How RPA is Transforming Supply Chains

Robotic process automation (RPA) is reshaping supply chains worldwide, becoming a powerful force within global logistics.

As companies face rising complexity, pressure for quicker delivery and high consumer expectations, RPA presents itself as a way to rethink workflows by automating repetitive and time-heavy tasks. This approach can unlock hidden inefficiencies, cut costly errors and free up people to focus on higher-value problem-solving and strategy. 

More than half of all companies already use RPA, with many more preparing to join them according to Deloitte. The benefits of this shift go far beyond cost savings as 86% of companies report improved productivity and almost 90% of employees feel more satisfied as automation removes mundane activities from their workflow.

As CSCOs navigate the unpredictable world of supply chains, RPA stands as a critical partner – crucial to how companies compete and grow in this fast-paced climate. 

Understanding RPA in supply chains

RPA uses software robots (bots) to handle rule-based, repetitive tasks ranging from order processing to invoice checks. Bots carry out these tasks with greater speed, accuracy and without hesitation, cutting human errors. 

RPA can manage an order from start to finish, checking the consumer’s details, producing the shipping label and updating systems without delay. It then keeps supplier contracts in order, processes invoices using smart automation, analyses patterns to forecast demand, provides real-time shipment updates and even streamlines returns. 

By taking over the heavy lifting of routine work, RPA helps supply chains become more reliable and responsive, leading to happier consumers. 

Case study: Procter & Gamble (P&G)

Procter & Gamble (P&G) is transforming its global supply chain with RPA. It is reinvesting in digital tools that streamline operations and improve cash productivity. 

RPA now automates repetitive supply chain tasks such as order processing, inventory management and ledger work. These virtual assistants not only replace manual effort but also expose duplication across processes, enabling major cost reductions in manufacturing, logistics and stock management.

The shift is also expected to reduce P&G’s non-manufacturing workforce by about 15%, up to 7000 roles, lowering operational costs.

“We’re focused on cash productivity,” explained CEO Jon Moeller when he was CFO.

“Now, the company is deploying the freed-up cash to implement robotic process automation, a type of intelligent software that replaces white-collar roles…That delivers on a key pledge that P&G made to restless shareholders – to reduce non-manufacturing costs."

Its impact doesn’t stop there as retail partners also benefit from optimised shipments with full trucks, organised by category. This also reduces carbon footprint, reducing inefficiencies and half-empty logistics operations. Combined with AI-powered predictive analytics and synchronised data systems, RPA enhances responsiveness to demand and reduces downtime.

How retailers deploy RPA today 

Retailers are now transforming their fulfilment centres by combining RPA with physical robotics. 

Instead of depending solely on human workers for repetitive picking and packing, robots now collect items, pack boxes, print labels and move them to the correct shipping areas. These machines work tirelessly and precisely, allowing giants such as Amazon to process millions of orders daily. This ensures faster shipping, accurate inventory counts and prompt deliveries.

Alongside these robots, software bots manage the flow of information:

• When a customer places an online order, bots confirm product details, check payment and ensure data is complete. 
• They then update warehouse management systems and enterprise resource planning software automatically, cutting out manual data entry. 
• They even generate invoices and send customers real-time shipment updates. 

In doing so, RPA reduces errors, accelerates processes and enhances the buying experience.

In implementing this dual approach, retail leaders refine their supply chains, giving them an advantage in a fast-moving market. 

Case study: General Electric

General Electric (GE) built a RPA Centre of Excellence to coordinate projects worldwide and train hundreds of finance and supply chain staff in automation.

At GE, RPA now handles tasks such as invoice matching, monitoring payment deadlines, managing receivables and warranties, preparing tax returns and checking international payment exchange rates in shared service centres in Europe and Russia. 

The productivity benefits of automation at this scale are undeniable. 

Eric Lex, former VP of Global Intelligent Process Automation at GE, explained: "We’ve got now about 300 automations in production and your reputation as an organisation is really on how well you maintain those bots."

GE has since refined its approach, removing low-value bots and focusing on complex processes, with Eric envisioning a future where "everyone when they come into GE, they’ll get their laptop and a kind of package of software - one will be UiPath.”

The future of RPA in supply chains

Looking ahead, RPA is set to shift from handling simple repetitive tasks to powering intelligent, connected and autonomous supply chains.

RPA will continue to integrate with artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced analytics to create "hyperautomation." This involves automating end-to-end workflows across procurement, logistics, inventory and fulfilment with minimal human involvement.

Future bots will evolve to handle complex, decision-based duties such as working with unstructured data, making real-time calls and predicting supply chain disruptions before they unfold, whilst systems will run round the clock, optimising continuously while people supervise and focus on higher-level strategy.

As this path unfolds, it is clear RPA will be the advantage that separates advanced supply chains from those lagging behind.

Case study: FedEx

FedEx applies RPA to strengthen last-mile logistics and customer service by automating package collection and delivery point management.

In Singapore, the company launched RPA-supported self-service lockers and collection points under its Delivery Manager International programme, giving customers more flexibility while cutting environmental impact through optimised routes and collection.

Inside logistics centres, RPA manages routine tasks to boost throughput and reduce human error, ensuring smoother operations across the network. The technology works alongside AI-enabled robotic automation from FedEx’s partnership with Berkshire Grey, which supplies robotic sortation systems for major facilities worldwide.

Rebecca Yeung, Corporate Vice President of Operations Science and Advanced Technology at FedEx, explains: “FedEx believes that continued innovation and automation will improve efficiency, productivity and safety for its team members as they continue to keep the global supply chain moving.”