Subject: SAP Intelligent Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
As enterprises scale their automation efforts using SAP Intelligent Robotic Process Automation (RPA), establishing a Robotic Process Automation Center of Excellence (RPA CoE) becomes a strategic necessity. An RPA CoE provides a governance framework, standardizes development, and ensures alignment with business goals. It acts as the backbone of a sustainable and scalable automation strategy within the SAP landscape.
This article outlines best practices for setting up and running an effective RPA CoE in organizations leveraging SAP Intelligent RPA.
An RPA CoE is a centralized team or structure responsible for managing the strategy, governance, development, deployment, and continuous improvement of robotic automation initiatives across the organization. In the SAP context, it ensures that SAP Intelligent RPA bots are deployed consistently, securely, and in a way that delivers maximum value.
Begin by aligning the CoE with your organization’s digital transformation goals. Define what success looks like for RPA in SAP – reduced manual workload, faster transaction processing, improved data quality, or better compliance.
Key Actions:
Form a cross-functional CoE team with a blend of business analysts, SAP experts, RPA developers, and change management specialists.
Typical Roles:
Standardize the RPA lifecycle — from idea intake and assessment to development, testing, and deployment — within a controlled governance framework.
Include:
Leverage SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) and SAP Intelligent RPA’s cloud orchestration for centralized bot management. Use SAP Solution Manager and SAP Analytics Cloud for process visibility and performance monitoring.
Build a repository of reusable bots, templates, and scripts to reduce development time and promote consistency.
Examples:
Ensure close collaboration between business units and IT to ensure bots meet real needs and integrate smoothly into SAP environments.
Tips:
Educate users, sponsors, and developers about SAP Intelligent RPA tools, use cases, and lifecycle. Offer formal training and continuous learning through SAP Learning Hub and internal CoE knowledge portals.
Monitor bot performance with clearly defined KPIs (e.g., time saved, error reduction, process cycle time). Use insights to refine workflows and identify new automation opportunities.
Suggested Metrics:
Creating an RPA Center of Excellence is critical for achieving sustainable, enterprise-wide automation success with SAP Intelligent RPA. A well-structured CoE ensures that automation is governed, scalable, and aligned with business strategy. By following these best practices, organizations can build a mature, efficient, and impactful RPA capability that transforms SAP processes and drives innovation.