Robotic Process Automation: How to Get Started

Reviewed and updated 22 October 2026. Original publication date retained.

Understand the process before automating it

Ask the team to show how work moves through the process today. Identify the trigger, information used, decisions made and result that needs to be recorded. Look at exceptions as well as the common journey. This can reveal a simpler process change or an existing software feature before you add another layer of automation.

Choose an approach that fits the systems

Conventional rules, APIs, interface automation and AI can play different roles. An API may provide a direct integration where one is available. Interface automation may be useful when a system has no suitable interface, but screen changes and operational dependencies need attention. AI may help interpret less structured information, with checks appropriate to the task.

Design for the cases that need attention

Decide how incomplete records, duplicate requests and unavailable systems will be handled. A useful workflow needs a visible route for exceptions and a way to recover without silently repeating an action. Agree who receives alerts and what information they need to resolve the issue. These operational details belong in the first design.

Make the pilot answer a decision

Choose representative cases and establish a baseline for the improvement you expect. Measure the effort to check results and manage exceptions as well as task completion. The NCSC secure AI guidance can support research into lifecycle security where AI forms part of the solution. Adapt the controls to the actual service.

Build a practical route into operation

Identify the owner, support needs and changes that should trigger a review. A focused pilot can show what should happen next without committing every process to the same approach. Read about workflow automation, data and systems readiness and roadmap planning to see how the work connects.