LIGHTWEIGHT IT AND THE IT FUNCTION: EXPERIENCES FROM ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION IN A NORWEGIAN BANK

Abstract

Lightweight IT - smartphones, tablets, sensors and Internet of things, and software robots - is penetrating organizations at an accelerating rate. This trend is challenging the role of the IT function, as lightweight IT often is being acquired and implemented by local business units. Consequently, how to organize and integrate lightweight initiatives with the IT function is a topical issue. The recommendations from research are ambiguous. In this paper, we report from a study of a Norwegian bank implementing Robotic Process Automation. In particular, we are investigating the relationship between Robotic Process Automation and the IT function. We make use of lightweight IT theory as our analytical lens, contributing to research by unveiling the considerations and consequences of the integration challenges. Moreover, we also provide practical advice on how to implement Robotic Process Automation.