AI Agents for Operations: 5 Use Cases to Solve Pressing Problems
This practical guide presents five proven use cases for AI agents in operations that directly address common pain points.
Discover the key differences between RPA as a service and traditional in-house automation in this expert-led session. Learn the right model to accelerate your organization’s automation success.
Standing up a robotic process automation (RPA) program is no small feat. It requires leadership buy-in, well-planned infrastructure, skilled talent, and a clear roadmap for success. Yet, as many organizations quickly discover, proving value early can be challenging when traditional in-house RPA models demand significant upfront investment — making RPA as a service an attractive alternative.
Traditional in-house RPA models demand significant investment in infrastructure, software licensing, and dedicated staff. For leaders weighing priorities across the organization, committing to that level of cost and effort up front can be a tough decision. Even those who understand automation’s transformative potential often ask: Is there a better way to get started?
It’s not that leaders doubt the power of automation — far from it. Most executives understand the transformative potential RPA brings: streamlined operations, reduced costs, and freed-up teams that can focus on higher-value work. The sticking point is whether the payoff justifies the initial spend, especially when other pressing priorities compete for budget and resources.
This is where RPA as a service (RPAaaS) enters the conversation.
Why Organizations are Exploring RPA as a Service
In today’s competitive automation market, the challenge isn’t only about recognizing RPA’s benefits — it’s about identifying the right way to adopt it. Traditional RPA programs require considerable investment in software licensing, infrastructure and specialized staff. While that approach works for some, it’s not always the fastest or most flexible path to value.
RPAaaS flips the script. Instead of building everything in-house, you subscribe to a ready-to-use automation platform paired with expert services. The provider handles much of the heavy lifting — from licensing to maintenance — leaving you free to focus on results.
For many organizations, this means:
- Faster deployment – moving from idea to live automation in weeks, not months
- Lower operational overhead – no need to hire and train a dedicated RPA team
- Ongoing optimization – continuous improvements guided by experts who know your environment
It’s an attractive proposition, particularly for leaders seeking flexibility in both cost and scale.
The “All or Nothing” Myth in Automation
One of the biggest misconceptions about automation is that it’s an all-in commitment. In reality, you can phase RPA adoption. RPAaaS is designed for exactly that. You can start small — automating a handful of processes — and expand as your confidence and needs grow.
That scalability also means you don’t have to bet the farm upfront. RPAaaS lets you prove success before making a larger investment, making it easier to win over leadership and stakeholders who want to see measurable results before signing off on long-term commitments.
The Vendor Landscape: Options Everywhere
The automation software market has exploded in recent years. Vendors like UiPath now offer an array of solutions that are so broad that it can be overwhelming to narrow down which one truly fits your needs. Without a clear framework for evaluation, you risk investing in the wrong model — or missing opportunities altogether.
The key is knowing how to filter the noise and focus on solutions aligned with your specific goals, capabilities, and risk profile.
What You Will Learn
To help you navigate this decision, Centric Consulting hosted a webinar with UiPath MVP Tracy Dixon and Automation Architect Nick Rahn. They’ll unpack the critical differences between RPAaaS and traditional in-house RPA — and give you a framework for deciding which is right for your organization.
You’ll walk away with:
- A deeper understanding of operating and pricing models
- Insights into the most valuable benefits RPAaaS can deliver
- Real-world examples of when RPAaaS is — and isn’t — the best choice
- Practical tips for choosing the right vendor and mapping your path to automation maturity
If you’re considering automation but are unsure how to start (or whether to shift your current approach), this session will give you the clarity you need to make informed, confident decisions.
Automation shouldn’t be an all-or-nothing gamble. Whether you’re exploring your first automation or looking to optimize your current program, understanding the strengths and trade-offs of RPAaaS could be the difference between stalled efforts and sustainable success.
