By Lindsay Clark – It has been the subject of hype and overblown expectations, but that is not set to dampen investment in robotic process automation – the idea that simple software “robot” can carry out annoying admin tasks. But as organisations begin to understand how best to exploit RPA, IT departments will be finding a new role.

IT analyst firm TechMarketView is standing by its prediction that market for robotic process automation is set to reach nearly £1.2bn by 2023, with annual growth reaching 35 per cent, despite the serious economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The potential of an economic downturn in the near future could have a counter-cyclical impact on automation, driving focus on efficiency gains and cost-saving initiatives,” says the report.

Its author, TechMarketView research director Marc Hardwick, told The Register that long-term investment would be undaunted by the virus outbreak.

But the way companies adopt the technology is changing.

“The current RPA market is maturing away from delivering pockets of tactical value within a specific team or use case, towards a scenario where at least RPA is being discussed (if not always used) as a strategic asset and something that should underpin genuine digital transformation,” the report, out this week, stated. Read On:

RB Note: I think this is where the largest benefit lies to be realized.