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When we think of robotics, the first image that may come to mind might be R2-D2 from "Star Wars" or Optimus Prime from the "Transformers" film series. You can even find robot pets for sale on Amazon to provide a mechanical companion.
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service robotics program has an entirely different focus. While robotics may describe the overall program, these "bots" are software programs that perform certain tasks. Bots are improving customer service and creating efficiencies around the Agency.
Bots work with employees to enhance their ability to accomplish tasks by conducting searches based on human entered information. Bots, however, do not interpret the information, thus the continued need for employees interfacing with the tasks.
DFAS began the adventure into the world of Robotics Process Automation, more commonly known as RPA, in January 2019. The goal for the DFAS robotics program is to automate manual processes. Specifically the aim is to:
◦Improve performance and quality;
◦Increase effectiveness; and
◦Leverage technology to help us continue to provide the best possible service and lowest costs to our customers.
2020's focus was to:
◦Reduce manual efforts
◦Tighten internal controls
◦Improve efficiencies
◦Build integrity and creditability
◦Allow time for developers to learn the new software
While the option was there to outsource the RPA processes, DFAS chose to use sources within several departments to stand up the RPA program. ESS Enterprise Systems and Information Technology worked to integrate the software into our systems environment and put the necessary controls in place for effective governance. Once that was complete, the necessary software and servers needed were acquired to support the effort.
In the new calendar year the focus will shift from delivering simple automations to more value added automations for the Agency. The Robotics team implemented 12 bots in FY20 with the goal of introducing additional bots in FY21.
For a bot to be successful there are three elements that must be present in the proposed process.
1.Processes must be manual in nature, for example inputting data from one system to another or copying data from a form into a system. Documented processes enable bot developers to know every click the bot is expected to perform.
2.Processes must be consistent, with very few deviations because bots are limited in the decisions they can make.
3.Finally, the environment must be stable, because if a system undergoes a change every six months, the bot is likely to break.
The future of bots will most likely look to monitoring, receiving and sending email; screen scraping documents or web pages; and accessing systems, retrieving and entering information, running reports, etc.
According to David Cottengim, the Agency Robotic Program manager, "Bots are not intended to replace humans, but to assist them in the performance of their duties.
"DFAS has committed to its union partners that under no circumstance will an employee lose their job as a result of a bot."
DFAS meets monthly with the union to provide transparency about the program while giving updates and information on the current efforts.
"Given the hype around robots," said Cottengim, "it's understandable why the union is concerned about the bot efforts."
While relatively new, the future of the robotics program looks bright. For the bot future at DFAS, you will likely hear stories of how well bots are helping employees provide better service to our customers. For more information, visit the Robotic Process Automation Portal Site.
| Date Taken: | 01.20.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.28.2021 15:35 |
| Story ID: | 411988 |
| Location: | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 119 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, DFAS robotics program thriving, by Steven Lawson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
