The automated business processes integration and their impact on SMEs in Latvia

This thesis investigates the integration of automated business processes within SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in Latvia's fintech sector, focusing on identifying specific challenges and opportunities. It emphasizes the role of automation in enhancing operational efficiency and enabling SMEs to allocate more resources to strategic and innovative tasks. The research has developed a conceptual framework and provides practical recommendations to assist SMEs in effectively integrating automated processes. The first chapter reviews digital transformation (DT) and business process automation (BPA), including robotic process automation (RPA). The next chapters focus on the survey and interview analysis using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Domain Mapping Matrix (DMM) methods. The fourth chapter presents a business case for integrating BPA in SMEs with examples and discussions on implications. Chapter five introduces a framework for future BPA initiatives and offers practical recommendations for companies integrating BPA.Key findings indicate that while automation offers substantial efficiency and cost-reduction benefits, its practical implementation requires carefully crafted strategies tailored to SMEs' needs.