How can you troubleshoot an RPA process that is not working?

1 Check the logs

The first step to troubleshoot an RPA process is to check the logs, which are records of the events and actions that occurred during the execution of the process. Logs can provide you with useful information, such as the status, duration, errors, and exceptions of each step of the process. You can use a log viewer or a log analysis tool to filter, search, and visualize the logs, and look for any anomalies or patterns that indicate a problem. For example, you can check if the process failed at a certain step, or if it encountered a specific error code or message.

2 Review the workflow

The next step to troubleshoot an RPA process is to review the workflow, which is the graphical representation of the logic and sequence of the process. You can use a workflow editor or a workflow debugger to inspect and test the workflow, and verify that it matches your business requirements and expectations. For example, you can check if the workflow has any missing, incorrect, or redundant steps, or if it has any conditional branches or loops that may cause errors or delays.

3 Validate the data

The third step to troubleshoot an RPA process is to validate the data, which is the input and output of the process. You can use a data validation tool or a data quality tool to check and ensure that the data is accurate, complete, consistent, and relevant for the process. For example, you can check if the data has any errors, gaps, duplicates, or outliers that may affect the performance or outcome of the process.

4 Monitor the environment

The fourth step to troubleshoot an RPA process is to monitor the environment, which is the physical and virtual setting where the process runs. You can use a monitoring tool or a performance tool to measure and optimize the environment, and ensure that it meets the technical and operational requirements of the process. For example, you can check if the environment has any issues, such as network connectivity, system availability, resource utilization, or security risks that may interfere with the process.

5 Update the automation

The fifth step to troubleshoot an RPA process is to update the automation, which is the software and hardware components that enable the process. You can use an update tool or a maintenance tool to check and apply the latest versions, patches, and fixes of the automation, and ensure that it is compatible and compliant with the process. For example, you can check if the automation has any bugs, vulnerabilities, or dependencies that may affect the functionality or reliability of the process.

6 Test the solution

The final step to troubleshoot an RPA process is to test the solution, which is the result of applying the previous steps to fix the problem. You can use a testing tool or a quality assurance tool to verify and validate the solution, and ensure that it solves the problem and improves the process. For example, you can test if the solution works as expected, or if it has any side effects or trade-offs that may impact the process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?