Annotation

Annotation: Robotic process automation (RPA), which enables the creation and use of "software robots" to perform routine, repetitive tasks within the interfaces of conventional computer programs in digital systems instead of humans, is currently one of the most sought-after technologies for automating workflows in business and manufacturing. Developing methods for evaluating the performance of such systems is a highly relevant task, as the speed and efficiency of a robotic process automation system in processing and executing program-defined tasks affects both the performance of the entire information system and the capital expenditures involved in planning these systems, as well as the operating costs during operation. The effectiveness of robotic process automation technology depends not only on the efficient use of written software but also on external factors, such as the impact of the IT network infrastructure, packet network equipment, and the length of communication lines used to solve functional problems. This article discusses methods for evaluating the flow of traffic through robotic process automation systems in a common multiplexed data stream through packet switching nodes. Estimates of the impact of the bit rate of the multiplexed stream on the RPA service are calculated. The potential of using the geometric probability method to estimate the timing characteristics of real-world bit traffic passing through packet switching nodes is demonstrated. The impact of delays occurring at network junctions with different NTP servers is also discussed. The causes of delays are analyzed, and a method for their estimation is proposed.