Process automation could be the key to productivity

IT is no secret that Singapore needs to improve its economic productivity if it is to flourish in the years to come, with overall productivity declining since 2007 (with the exception of 2010), according to recent studies. From additional skills training to investments in technology, the government is pushing to address this challenge. However, one solution has emerged that is almost tailor-made for Singapore: Robotics Process Automation (RPA).

RPA automates many of the repetitive, rules-based tasks that are currently carried out by white-collar personnel in many of Singapore's largest companies, many of whom are younger graduates embarking on their careers.

Yet, reading much of the opinion articles in the press, one could be forgiven for thinking RPA represents the end of the world, a dystopian future lurking round the corner, one of mass job losses, persistent unemployment, inequality and robots overtaking our daily lives. For an advanced country like Singapore, with significant numbers of white-collar workers, this view is understandable but misplaced.