iot (15)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/iot) - [Lean Manufacturing (15)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/lean-manufacturing) - [industry 4.0 (15)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/industry-4-0) - [Automation Applications (14)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/automation-applications) - [PLC (14)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/plc) - [automation solutions (14)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/automation-solutions) - [automationengineer (13)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/automationengineer) - [System Integration (11)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/system-integration) - [HMIs (10)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/hmis) - [Company News (8)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/company-news) - [Motor Control Centers (8)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/motor-control-centers) - [Internet of Things (7)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/internet-of-things) - [Smart Manufacturing (7)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/smart-manufacturing) - [productivity (7)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/productivity) - [VFDs (6)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/vfds) - [Variable Frequency Drives (6)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/variable-frequency-drives) - [Industrial Revolution (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/industrial-revolution) - [OEE (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/oee) - [efficiency (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/efficiency) - [factory safety (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/factory-safety) - [electricity (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/electricity) - [Power Distribution (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/power-distribution) - [safety in the workplace (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/safety-in-the-workplace) - [system integrator (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/system-integrator) - [Output Load Reactors (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/output-load-reactors) - [Siemens (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/siemens) - [Uncategorized (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/uncategorized) - [3D Printing (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/3d-printing) - [AI (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/ai) - [Insider (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/insider) - [Safety Cable (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/safety-cable) - [Safety Enabling Device (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/safety-enabling-device) - [Service (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/service) - [Stop Buttons (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/stop-buttons) - [Stop Controllers (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/stop-controllers) - [cables (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/cables) - [electricalengineer (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/electricalengineer) - [ethernet (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/ethernet) - [gateways (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/gateways) - [material removal (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/material-removal) - [metals (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/metals) - [profibus (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/profibus) - [profinet (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/profinet) - [profitability (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/profitability) - [terminalblock (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/terminalblock) - [welding (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/welding) see all ### Archives - [December 2018 (16)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/12) - [January 2019 (12)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/01) - [March 2019 (6)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/03) - [June 2016 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/06) - [August 2017 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/08) - [June 2018 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/06) - [October 2018 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/10) - [February 2019 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/02) - [May 2019 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/05) - [December 2015 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2015/12) - [July 2017 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/07) - [January 2018 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/01) - [March 2018 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/03) - [May 2018 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/05) - [July 2018 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/07) - [November 2018 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/11) - [April 2019 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/04) - [March 2020 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/03) - [February 2021 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/02) - [May 2016 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/05) - [June 2017 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/06) - [October 2017 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/10) - [November 2017 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/11) - [January 2021 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/01) - [November 2025 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2025/11) - [January 2026 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2026/01) - [February 2016 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/02) - [March 2016 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/03) - [April 2016 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/04) - [April 2017 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/04) - [May 2017 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/05) - [December 2017 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/12) - [February 2018 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/02) - [April 2018 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/04) - [July 2019 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/07) - [August 2019 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/08) - [October 2019 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/10) - [December 2019 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/12) - [October 2020 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/10) - [March 2021 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/03) - [April 2022 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2022/04) - [May 2024 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2024/05) - [April 2026 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2026/04) - [May 2026 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2026/05) - [October 2015 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2015/10) - [January 2016 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/01) - [July 2016 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/07) - [September 2017 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/09) - [August 2018 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/08) - [September 2018 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/09) - [September 2019 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/09) - [April 2020 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/04) - [May 2020 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/05) - [June 2020 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/06) - [November 2020 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/11) - [December 2020 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/12) - [April 2021 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/04) - [June 2021 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/06) - [August 2021 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/08) - [September 2021 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/09) - [November 2021 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/11) - [January 2022 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2022/01) - [June 2022 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2022/06) - [August 2022 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2022/08) - [May 2023 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2023/05) - [September 2023 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2023/09) - [October 2024 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2024/10) - [December 2024 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2024/12) - [June 2025 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2025/06) - [August 2025 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2025/08) - [September 2025 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2025/09) - [December 2025 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2025/12) - [February 2026 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2026/02) - [June 2026 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2026/06) see all Search Blog Search Premier Automation 1100 Rico Road Monroeville, PA 15146 **P** [412.373.3700](tel:1-412.373.3700) **F** 412.373.2900 **E** [sales@premierautomation.com](mailto:sales@premierautomation.com) - [What We Do](http://www.premierautomation.com/what-we-do/) - [Solutions](http://www.premierautomation.com/solutions/) - [Robotics](https://www.premierautomation.com/robotics/) - [Who We Help](http://www.premierautomation.com/who-we-help/) - [Our Story](http://www.premierautomation.com/our-story/) - [Contact](https://info.premierautomation.com/contact) Copyright © 2020 Premier Automation | Innovative Automation Solutions | Pittsburgh. All rights reserved.