Streamlining supply chains with Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

For a long time, sectors such as the beef industry have relied almost exclusively on human labor. In times of a skilled labor shortage, however, this model is reaching its limitations. It is also vulnerable to disruption, as demonstrated not least by the coronavirus pandemic, which has also completely paralyzed the production of numerous food producers in Germany. According to the researchers, the “risk of random disease epidemics disrupting the operations of food processors” has actually increased since then, as many actors have hardly drawn any conclusions from the pandemic.

Considering this situation and the generally advancing digitalization of the economy, the researchers see RPA solutions as a decisive competitive advantage that is also easy and relatively inexpensive to implement: “Robotic Process Automation frees human employees from monotonous activities in supply chain systems and allows them to focus on the company’s goals”, the study states. “The use of RPA in supply chain systems has led to significant cost reductions and has had a positive impact on productivity and the company’s strategic goals.”

Digital assistants work 24 hours a day without interruption, which has accelerated production in the examined companies and ensured greater efficiency. “Robotic Process Automation tools can also adapt to demand, are more scalable and can reuse components to support the automation of different tasks,” the authors say. Taken together, this is a “huge advantage that improves customer service and overall supply chain operations”.

Based on various simulations, the researchers came to the conclusion that Robotic Process Automation improves the safety, quality and traceability of beef. “The use of RPA ensures greater efficiency at operational and employee level,” they conclude. “The nutritional value, hygiene, safety and traceability of the beef are […] greatly improved due to rapid production and processing at all stages of the supply chain.” Productivity has almost doubled thanks to the use of RPA.

Link to the study

“Fred” is a digital assistant developed by Brain4Data that combines capabilities from the fields of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Augmented Intelligence (AI). He streamlines work processes by bundling and processing information and providing it at the right time. In this way, “Fred” frees up his human colleagues and reduces unnecessary communication effort within the company. The digital assistant works across departments and thus merges all relevant information – for example from sales, production, logistics and accounting.

“Fred” independently alerts you of important business events and provides tailored recommendations for action. The digital assistant also offers modules for sales optimization, project and personnel resource planning, construction object qualification and much more. “Fred” can process data from all common programs such as Excel or SAP applications. This means that companies can keep their existing IT infrastructure intact and employees can continue to work with their familiar software.