Integrate RPA Into Legacy Systems With No-Code Tools in 2024
Hi there!
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is rapidly gaining adoption as companies look to modernize operations and boost productivity. According to Deloitte‘s 2021 global survey, over 70% of organizations are implementing or planning RPA initiatives.
However, many companies use antiquated legacy systems that don‘t easily integrate with cutting-edge tools like RPA. This results in poor automation coverage and limited benefits.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore how no-code RPA tools can overcome these legacy integration challenges and help you succeed with automation in 2024 and beyond!
The Growing RPA Adoption Wave
RPA is one of the fastest growing enterprise technologies today. Global spending is expected to reach $13.74 billion by 2024, a whopping 36.2% CAGR, per Gartner.
With benefits like massive time savings, improved accuracy, and rapid ROI, it‘s no surprise companies are racing to hop on the RPA bandwagon.
Over 72% of organizations already use RPA in some capacity, according to Deloitte‘s 2021 survey. The most widely automated processes include financial management, IT support, and HR.
However, the majority of current RPA initiatives focus on automating modern digital systems. Older legacy platforms remain largely untouched.
This results in automation gaps and prevents businesses from fully capitalizing on RPA‘s potential.
Unique Challenges of Legacy System Integration
Legacy platforms like mainframes, COBOL apps, terminal emulators, etc. are still widely used across banking, insurance, manufacturing and other industries.
These systems have proven too expensive or risky to replace. But their outdated designs pose unique hurdles for RPA integration, like:
1. Technology Incompatibility
Legacy apps use arcane protocols (e.g. SNA, VTAM) and programming languages (COBOL, FORTRAN) that don‘t interface well with modern tools.
2. Lack of APIs
Many legacy systems lack APIs for easy integration. This requires building custom connectivity from the ground up.
3. Complex Logic
Business logic embedded across legacy code, screens and databases makes for convoluted processes that frustrate automation efforts.
4. Data Access Constraints
Getting data in and out of closed legacy environments into other systems is challenging.
5. Vendor Dependence
Many legacy system vendors have dissolved over time, leaving teams on their own to figure out integrations.
6. Security Limitations
Frail legacy security models create risks when opening up access for automation.
These barriers result in low RPA adoption for legacy systems compared to modern platforms:
[Table showing % of organizations automating processes on legacy vs modern systems using RPA]| System Type | % Automated with RPA |
|---|---|
| Legacy, mainframe-based | 14% |
| Legacy, non-mainframe | 18% |
| Web-based | 34% |
| Cloud-based | 31% |
Source: Deloitte 2021 Global RPA Survey
But by harnessing no-code RPA tools, you can break through these roadblocks more easily!
No-Code RPA to the Rescue
No-code RPA solutions allow building automation workflows through visual, low-code platforms instead of complex coding.
They provide various integration-friendly capabilities that smoothen legacy RPA adoption:
User-Friendly Interfaces
No-code RPA products like UiPath StudioX and Automation Anywhere A2019 offer drag-and-drop workflow designers for easy bot configuration.
Minimal coding knowledge is required.
Pre-Built Legacy Connectors
Many no-code tools come pre-loaded with connectors for mainframe terminals, IBM i, COBOL copybooks etc. This kickstarts integration.
For example, WorkFusion RPA Express provides 120+ pre-built connectors including for legacy systems.
Data Reading Technology
Using OCR and computer vision, no-code RPA platforms can read and understand complex legacy system green screens and reports.
This enables scraping data from legacy apps.
Protocol Support
No-code tools support integrating with legacy protocols like SNA, VTAM, etc. allowing communication with mainframes and AS400 systems.
Data Transformation
Inbuilt data manipulation utilities convert legacy data formats into modern style for easy automation across environments.
Business Logic Discovery
Some no-code solutions like ElectroNeek can auto-analyze legacy screens and workflows to automatically infer complex logic. This simplifies bot configuration.
Rapid Testing
No-code environments allow swiftly mocking up and iterating on integrations before deploying to production.
Middleware Capabilities
No-code RPA readily serves as middleware between disconnected systems, old and new, facilitating integration.
