What is Unattended Automation?
Unattended Automation (also known as Fully Automated RPA) is a type of robotic process automation where software bots run independently on servers or virtual machines without human intervention. These bots are typically scheduled to run at specific times or triggered by system events, processing high volumes of transactions autonomously.
How Unattended Automation Works
Unattended bots operate on dedicated servers and are managed through an orchestration platform. They can be triggered by:
- Scheduled times (e.g., run every night at 2 AM)
- System events (e.g., new file in folder, email received)
- Queue-based triggers (processing items from a work queue)
- API calls from other systems
- Database triggers
Example Use Case
A bank processes 10,000 loan applications monthly. Every night at midnight, unattended bots automatically extract data from submitted applications, verify information against multiple databases, perform credit checks, calculate risk scores, and route approved applications for final review - all without any human involvement.
Benefits of Unattended Automation
Key Benefits
- 24/7 Operation - Bots run around the clock without breaks or holidays
- High Volume Processing - Handle thousands of transactions per hour
- Maximum ROI - Highest cost savings due to full autonomy
- Consistent Execution - Same process, same quality, every time
- Scalability - Easily add more bots to handle increased workload
- Complete Audit Trail - Every action logged for compliance
Common Use Cases
- Invoice Processing: Extract, validate, and post invoices to ERP systems
- Data Migration: Move data between systems during off-hours
- Report Generation: Create and distribute daily/weekly reports
- Order Processing: Process orders from multiple channels automatically
- Reconciliations: Match records across systems and flag discrepancies
- Employee Onboarding: Create accounts, provision access, send welcome emails
Requirements for Unattended Automation
Processes suitable for unattended automation typically have these characteristics:
- Rule-based with clear decision logic
- Structured, digital inputs
- High volume or frequency
- Low exception rate (under 20%)
- Stable and predictable process flow
- No real-time human decision required
BOTFORCE Discovery
Identify Your Unattended Automation Candidates
Use BOTFORCE Discovery to find high-volume processes in your organization that are perfect for unattended automation. Calculate potential ROI and build your automation roadmap.
Start Free Assessment or calculate your ROI first →