Automation with bots in accounting at Lenzing AG.

A multitude of standardized routine tasks, limited resources, and simultaneously increasing demands on subject matter experts characterize the tasks in accounting. Management students from Steyr evaluated how Lenzing could free up resources from routine tasks through Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

"The software bots created with the help of RPA perform routine tasks systemically, just like a human. However, not every task is suitable for automation with RPA. A prerequisite is a thorough analysis and evaluation of the task for RPA suitability," said FH Professor Susanne Leitner-Hanetseder from FH Upper Austria Campus Steyr regarding the task.

As part of the company project, students from the "Controlling, Accounting, and Financial Management" (CRF) program developed an evaluation tool for a publicly traded company in Upper Austria to determine RPA suitability. To ensure the acceptance of the tool and bots, students conducted workshops with employees, identifying and evaluating processes for RPA suitability collaboratively.