The applicability of Robotic Process Automation in the Supply Chain & Logistics Industry in Sri Lanka

Abstract

As technology transforms the business world, the supply chain and logistics sector need to embrace automation that promise rebuilding and integrating sustainable supply chains. Robotic process automation is the application of automating the business processes using software bots. These software bots can enter data into software applications, manipulate data, and communicate with other software applications. However, most robotic process automation literature focuses on sectors such as finance, but little research focuses on supply chain and logistics sector applications. Besides, robotic process automation in the Sri Lankan supply chain context is less studied. Therefore, the study's main objectives are to identify the applicability of robotic process automation in supply chain and logistics industry in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the study aims to identify employee perception towards robotic process automation implementations in the supply chain logistics industry in Sri Lanka.

This study uses qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect data. Initially, a case study was conducted in one Logistics Company. A comprehensive feasibility framework was developed to identify the most feasible process. The AS-IS process and data flow mapping were developed to in-depth study the applicability of robotic process automation of the selected process. Findings confirm that many tasks of the selected process can be automated using robotic process automation. Moreover, a survey was conducted to identify employee perception towards robotic process automation implementations. The findings reflect that the young employees who have higher education and income levels are more likely to view robotic process automation as a positive impact on their jobs in the supply chain and logistics industry in Sri Lanka.