Sustainable Implementation of Robotic Process Automation Based on a Multi-Objective Mathematical Model

Leonel Patrício (), Lino Costa, Leonilde Varela and Paulo Ávila
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Leonel Patrício: Department of Production and Systems, and Algoritmi/LASI, University of Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
Lino Costa: Department of Production and Systems, and Algoritmi/LASI, University of Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
Leonilde Varela: Department of Production and Systems, and Algoritmi/LASI, University of Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
Paulo Ávila: INESC TEC—INESC Technology and Science and ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 20, 1-29

Abstract: (1) Background: In this study on Robotic Process Automation (RPA), the feasibility of sustainable RPA implementation was investigated, considering user requirements in the context of this technology’s stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. (2) Methods: A multi-objective mathematical model was developed and the Weighted Sum and Tchebycheff methods were used to evaluate the efficiency of the implementation. An enterprise case study was utilized for data collection, employing investigation hypotheses, questionnaires, and brainstorming sessions with company stakeholders. (3) Results: The results underscore the significance of user requirements within the RPA landscape and demonstrate that integrating these requirements into the multi-objective model enhances the implementation assessment. Practical guidelines for RPA planning and management with a sustainability focus are provided. The analysis reveals a solution that reduces initial costs by 21.10% and allows for an efficient and equitable allocation of available resources. (4) Conclusion: This study advances our understanding of the interplay between user requirements and RPA feasibility, offering viable guidelines for the sustainable implementation of this technology.

Keywords: sustainability; robotic process automation; multi-objective optimization; mathematical model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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