In recent years, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has emerged as a game-changer for businesses looking to streamline operations, reduce manual workloads, and boost productivity. However, while business leaders often view RPA automation as a strategic enabler, IT departments frequently approach it with caution, even nervousness. But why is this the case? Let’s explore the common concerns IT teams have regarding RPA and how organizations can address them to maximize the benefits of automation.
Understanding RPA: What Is Robotic Process Automation?
Before diving into the concerns, it’s important to understand what RPA is. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) uses software bots to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks that would otherwise require human intervention. These bots can mimic user actions across different applications, clicking buttons, entering data, reading from databases, and more.
Companies across industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and engineering, are adopting RPA services to accelerate workflows and cut operational costs. Top RPA companies offer tailored solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing IT infrastructure. But still, many IT teams remain wary.
Why Are IT Departments Nervous About RPA?
1. Fear of Shadow IT
One of the biggest concerns IT teams have with RPA automation is the rise of “shadow IT.” This refers to business units implementing software solutions (like RPA bots) without IT’s knowledge or governance.
RPA projects often originate from operations or finance teams eager to automate manual tasks quickly. But when RPA tools are deployed without IT involvement, it can lead to security vulnerabilities, system conflicts, and compliance risks.
2. Security and Compliance Risks
From an IT perspective, every new software application introduces potential security threats, and RPA is no exception. Robotic Process Automation bots often require access to sensitive systems and data. If these bots are not configured securely, they can become entry points for cyberattacks or cause accidental data breaches.
In industries with strict regulatory requirements (like healthcare or finance), poorly governed RPA implementation can also lead to non-compliance issues. IT teams are responsible for maintaining data privacy, auditing logs, and enforcing access controls, all of which become more complex with unmanaged RPA deployments.
3. Integration Challenges
RPA bots work by mimicking human interactions with existing software. This means they interact with multiple systems, legacy platforms, and APIs. For IT departments managing complex and interconnected technology ecosystems, there’s a legitimate concern that RPA automation could create unforeseen integration issues.
Without proper testing and change management, bots might break when upstream systems update their user interfaces or APIs. IT teams fear that this could lead to business disruptions or increased maintenance workloads.
4. Lack of Standardization
Unlike traditional software development, which follows structured coding, documentation, and deployment practices, RPA development is often business-led and ad hoc. This lack of standardization makes it difficult for IT teams to track, audit, or maintain RPA bots.
IT leaders worry that as RPA usage scales, they’ll inherit a patchwork of poorly documented bots that are difficult to manage, troubleshoot, or upgrade.
5. Concerns About Bot Sprawl
As organizations become more comfortable with RPA services, there’s a risk of “bot sprawl”, where hundreds of bots get deployed across the organization with little coordination. Without centralized governance, tracking bot performance, uptime, and errors becomes overwhelming.
IT teams are already stretched managing existing systems. Adding uncontrolled RPA bots to the mix increases their operational burden.
6. Performance and Infrastructure Impact
Some IT departments worry about the performance impact of running multiple RPA bots on production systems. Bots consume computing resources like CPU, memory, and bandwidth. If not managed carefully, bot activity can slow down critical applications, affecting both employees and customers.
IT teams want assurance that RPA workloads won’t degrade system performance or interfere with business-critical processes.
7. Lack of RPA Expertise in IT Teams
Ironically, many IT departments are nervous about RPA simply because they lack in-house expertise in RPA tools and frameworks. While top RPA companies provide consulting and support, internal IT teams are often unfamiliar with RPA deployment models, bot lifecycle management, or best practices for automation governance.
This skills gap creates hesitation. IT teams are naturally cautious about technologies they don’t fully understand or control.
How Can Organizations Address IT’s Concerns About RPA?
Recognizing IT’s concerns is the first step toward a successful RPA implementation. Here’s how businesses can alleviate IT’s nervousness and foster collaboration:
1. Involve IT Early in the RPA Journey
IT should not be an afterthought in RPA projects. From the initial planning stage, involve IT stakeholders to ensure alignment on security, infrastructure, and compliance requirements.
By collaborating early, businesses can ensure that RPA deployments fit within the organization’s broader IT strategy.
2. Establish RPA Governance Frameworks
Work with your IT team to create governance policies around RPA automation. This includes bot development standards, documentation protocols, testing procedures, change management, and performance monitoring.
Having a clear governance model reassures IT that RPA will not become another source of uncontrolled risk.
3. Prioritize Security and Compliance
Partner with your IT security team to conduct regular audits of RPA bots. Implement role-based access controls and encryption standards for data handled by bots.
Leverage RPA services from trusted providers who prioritize security and compliance in their automation platforms.
4. Invest in RPA Training for IT Teams
Closing the knowledge gap is essential. Offer RPA training to IT teams so they can better manage bot lifecycles, monitor performance, and support business units.
Many leading RPA companies also provide workshops, certifications, and technical resources tailored for IT professionals.
5. Use Scalable RPA Platforms
Choose RPA platforms that integrate well with your existing IT infrastructure. Scalable RPA solutions with built-in monitoring, version control, and reporting dashboards make life easier for IT teams.
Partnering with experienced RPA companies can help your organization select tools that meet both business and IT needs.
Final Thoughts: Turning Nervousness into Partnership
While IT departments may initially view RPA automation with skepticism, the reality is that RPA can deliver significant value when implemented responsibly. By addressing IT’s concerns head-on and fostering cross-functional collaboration, businesses can unlock the full potential of Robotic Process Automation without compromising on security, performance, or governance.
At Qematic, we help organizations embrace RPA with confidence. From assessment and strategy to implementation and support, our RPA services ensure that both business units and IT teams are aligned for automation success.
Ready to explore how RPA can transform your operations, without creating headaches for your IT team?
Contact Qematic today and let’s start your automation journey the right way.