8 Challenges of Implementing RPA in Telecom Sector

Implementing RPA in telecom sector poses certain challenges which might require some additional oversight. However, following a well-thought strategy can help tackle these challenges with little-to-no hassle.” 

RPA can automate a number of repetitive tasks within an organization and help achieve enhanced efficiency. RPA in telecom plays the same role and helps streamline workflows when implemented thoughtfully.  However, implementing RPA in the telecom industry presents certain challenges that can make the implementation process a little more complicated. 

Organizations implementing the RPA system often face challenges related to integration, scalability, security, costs, etc. However, by following the right implementation strategy, these challenges can be handled, ensuring a smooth implementation of RPA solutions. 

Tackling RPA Hurdles: Challenges and Strategic Solutions 

There isn’t any challenge that cannot be overcome. This is just the case with RPA implementation in telecommunication. When the initial planning is done correctly and aptly, any challenge associated with RPA implementation can be fixed effectively. Here we will have a look at some of the basic challenges related to RPA implementation and the strategic solutions to tackle them. 

1. Resistance and non-acceptance 

Challenge: 

Poor understanding leads to a lack of acceptance which creates hindrance in the deployment and implementation of RPA solution. It is quite common for people to reject something they don’t understand and the same is the case with RPA. Even those with a little knowledge about RPA system, they are most likely to think that this technology is here to replace them rather than aid them. 

Solution: 

A simple way to tackle this challenge is by familiarizing the employees with this technology. They must be taught about how this technology can help in carrying out business processes more smoothly and all the other benefits its implementation will bring in the future. 

2. Lack of proper skills 

Challenge: 

Implementing RPA solutions within the telecom sector requires a certain set of skills and an in-depth knowledge of RPA tools and techniques. However, it is not a very easy task to find skilled RPA professionals who are well-versed in this technology and can help you harness it to the full potential.  

Solution: 

Partnering with an expert RPA development company can take care of this problem for you. They employ a team of proficient RPA developers who provide customized solutions tailored to the needs of your telecom company. 

3. Poor IT infrastructure 

Challenge: 

For RPA bots to function efficiently, a robust IT infrastructure is required. It must feature reliable and secure network connectivity, sufficient computing power and storage to support RPA tools and bots, monitoring and management tools for tracking bot performance, etc. If the infrastructure is lacking in these basic features, implementing RPA in telecommunications will certainly be a challenge. 

Solution: 

In order to ensure smooth communication and integration between existing systems and RPA tools, it is important to first upgrade the infrastructure to meet the implementation requirements. Then only telecom companies will be able to use the RPA bots with expected efficiency. 

4. Unclear and over expectations 

Challenge: 

This must not sound like much of an issue but having unclear and over expectations from RPA is a major challenge that can lead to failed implementation. Having high expectations from RPA and coming to the realization that it might not offer solutions according to those expectations cause disappointments and disengagement from the project. Unrealistic expectations from RPA in the telecom industry can cloud its true potential and is often a barrier in its successful implementation. 

Solution: 

Before the RPA implementation process begins, it is necessary to outline the desired expectations and outcomes. The expectations must be realistic so as to leave no scope for disillusionment. Both management and employees must understand that RPA is only a tool to automate tasks that can smooth workflows and not some magical solution that can solve all problems within the organization. 

5. High implementation costs 

Challenge: 

The initial cost of implementing RPA in the telecom industry is high and requires a significant amount of capital to be invested. The major costs involved with RPA implementation include software licenses, infrastructure upgrades, consulting and development charges, and employee training. Although in the long run, RPA solutions turn out to be cost-effective for companies by automating a lot of important tasks, the initial implementation costs pose a challenge. 

Solution: 

Clearly defining the processes that needs automation, hiring budget-friendly development solutions, properly outlining the budget and timeline of RPA implementation are a few simple tricks that can help you keep control of any unnecessary expenditure related to RPA implementation. 

6. Security and scalability issues 

Challenge: 

Telecom companies handle a vast amount of sensitive customer-related data which needs to be protected at all costs. Since the RPA bots might acquire access to this sensitive data, it becomes crucial to imply robust security measures to protect against cyberthreats. Any risk to the valuable data can hurt the reputation of your organization and therefore implementing secure RPA solutions is very important. 

Just like security, scalability also offers a major challenge during RPA implementation. In order to prevent scalability issues, RPA solutions should be built keeping expansion into consideration. The RPA bots installed must support scalability to accommodate the growth in traffic that your telecom business might be expecting in the coming future. This specifically becomes challenging for small-scale businesses as it will require spending extra bucks to create a scalable system. 

Solution: 

The planning of RPA implementation must include security and scalability functionalities so that it does not become an issue midway to the implementation process. 

7. Integration, maintenance, and support 

Challenge: 

Integrating the RPA solution with the existing system and third-party applications is yet another challenge faced during RPA implementation. Legacy systems, that are outdated and complex, are even more troublesome when it comes to RPA integration. Furthermore, there can be compatibility issues that might require signification customization to work smoothly with RPA system. 

The installed RPA bots need regular maintenance and monitoring in order to work flawlessly. With time, the RPA system is bound to develop bugs and face working issues. As such, a dedicated maintenance and support team is required to ensure the efficient functioning of these bots, which can cost significantly. 

Solution: 

By following the right implementation strategy, the issues mentioned above can be tackled easily. Hiring expert RPA professionals can help with integration, maintenance and support of the RPA bots. 

8. Regulatory Compliance 

Challenge: 

To ensure customer’s privacy, telecom sector need to comply with certain pre-defined standards. These standards are updated regularly to keep up with the changing technological trends, and telecom companies need to remain up to date with them. Ensuring that RPA implementations comply with the changing standards can be complex and challenging. 

Solution: 

By conducting a thorough compliance audit to understand relevant regulations and standards before implementing RPA in telecom, these challenges can be tackled. Incorporating robust monitoring and auditing mechanisms to track and document compliance is another important step in overcoming this challenge. 

Conclusion 

Challenges with RPA implementation in the telecom industry can be managed if you follow the correct strategy right from the beginning. RPA experts with years of knowledge and proficiency in working with this technology can help you with effortless implementation, integration, monitoring and support of RPA bots for your organization.