How to Choose Automation Software That Includes Training and Support: A Buyer's Checklist

The short answer

When you compare automation software, look past the feature list and evaluate the support model: who helps you build your first automation, how fast you get help when something breaks, whether training is included or billed separately, and whether your team can maintain what gets built. KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA is a no-code RPA platform that includes Free Premium Support with a dedicated KEYENCE specialist at no extra cost, plus AI tools that help you build, troubleshoot, and document automations.

Why evaluate support before features?

Most automation tools can move data between applications, read files, and fill in forms, so feature lists tend to look alike. The difference shows up when your team starts building. Gartner found that 32% of buyers who regretted a software purchase pointed to slow or complex implementations, and nearly half wanted more implementation help from vendors. If your team does not have dedicated automation developers, support is the feature that decides whether the project succeeds.

The 10-point automation support checklist

Onboarding and training

1.

Is onboarding included in the price? Ask whether initial setup help is part of the license or a separate professional services fee.
2.

Will someone help build your first real automation? Building your own process with an expert teaches more than a generic tutorial.
3.

Can non-technical staff build on their own after onboarding? Look for guided building, process recording, and plain-language AI assistance.

Ongoing support

1.

Do you get a dedicated contact? A named specialist who learns your processes is faster than a new ticket every time.
2.

How are errors diagnosed? Look for plain-language error explanations and someone who can walk you through the fix.
3.

Is support live or ticket-only? Ask about response times and how you reach a person.
4.

Is ongoing help included or billed per hour? Expert help billed separately adds up quickly as you expand.

Long-term success

1.

Is every automation documented automatically? Documentation protects you when the original builder is unavailable.
2.

Will the vendor help you find the next process to automate? Good vendors help you build a roadmap, not just a single bot.
3.

Can you talk to customers who started with no automation experience? Their experience is the best predictor of yours.

How KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA scores on the checklist

Checklist item	KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA
Onboarding included	KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA Yes, with guided building designed to get you running in your first session
Help building real automations	KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA Yes, your KEYENCE specialist works through your scenarios with you
Non-technical friendly	KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA No-code, with Flow Navigation, Smart Process Recording, and AI Scenario Generation
Dedicated contact	KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA Yes, a dedicated KEYENCE specialist
Error diagnosis	KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA AI Troubleshooting in plain English, plus specialist help
Live help	KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA A real person, not a ticket
Cost of ongoing help	KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA Free Premium Support at no extra cost
Automatic documentation	KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA AI Documentation explains each scenario step
Help expanding	KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA Your specialist and AI Scenario Optimization help you improve and grow

What kinds of processes are a good fit?

Supported RPA works best for repetitive, rule-based work that moves data between systems:

Entering orders, invoices, or purchase orders into an ERP
Pulling reports from one system and reformatting them in Excel
Combining spreadsheets with different formats into one file
Updating customer or inventory records across applications
Downloading files from portals and filing them in the right place

Frequently asked questions

Q What is the easiest RPA software for beginners?

Look for no-code building, process recording, AI assistance, and above all a vendor that helps you build your first automation. KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA combines all four, with a dedicated specialist included.

Q Is RPA training worth paying for separately?

Formal courses can help in-house developers, but most business teams get faster results from hands-on help building their own processes. Check whether the vendor includes that help before budgeting for separate training.

Q How long does it take to build a first automation?

With guided building and specialist help, many teams have a working automation in their first session. More complex processes take longer, especially when exceptions need to be mapped.

Q Is AI Navigation RPA only for manufacturers?

No. While KEYENCE is well known in manufacturing, AI Navigation RPA is designed for back-office processes like order entry, accounting, HR, and reporting in any industry.

Put the checklist to work

Book a virtual demo and bring this checklist. A KEYENCE specialist will walk through how AI Navigation RPA and Free Premium Support would apply to one of your real processes.

Sources: Gartner global software buying trends research, as reported by TechRepublic (survey data July 2023); KEYENCE AI Navigation RPA product page.