STELA is a zero-code, AI-powered automation platform designed to streamline the deployment of digital robots for software testing and business process automation. Its implementation process is user-friendly, quick, and accessible for both technical and non-technical users.

Key Steps in the Implementation Process

1. Initial Setup and Installation
STELA can be delivered as a cloud-based or on-premises solution, with minimal installation required. Users typically access the platform through a web interface, and no complex setup or coding is needed.

2. User Onboarding and Training
Thanks to its intuitive, zero-code interface, onboarding is straightforward. Users can start automating processes simply by describing them in natural language, making it accessible to all skill levels.

3. Process Identification and Mapping
Organizations identify which repetitive or time-consuming tasks are best suited for automation. STELA’s flexible integration capabilities allow it to connect with a wide range of applications, databases, and legacy systems.

4. Automation Design and Configuration
Users design automations using drag-and-drop tools and natural language commands. STELA’s AI and computer vision features help automatically recognize screen elements and self-heal automations, reducing ongoing maintenance.

5. Testing and Validation
Automated processes are tested for accuracy and reliability. STELA provides detailed reports, including screenshots and videos, to help quickly identify and resolve any issues.

6. Deployment and Scaling
After validation, automations are deployed into production. The platform supports unlimited users and processes, allowing organizations to scale their automation efforts easily.

7. Continuous Improvement
STELA’s analytics and reporting tools help monitor automation performance and identify further opportunities for optimization.

Yes, STELA software is designed to be highly customizable and adaptable to a wide range of business requirements. Here are several data points that highlight its flexibility:

• Natural Language Automation: Users can create automation robots simply by describing their processes in plain language. This makes it easy to tailor automations to unique workflows, even for non-technical staff.

• Wide Integration Capabilities: STELA can connect with web and desktop applications, APIs, databases, Excel, Google Sheets, and legacy systems such as Oracle Forms and iSeries (AS400). This allows businesses to automate processes across various platforms and environments.

• Scalable and Modular Design: The platform supports unlimited users and processes, making it suitable for both small teams and large organizations. Automations can be reused, adapted, and scaled as business needs change.

• AI and Computer Vision: STELA uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to recognize screen elements and adapt to changes automatically. This self-healing capability ensures automations remain robust even as processes or interfaces evolve.

• Role-Based Access and Custom Workflows: Organizations can set up custom roles, permissions, and workflow configurations to match their specific operational structures.

• Reusable Components: Automations and process components can be repurposed for different tasks, which saves time and supports ongoing customization.

• Continuous Improvement: The platform is designed to support iterative updates, allowing businesses to refine and expand their automations as new needs arise.

• Subscription Pricing: STELA is offered on a subscription basis, typically starting around $150 per user per month. Pricing may vary depending on the number of users or the volume of automated tasks.

• Setup Fees: There is no clear indication of separate setup or implementation fees. The platform is built for quick deployment, especially in cloud-based (SaaS) scenarios, which helps minimize upfront costs.

• Maintenance Costs: Maintenance is simplified due to STELA’s AI-powered self-healing features. This can reduce the time and expense of maintaining automations by up to 65%, as the software automatically adjusts to changes in the environment.

• Support Charges: Standard support options include email, help desk, FAQs, knowledge base, phone support, and chat. These are generally included in the subscription, though some premium support tiers may be available at additional cost.

• Training and Onboarding: While the platform is user-friendly and designed for rapid onboarding, some initial training may be beneficial. The learning curve is much shorter compared to traditional code-based automation tools.

• Infrastructure Costs: For cloud deployments, infrastructure costs are minimal. On-premises installations may require additional hardware or IT resources, but these specifics would depend on the organization’s existing environment.

STELA offers a comprehensive range of training and support options for new users:

• Guided Onboarding: New users can access step-by-step tutorials and user guides that introduce the basics of operating the software, from building models to analyzing outputs. These tutorials are designed to be completed in about an hour and are divided into sections for flexible learning.

• Online Manuals and Instruction Sheets: Detailed electronic help files and manuals are available within the software and online, covering both basic and advanced features.

• Helpdesk and Hotline: Users can contact the STELA Helpdesk by phone or email for personalized assistance. The helpdesk is available to answer questions, help with troubleshooting, and provide guidance on using the platform.

• Training Sessions: Organizations or individuals can request formal training sessions by contacting the support team via email. These sessions can be tailored to specific needs.

• Direct Support for Account Access and Setup: New users must complete an online application form to gain access. The helpdesk processes these requests and provides account details, typically within five business days of approval.

• Ongoing Support: The support team is available for ongoing help, including password resets, technical issues, and assistance with system features.

STELA implements several key security measures to ensure data protection:

• Session Management: The system automatically disconnects users after a period of inactivity (e.g., 20 minutes), similar to online banking platforms, to prevent unauthorized access.

• Password Controls: Secure password protocols are enforced, and users can change their passwords upon first login. Forgotten passwords can be reset through the helpdesk.

