What is our primary use case?
I primarily use Automation Anywhere for:
- SAP Automation using DLL MetaBots.
- Salesforce Automation using REST APIs.
- Citrix Automation.
- Teradata Automation.
- Oracle Application Automation using MetaBots.
- Automate Mainframe application.
Details: Salesforce Automation
Automating the salesforce application to create the case ID and update the chatter field accordingly using the API.
Through the Bot, we are processing the case number with all of the required operations and at last, changing the case status with the API.
Environment:
We are developing the Bot in the dev environment first, and later testing is performed in the UAT environment. If everything looks fine then we move it into production.
How has it helped my organization?
AA brings a lot of benefits for our organization in a number of different ways.
I could say that many of the Salesforce activities are now replaced by bots, like creating the case ID number, uploading the attachment in the Chatter feed object, and many more.
Earlier users were converting the unstructured data from the PDF into the structured format to process the task but now, this activity is replaced by IQ Bot. It reads the unstructured data from the PDF and processes the task smoothly. Basically, we are dealing more with the invoice PDF to read the unstructured data.
I believe everyone is aware of the Jira application, which is used for issue tracking and project management. Now, all the Jira activities are replaced by the bots. Whenever any user is logging any issue through Jira, the Bot automatically assigns the ticket to the respective individuals, which saves a lot of time. In a simple way, I can say the Bot has replaced our Jira monitoring team.
What is most valuable?
From my point of view, IQ Bot is the most valuable feature in AA. It is a type of cognitive bot designed to support, as well as learn from business users and enable them to experience the power of advanced artificial intelligence technologies. Integrated with the Automation Anywhere Enterprise RPA, the IQ Bot offers enterprise massive gains in productivity, as it includes competency in automating complex tasks involving unstructured data.
The REST API is also a very valuable feature in AA. Using this, we can automate the web application through the API and execute it in the background in a fraction of time.
MetaBot is also a valuable feature in AA. Using this, we can run the DLL of any application and also develop the process in offline mode. If there any minor changes in the screen then we can avail of the calibrate feature of MetaBot.
What needs improvement?
It would be great if there will be a built-in machine learning model available in the AA, so the developer can directly map it with their task and train the model accordingly. Training and testing the model can be achieved using these features.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the Automation Anywhere solution for the past five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Stability-wise, Automation Anywhere is excellent.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is excellent.
How are customer service and technical support?
I have had an awesome experience with the service and technical support team.
I still remember that initially, there were four or five times where I had raised a support ticket. I got the optimal solution and each time, I received a positive and quick response from the technical support team. I really appreciate their patience and effort.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Fortunately, I have started my career in the RPA field, and that too with the Automation Anywhere tool.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is average in terms of difficulty.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented using an in-house team.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I feel the cost of licensing is very high for the A2019 version. There is nothing much to say about the setup cost.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I have been trained in Blue Prism as well, but I feel a more friendly environment in AA.
What other advice do I have?
As of now, I am using the 11.3v of AA, and whatever improvement is required I believe it is already taken care of in the A2019 version.
We have started doing migration of bot in A2019 and have seen that many new features have been added in the latest version of AA. Nonetheless, I can say that AA can expand its features and functionalities in the Artificial Intelligence area.
Apart from licensing costs, I don't have any concerns. I would suggest everyone go with this product and avail all the features wisely.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.