The partnership will see Arvato use the cutting-edge automation software to provide local authorities with an end-to-end solution of identifying, designing, building and monitoring automated processes, providing RPA-as-a-service and consultancy and training.
Arvato will use the innovative technology to help current and future clients in local government automate transactional back office functions, such as revenues and benefits, HR, payroll and finance, increasing process speed and efficiency while freeing up employees to deliver front-line services.
RPA uses software to create an agile, virtual workforce which mimics human processing of repetitive labour-intensive tasks. It follows rule-based business processes and interacts with systems in the same way that people do.
The move follows a successful implementation of the technology within Arvato’s partnership with Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council. RPA is completing back office processes with 100 per cent accuracy while making significant savings on resource – for example, in the revenues and benefits department the time taken to input a council tax direct debit has been reduced from five minutes to less than one. Employee satisfaction has also increased as a result of removing the mundane tasks from staff’s day-to-day routine.
Arvato is also working towards achieving Blue Prism’s Partner Accreditation to become a supplier of choice and demonstrating best practice.
Debra Maxwell, CEO, CRM Solutions, Arvato UK & Ireland, said: “In times of austerity and on-going welfare reform, councils need to radically rethink how they deliver services. By automating processes in the back office staff have more time to dedicate to business-critical work, such as improving services for citizens. We look forward to working with Blue Prism to help local authorities address their challenges by driving much-needed transformation and supporting their ‘digital by default’ agenda, now that citizens are accustomed to fast online services.”
Alastair Bathgate, CEO, Blue Prism, said, “We believe there is huge potential for RPA to make a difference in local government thanks to the large number of repetitive back office tasks which can be automated. Combining our leading RPA software with Arvato’s in-depth knowledge of local government processes and expertise in delivering back-office transformation provides a unique offering to help councils realise new efficiencies and service improvements. We’re excited about the new partnership and expect to deliver significant benefits to Arvato’s current and future clients.”
For more information about Arvato, please visit www.arvato.com/uk.html. More information on Blue Prism can be found here.