Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a software layer that enables employees to automate repetitive tasks. Think of it as a scripting language for graphical user interfaces (GUIs). RPA "robots" take rows of data from spreadsheets, databases, emails, or even paper forms, and perform actions for each row based on a program written by an RPA developer.

Virginia Tech’s VP for Finance division began a pilot project in RPA in 2019 to explore how this new technology could automate processes in the senior management area. During the unprecedented events of 2020, we leveraged the capabilities of RPA to ensure business continuity and assist teleworkers during the pandemic. As of today, several projects are in production, saving thousands of staff-hours annually and empowering our employees to focus on high-level analytical problems instead of routine, mechanical chores.

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