• Firewall and Network Security: Access is managed through secure gateways and firewalls, restricting unauthorized access to the platform.

• Data Privacy Compliance: The platform adheres to data protection regulations such as GDPR, ensuring that personal data is handled lawfully, stored securely, and only retained for necessary periods.

• User Rights Management: Users have the right to access, rectify, or delete their personal data, and can request restrictions or object to processing as provided by law.

• Data Retention Policies: Personal data is retained for a defined period (e.g., 36 months) and securely deleted after this period unless longer retention is required by law.

STELA software is maintained with regular updates and improvements:

• Release Frequency: Updates are issued as both major and minor releases. Minor releases typically address bug fixes, performance improvements, and feature enhancements, while major releases introduce significant new capabilities.

• Release Notes: Each update is accompanied by detailed release notes outlining new features, changes, and any limitations.

• Backward Compatibility: Simulation files from previous versions are generally compatible with new releases, with additional parameters set to default values as needed.

• User Notification: Users are informed of substantial changes, and documentation is updated accordingly.

• Support for Upgrades: The helpdesk and user manuals provide guidance on installing updates and managing any transition issues.

STELA’s policy is designed to give users clear control and ownership over their data. Here are the main points:

• User Data Ownership: Users retain full ownership of their personal and organizational data stored or processed within the STELA platform.

• Data Rights: Users can access their data, request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information, and ask for their data to be deleted, except where retention is required by law.

• Portability: Users have the right to request that their data be transferred or exported to another service or platform. This ensures that data can be moved if the organization decides to change providers or needs to integrate with other systems.

• Processing and Retention: Data is only processed as necessary for the operation of the platform and is kept for a defined period (typically around 36 months). After this period, data is securely deleted unless legal or regulatory requirements dictate otherwise.

• Transparency: Users are notified about any significant changes to data policies, and they can contact the platform’s data protection officer or support team to exercise their rights at any time.

STELA is built to be flexible and scalable, allowing organizations to adjust their usage as needs evolve:

• Flexible User and Process Limits: The platform supports unlimited users and processes, so companies can easily increase or decrease the number of automations or users without technical barriers.

• Subscription-Based Model: Organizations pay a regular subscription fee, which can be adjusted according to the number of users or the volume of automated tasks. This means you only pay for what you need, and costs can be scaled up or down as your requirements change.

• Quick Adjustments: Scaling up (adding new users or automations) or scaling down (reducing usage) can be done quickly, with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

• Resource Optimization: The platform is designed to optimize resources automatically, ensuring efficient performance whether your organization is expanding or contracting its use of automation.

• No Long-Term Lock-In: The subscription approach typically avoids long-term commitments, making it easy for organizations to adapt as their business grows or changes direction.

• License Type and Renewal: STELA is typically offered under a free owner license, particularly for specialized versions such as those used in aerospace and compliance with the French Space Operations Act. For commercial or enterprise deployments, STELA may be provided under a subscription or enterprise license, which would generally include annual or multi-year renewal terms.

• Renewal Process: For subscription-based or enterprise contracts, renewal is usually automatic unless the customer provides written notice of cancellation within a specified period before the renewal date. This period is often 30 to 60 days, but the exact timeframe depends on the agreement with the provider.

• Cancellation Terms: Users can generally cancel their contract by providing advance written notice, typically 30 days before the end of the current term. After cancellation, access to the software and services is discontinued at the end of the paid period.

• Data Retention After Cancellation: Upon cancellation, users may have a grace period to export or retrieve their data before it is deleted from the provider’s systems. Data is retained for a defined period (commonly up to 36 months for compliance purposes) unless otherwise required by law.

• No Long-Term Lock-In: Many modern SaaS solutions, including STELA, are designed to avoid long-term lock-in, allowing organizations to scale usage up or down, renew, or cancel with relatively little friction.

• Support and Maintenance: Access to support and updates is typically included during the active contract period and ceases upon cancellation or non-renewal.

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): STELA is compliant with GDPR, ensuring the lawful, fair, and transparent processing of personal data for users in the European Union.

• French Space Operations Act: For aerospace applications, STELA is designed specifically to support compliance with the French Space Operations Act, including assessment and reporting on protected LEO and GEO region criteria.

• ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations): Some STELA deployments, especially those handling sensitive or defense-related data, comply with ITAR for secure export and handling of controlled information.

• NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC 2.0 Level 2: STELA aligns with U.S. federal cybersecurity standards for protecting controlled unclassified information, as well as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification requirements.

• SOC 2: STELA’s infrastructure and operational practices may be certified for SOC 2 compliance, ensuring robust controls for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

• End-to-End Encryption: Data is encrypted both at rest and in transit, and access is managed through secure authentication and a Zero Trust security model.

• Continuous Security Monitoring: The platform employs continuous monitoring, regular penetration testing, and prompt implementation of security updates to maintain compliance and protect user data.