This unique combination of capabilities helps overcome typical legacy RPA adoption barriers:
[Table showing how no-code RPA addresses common legacy integration challenges]| Challenge | How No-Code RPA Helps |
|---|---|
| Technology Incompatibility | Protocol support, pre-built connectors |
| Lack of APIs | Data reading technology, screen scraping |
| Complex Legacy Logic | Business logic discovery tools, rapid testing |
| Data Access Issues | Data transformation features |
| Vendor Dependence | Broad legacy system support |
| Security Concerns | Limited surface area, controlled access |
With no-code RPA, you can finally harness automation to modernize your legacy systems instead of replacing them.
Let‘s look at some real-world examples of no-code RPA benefits for legacy system integration…
No-Code RPA Results for Legacy Systems
Forward-thinking companies in industries relying on legacy systems have seen enormous value using no-code RPA:
- Financial Services Firm – Automated mainframe-based processes for customer account openings and loan processing. Saw 60% cost reduction and double productivity.
- Healthcare Payer – Streamlined claims processing across mainframe and cloud apps with RPA. Achieved 30% efficiency gains within months.
- Public Sector Agency – Integrated RPA with decades-old pension system built in PowerBuilder. Reduced case worker time by over 80%.
- Global Bank – RPA bots pull data from COBOL-based core banking system for regulatory reporting. Freed up 55 FTE hours per month.
- Telecom Company – Automated order provisioning workflows spanning mainframe and web apps. Cut order processing costs by 40%.
Clearly, no-code RPA delivers immense efficiency gains, cost savings, and productivity benefits by connecting legacy platforms with modern automation capabilities.
Choosing the Right No-Code RPA Tool
If you‘re convinced no-code RPA is the best way forward for your legacy environment, here are some key considerations when selecting a solution:
1. Legacy Platform Support
Look for comprehensive pre-built connectors and compatibility for your specific legacy systems – mainframes, COBOL, PowerBuilder etc.
2. Data Connectivity
Evaluate available methods like screen scraping, OCR, APIs to determine what works best for your needs.
3. Business Logic Discovery
Prioritize platforms that can auto-infer complex rules and processes encoded in legacy systems.
4. Data Transformation
Choose a tool with strong ETL capabilities to seamlessly adapt legacy data for your workflows.
5. Ease of Use
Pick an intuitive solution requiring minimal technical expertise for configuration and change management.
6. Responsiveness & Experience
Gauge vendor experience in legacy RPA projects through case studies, testimonials and reviews.
7. Pricing Model
Factor in total cost including upfront licensing, ongoing support, maintenance and hidden fees.
8. Scalability
Consider capabilities to manage increased users, processes, and data volumes as your program expands.
Selecting the right no-code RPA platform is key to integration and automation success. Leverage the checklist above and expert guidance to make the smartest choice!
Overcoming Resistance and Building Your Business Case
Despite the compelling benefits, some organizations are apprehensive about disrupting legacy environments with RPA.
Here are some tips to win over leadership and build an ironclad business case:
- Start small – Run controlled pilots to demonstrate value before enterprise-wide rollout.
- Plan gradually – Take an incremental approach to bring quick wins rather than boiling the ocean.
- Highlight ROI – Quantify efficiency gains and cost savings from increased automation with projections.
- Manage risk – Perform due security and compliance diligence and take precautions.
- Involve IT – Get buy-in from IT leadership through transparent communication.
- Train users – Proactively address skill gap concerns with training programs.
With a pragmatic approach and strong business case, you can get all stakeholders on board your no-code RPA journey!
Gear Up for RPA Success in 2024!
Legacy platforms need not be barriers on your automation journey. As we‘ve seen, no-code RPA delivers a swift, economical path to integrate RPA with these relic systems.
In 2024, no-code RPA is primed to drive broader legacy modernization efforts through easy, affordable automation.
So don‘t let legacy compatibility issues stall your RPA initiatives any longer! Evaluate leading no-code solutions and move ahead confidently with proven integration approaches.
Automation success awaits you on the other side – improved efficiency, lower costs, happier employees, and satisfied customers. It‘s time to get on board!
Wishing you the very best with unlocking RPA‘s full potential across your business.
