ONE SMALL STEP FOR A BOT, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR THE WORKFLOW : Robotic Process Automation in the manufacturing industry

As digitalisation accelerates in the manufacturing industry, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has emerged as a promising software tool for automating repetitive and administrative tasks. However, the use of RPA in this sector remains relatively unexplored, particularly in combination with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study investigates how RPA can be utilised in or alongside ERP systems to streamline work processes in manufacturing contexts. The research is based on a qualitative case study, including interviews and observations conducted with the ERP provider Monitor ERP System AB and one of its manufacturing clients. The findings show that several manual processes – despite being integrated into a standardised ERP system – are still time-consuming, error-prone, and reliant on individual expertise. RPA is identified as a suitable complement to such systems, particularly in cases where back-end integration is complex or costly. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of process knowledge, structured governance and systematic evaluation to ensure successful RPA implementation. While decentralised initiatives can hinder long-term coordination, a federated governance model is suggested as a promising approach. Ultimately, the study argues that RPA should be approached not as a technical solution in isolation, but as part of a broader organisational change effort.