Aptiv, formerly known as Delphi, is a global auto-parts company. This January, Dean Unrue, Order-to-Cash Process Leader at Aptiv, spoke to us about how they transformed their OTC process using Automation Anywhere’s Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and how they achieved 100% accuracy, 90% shorter cycles, 80% fewer touchpoints in OTC.

In OTC, Aptiv manages 1400 customer accounts and $14 billion in cash application – and as in many organizations, cash application was labor-intensive. Aptiv implemented RPA to drive efficiency across the process.

Here is some insight into how they transformed OTC.

(For the full story, listen to the webinar or download the slides.)

What the robots do

The robots Aptiv has deployed emulate human interaction with ERP Systems, databases, MS Office documents and emails. They are able to copy and paste data across their systems, ERPs and portals.

In cash application, for example, the robot goes into customer portals and mailboxes to pull down banking information and remittance advice. The robots also perform exception reporting. If there is a deduction or overpayment, it creates a file which it emails to the collector.

How RPA governance works

Unrue said GPO-led governance was critical to the program’s success. “In our case, we partnered with our BPO and set Governance standards involving the BPO provider, Operations, GBS and IT – all led by the GPO.”

Having the GPO in charge gives them a global view of standardization and efficiency improvements, as opposed to IT or a project manager who may implement a program in a vacuum, so to speak. The GPO allows for one connection point who communicates to the BPO and the vendor. At Aptiv, the Operations team reports into the GPO. This was essential, as they were involved in managing any nuances about the setup and requirements for entry into the ERPs.

Success, Unrue said, requires a strict project plan and GPO oversight, as well as having connection points with humans in case of errors or exceptions. The GPOs are deeply involved in the project from the beginning. In Aptiv’s case, the GPO will only approve a project after a successful demo, a Standard Operating Procedure review, and when they know what monitoring procedures are in place.

RPA results

By taking most of the manual work away from their team, Aptiv has improved standardization and achieved cost savings. They now boast 100% accuracy, 90% shorter cycles, and 80% fewer touchpoints, as well as FTE reduction.

For more information on Aptiv’s story, download the slides or webinar which include Aptiv’s full 11 Governance items.

How RPA Drove 100% Accuracy, 90% Shorter Cycles and 80% Fewer Touchpoints in OTC