Integrating Robotic Process Automation (RPA) with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is a beacon of innovation in the digital transformation era. The research project by Sunway University's Dr Tang Tiong Yew and colleagues introduces the Smart Virtual Robot Automation (SVRA) framework, a conceptual paradigm shift in the automation of intricate financial processes.

Developed by harnessing the power of Selenium, Sikuli Framework tools, and Python scripting, SVRA addresses the challenges accountants face in the Account Payable process, specifically focusing on the "Purchase Invoices Process" (PIN).

The research begins by outlining the significant components of SVRA, emphasising the need for a paradigm shift in decision-making within ERP systems. With a focus on cost-saving, error reduction, and scalability, SVRA emerges as a transformative force in finance.

By incorporating an Agile development approach and business process management, SVRA navigates the complex terrain of ERP intricacies. The covert observation technique is employed for requirement development, ensuring alignment with end-users needs.

The core of SVRA lies in its meticulous design and development. Utilising the Python language and the Pycharm IDE platform, the RPA algorithm is crafted with a keen focus on the "To-be" process flow. The swim lane diagram guides the development through three main tasks—PA Template Folder, PA Template File and Actions, and PIN Interface and Actions.

To test the project’s ideas, two industry giants, a service contractor for oil and gas and a chemical manufacturing entity, will join hands for the project validation process. Running SVRA in a pilot environment within the SAGE X3 platform ensures accuracy and efficiency. Key variables, including transaction processing time, will be scrutinised to confirm the cognitive accuracy of the RPA robot.

While the project’s work concentrates on streamlining the "Purchase Invoices Process" in the SAGE X3 ERP system, the horizon for SVRA is expansive. Future endeavours include automating various modules within the ERP system, promising further operational efficiency and transformative results.

In conclusion, the Smart Virtual Robot Automation (SVRA) framework emerges as a trailblazer in reshaping ERP efficiency. This research delves into the conceptual framework and development methodology and offers a practical application that transcends traditional boundaries in financial decision-making. It is hoped that this project will lead to the evolution of digital co-workers and the dawn of a new era in ERP systems.
 

Dr Tang Tiong Yew
Sunway Business School
Email: [email protected]  
 

This article has been adapted from Tiong Yew Tang, Narishah Salleh & Mikkay Ei Leen Wong (2022), 
Smart Virtual Robot Automation (SVRA)-Improving Supplier Transactional Processes in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System: A Conceptual Framework, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-20429-6_19