Robotic Process Automation im Supply Chain Management

Abstract

More and more processes are shifting from analog to digital as part of digitalization. However, even in digitized processes, inefficiencies and repetitive, non-value-adding activities still exist. This is especially true in Supply Chain Management (SCM), as it is a networked concept involving many different activities, processes, and actors. Companies now face the challenge of achieving efficiency gains within these digital processes. Automation is an obvious solution in this context. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) plays a crucial role here, as process automation takes place at the user interface level of systems. This master’s thesis therefore addresses three research questions: The first research question explores the general potential of RPA for companies. The second examines the benefits of RPA in SCM, and the third analyzes the general challenges of RPA implementation as well as the specific challenges within SCM. These research questions are addressed using academic literature, case studies, and subsequent qualitative interviews. The thesis is structured into five main chapters that build upon one another. First, a theoretical framework is established, and the concepts of supply chain, supply chain management, and RPA are explained in detail. Next, RPA is examined in a dedicated chapter within the context of SCM. Another chapter describes the applied empirical research. In the final content chapter, the interviews are analyzed. The general potentials of RPA can be categorized into increased operational efficiency, improved service quality, ease of implementation and integration, as well as enhanced risk management and compliance. These general potentials can also be applied within SCM. Additionally, widespread use of RPA increases the efficiency, quality, and resilience of the supply chain. Information flow benefits from faster and more accurate data processing. The RPA-induced improvements in information flow also positively influence the material flow by reducing idle times and minimizing errors. However, there are also challenges in implementation. These mainly concern the preparation of processes, such as process analysis and design. Change management plays a major role here, as does the increased complexity of implementation when multiple IT systems and interconnected processes are involved. Challenges also arise during later operations and in RPA monitoring, as well as in the task of equipping staff with the necessary knowledge and managing know-how appropriately. Other challenges include the initial investment costs. Finally, there is a risk that the use of RPA may delay or prevent necessary modernization of existing systems.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Wolfgang Ortner (Supervisor)