What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?
Robotic process automation is the use of specialized computer programs, known as software robots, to automate and standardize repeatable business processes. Imagine a robot sitting in front of a computer looking at the same applications and performing the same keystrokes as a person would. While robotic process automation does not involve any form of physical robots, software robots mimic human activities by interacting with applications in the same way that a person does.
Working as a virtual business assistant, bots complete tedious tasks, freeing up time for employees to concentrate on more engaging, revenue-generating tasks. Part of the beauty of robotic process automation technology is that it offers even non-technical employees the tools to configure their own software robots to solve automation challenges.
Robotic process automation enables business professionals to easily configure software robots to automate repetitive, routine work between multiple systems, filling in automation gaps to improve business processes. These “bots” work directly across application user interfaces, mimicking the actions a person would perform, including logging in and out of applications, copying and pasting data, opening emails and attachments, and filling out forms.
While this may sound similar to screen-scraping and macros software technology, RPA has evolved beyond these solutions. For example, while macros use fixed, linear commands, bots have the flexibility to intuitively respond to stimuli and changes in business processes—increasing their intelligence over time. Also, in cases where you need multiple tools to run scripts that perform across multiple applications, RPA can simplify the way users automate tasks by interacting with multiple applications at once.
The dynamic nature of RPA sets it apart from previously developed automation solutions, making it an important automation tool that drives digital transformation and the future of work.
As a user-friendly and cost-effective tool, robotic process automation provides a number of advantages that are drawing interest from organizations across many industries.
RPA has advanced significantly, and future generations of the technology will only bring additional value. Advanced cognitive capabilities such as machine learning and artificial intelligence are allowing bots to more intelligently interpret the interfaces they work across, better handle errors, and manipulate unstructured data.
Machine learning allows bots to recognize patterns over time. This means that when a process requires human intervention, a bot can learn and act autonomously when these situations arise again.
RPA is a versatile, scalable technology that can apply to many different departments and industry processes.
