Robotic process automation in logistics : a case study of a production company

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is an analysis of the implementation of robotic process automation in the logistics processes of a selected production company (case study).DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The following research methods were used: desk research and case study. The results of the research can be used in terms of recommendations for entrepreneurs in the approach to implementing the RPA concept, and thus improving the functioning of the organization.FINDINGS: The results of the research can be used in terms of recommendations for entrepreneurs in the approach to implementing the RPA concept, and thus improving the functioning of the organization. The term Robotic Process Automation (RPA) appeared relatively recently, but the phenomenon itself has been around for a long time.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Logistics processes, and in particular the costs related to their implementation, are an important element of the economic process. Automation of logistics processes related to logistics processes, and even entire production lines, is becoming a global trend. At the same time, the implementation of this type of improvements and innovations can be carried out in virtually any organization, regardless of the industry and scale of activity. Based on the case study, it was shown that the robotic automation of processes in the logistics of the tested production company contributed to the reduction of the total costs of the entity by about 10%.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The added value of the article is related to tracing the effects of RPA application in the field of logistics processes of a production company - thanks to which it is possible to indicate benefits in the case of a relatively small scale of activity (entity from the SME sector).This article is co-financed by the European Union under the Operational Programme Knowledge, Education, Development 2014-2020 within the realization of “The Integrated Programme of Poznan School of Logistics” (no. POWR.03.05.00-00-Z089/17).peer-reviewe