RPA can function perfectly well without cloud infrastructure by using local servers and internal networks. This on-premise deployment provides organizations with full control over their data and processes, while facilitating compliance requirements. Dutch companies in regulated industries are increasingly opting for cloud-free RPA solutions because of increased security and independence from external connections.
What is RPA and why are companies considering cloud-free solutions?
RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is technology that deploys software robots to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks without human intervention. Dutch organizations, especially in regulated sectors such as financial services, healthcare and government, are showing increasing interest in on-premise RPA solutions because of strict compliance requirements and security considerations.
The preference for cloud-free solutions arises from practical considerations. Organizations working with sensitive customer data, financial transactions or personal data must comply with Dutch and European regulations such as the AVG. By implementing RPA locally, they retain full control over data processing and can more easily demonstrate that data remains within national borders.
In addition, confidence in existing IT infrastructure plays a role. Many Dutch SME Plus organizations have invested in robust internal systems and networks for years. Extending this infrastructure with local RPA solutions feels more natural than relying on external cloud services over which they have less control.
How does RPA without cloud infrastructure work in practice?
On-premise RPA runs entirely on local servers within the organization’s internal network, with software robots performing tasks without external Internet connections. The RPA software is installed on proprietary hardware, while all process automation takes place within the company’s existing IT infrastructure.
The technical implementation consists of several components. The RPA server acts as the central hub where all automation processes are managed and executed. Desktop robots interact with employees at their workstations, while server-based robots run independently for fully automated processes. All communication occurs over the internal network, with robots having access to the same systems as human users.
Integration with existing legacy systems is done through the same interfaces that employees use. RPA robots can login to applications, fill out forms, transfer data between systems and generate reports, all within the secure environment of the corporate network. Database connectivity and API links allow direct communication with backend systems without external dependencies.
What are the benefits of local RPA implementation?
Local RPA implementation provides complete data control with all data remaining within the organization and compliance with Dutch and EU regulations more easily demonstrated. Organizations retain complete control over their process automation without reliance on external service providers or Internet connections.
The security benefits are significant. Sensitive corporate data never leaves the internal network, dramatically reducing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access. This is especially valuable for organizations in the financial, healthcare and government sectors where strict security requirements apply.
Integration with legacy systems is often smoother with local implementation. Many Dutch organizations have invested for years in custom-built systems that cannot be easily replaced. On-premise RPA can work seamlessly with this existing infrastructure without costly modifications or migration paths.
The independence of Internet connections ensures reliable process automation even in the event of network problems. Critical business processes can proceed without interruption due to external factors, contributing to operational stability and predictability.
Without cloud, what challenges does RPA bring?
On-premise RPA requires higher initial investments in hardware, software licensing and in-house IT expertise for implementation and maintenance. Organizations must purchase their own servers, expand network capacity and train or hire specialized personnel to manage the RPA environment.
Scalability can be more challenging than with cloud solutions. When organizations want to deploy more robots, they must expand their hardware infrastructure and possibly purchase additional licenses. This requires advance planning and budgeting, whereas cloud solutions can often scale more flexibly as needed.
System maintenance and updates lie entirely with the organization itself. This means IT teams are responsible for security updates, system maintenance and troubleshooting. Smaller organizations may find this burdensome, especially if they lack specialized RPA knowledge.
Remote access and collaboration may be more limited. Employees working from home or remote locations may not have direct access to the RPA environment, which can affect the flexibility of process monitoring and management. This requires additional security measures such as VPN connections.
When is on-premises RPA the best choice for your organization?
On-premise RPA is optimal for organizations with strict compliance requirements, sensitive data processing and existing robust IT infrastructure that can support expansion. In particular, companies in regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare and government benefit from the full control and security advantages.
Organizations working with legacy systems that are difficult to replace find an ideal solution in local RPA. Integration occurs more naturally because robots operate within the same environment as the existing applications. This avoids costly migration paths or system modifications.
Companies with sufficient IT capacity and budget for in-house infrastructure management are well positioned for on-premise deployment. When organizations already invest in their own data centers or server farms, RPA is a logical extension of their technology portfolio.
We have developed 15 years of experience in process automation and today position RPA as “Agentic AI”: an evolution from executive bots to self-thinking assistants that not only follow instructions, but take initiative and act independently. This expertise enables us to guide organizations in making the right choice between on-premise and cloud solutions.
For organizations considering implementing RPA without cloud dependence, we offer customized solutions with standard building blocks. Smart combination of proven modules allows customers to purchase everything under one roof – from development to implementation, management and support. Our **ISO 27001** certification for information security, along with ISO 9001 and ISO 26000, underscores our commitment to secure and reliable process automation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific hardware requirements for an on-premise RPA implementation?
For a stable on-premise RPA environment, you need at least a dedicated server with 16GB RAM, quad-core processor and SSD storage. Depending on the number of concurrent robots and complexity of processes, expansion to 32GB RAM and more processor power may be necessary. In addition, a reliable network infrastructure is essential for communication between robots and existing systems.
On average, how long does the implementation of on-premise RPA take?
A typical on-premise RPA implementation takes 3-6 months, depending on the complexity of your processes and existing IT infrastructure. The first phase (infrastructure setup and basic configuration) usually takes 4-6 weeks, followed by process automation and testing. Smaller implementations can be operational within 6-8 weeks.
What happens if our internal IT department does not have RPA expertise?
This is a common situation that can be resolved in several ways. You can choose external guidance during implementation, training of existing IT staff, or a managed service where the vendor takes over day-to-day management. Many organizations start with external support and gradually build internal knowledge.
Can we extend on-premise RPA to cloud-hybrid solutions later?
Yes, most modern RPA platforms support hybrid deployments where you can gradually add cloud components. You can start with fully on-premise and later decide to move monitoring dashboards or analytics to the cloud, for example, while critical processes continue to run locally.
What about disaster recovery in local RPA deployment?
On-premise RPA requires a thoughtful backup and disaster recovery strategy. This includes regular backups of robot configurations, process logic and databases, preferably at a secondary location. Many organizations implement a hot standby system or make arrangements for rapid hardware replacement to minimize downtime.
In addition to software licenses, what costs should I expect?
In addition to software licenses, you should consider hardware purchases (€10,000-50,000), implementation costs, staff training and ongoing maintenance. Annual maintenance costs are typically 15-20% of the initial investment. Security updates, monitoring tools and possibly additional network infrastructure should also be included in the budget.
