
Similarly, when enterprises resist adopting new tools and processes in favor of long-held solutions, they'll impede transformation efforts. Without a front-line workforce that's aware of and engaged with process initiatives, these initiatives can't reach maturity. Businesses need to better connect IT experts with front-line employees and embrace a more agile mindset. Laying the foundation for the successful deployment of RPA requires taking a more holistic approach to process management and automation decision-making. The list of industry-specific use cases goes on. Similarly in retail, RPA can be applied to traditionally cumbersome and manually driven processes like automated returns and the categorization of products. In banking, for instance, RPA can play a transformative role in automating loan processing, trade execution, account closures and other functions traditionally embedded in legacy systems. First, sophisticated RPA solutions are the best answer for enterprises looking to automate functions that rely on interacting with legacy systems. Right now, RPA is uniquely positioned to help enterprises in several important ways. This work is just beginning.īut RPA has made significant strides in recent years, and the UiPath news shouldn't overshadow that momentum. Within the last year, customers have voiced their desire for RPA solutions that extend beyond individual task automation, integrating AI components to enable broader use cases and more sophisticated task variation.
#Gartner hype cycle rpa software
As a recent Forrester Wave Report reveals, the RPA market is still very much in a growth phase, with leading RPA software providers expanding their capabilities based on rapidly evolving customer demands. To me, getting enlightened about RPA begins by acknowledging that it remains an emerging technology and not a panacea. But right now, that's exactly what the RPA market needs because it presents an opportunity to level-set and prepare for the next phase of the technology's life cycle - a more deliberate phase that Gartner terms the "slope of enlightenment."

Perhaps UiPath's layoffs have sent RPA into that trough. The second phase is called the "peak of inflated expectations," which is quickly followed by the "trough of disillusionment." These are the misguided conclusions of a hype machine.Īccording to Gartner, Inc., there are five phases in a technology hype cycle.

In recent years, certain RPA players and proponents have positioned RPA as, variously, a self-contained solve-all for inefficiencies, a technology requiring zero maintenance, and even a replacement for human workers. UiPath's layoffs aren't just a consequence of this growth-at-all-costs mindset, though. There's no shortage of startups that have followed a similar trajectory of overreaching and underdelivering. In a more troubling and high-profile example, office-sharing giant WeWork - which was once valued at $47 billion - ended up on the verge of bankruptcy after its August IPO filing revealed significant losses, aggressive spending plans and corporate mismanagement, leading to layoffs of almost 20% of its company. On the former point, UiPath is only the most recent instance of an unprofitable unicorn facing setbacks when economic realities set in. The recent UiPath layoffs say less about the future of RPA than they do about the problem of hype - both the hype cycles of overvalued startups and the hype surrounding RPA. For further information, see Guiding Principles on Independence and Objectivity.These glossed-over challenges could help explain why companies deploy and maintain far fewer bots in practice than they initially purchase. Its research is produced independently by its research organization without input or influence from any third party. Gartner prides itself on its reputation for independence and objectivity. Your access and use of this publication are governed by Gartner’s Usage Policy. Although Gartner research may address legal and financial issues, Gartner does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information.


It consists of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization, which should not be construed as statements of fact. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without Gartner’s prior written permission. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc.
