What is robotic process automation (RPA)?

Robotic process automation (RPA) is a transformative technology that has gained immense traction in recent years due to its potential to revolutionize business processes across industries.

At its core, RPA refers to the utilization of software robots or “bots” that can emulate and execute human-like actions within digital systems and applications. These bots are programmed to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks and workflows, effectively streamlining operations, reducing errors and enhancing overall efficiency.

RPA technology operates in a non-invasive manner, interacting with existing IT infrastructure and applications through user interfaces without the need for extensive integration or system overhauls.

RPA bots are designed to mimic the actions a human operator would perform on a computer screen, such as logging into applications, copying and pasting data, entering information into forms, moving files and even making decisions based on predefined logic. They can work across various platforms, including desktop applications, web applications and legacy systems.

What sets RPA apart is its ability to handle tasks that involve interacting with multiple applications, often spanning different departments or stages of a process, without requiring complex custom coding or integration work.

Thanks to the versatile application of RPA, it is being used by various industries. From finance and healthcare to manufacturing and customer service, organizations use RPA to automate processes such as data entry, invoice processing, claims management, payroll processing, customer onboarding and more. This technology not only boosts operational efficiency but also frees up human employees from mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities that require creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence.

RPA stands as a pivotal innovation in the digital transformation landscape. Its ability to streamline operations, reduce errors, enhance scalability and free up human resources from routine tasks makes it an indispensable tool for organizations seeking to drive efficiency and agility. As technology continues to evolve, RPA holds the promise of reshaping how businesses operate and how work is allocated between humans and machines, ushering in a new era of productivity and innovation.

What does RPA stand for?

RPA stands for “robotic process automation.” It’s like having a digital assistant – software robots or ‘bots’ – that can perform repetitive, rule-based tasks, freeing up your human workforce for more creative and strategic endeavors.

RPA vs. automation – what’s the difference?

Robotic process automation (RPA) and automation are intertwined, they represent distinct facets of process enhancement within organizations. After all, RPA has automation in its name too, and when defining the two, there’s little to no difference. But these two can be as different as apples are from oranges. Let’s take a closer look at what sets the two apart.

1. Scope of tasks

RPA is primarily designed for automating repetitive, rule-based tasks that involve structured data and interactions. It excels in tasks like data entry, data migration and report generation. Automation, on the other hand, encompasses a broader spectrum and can involve more complex tasks, including decision-making, complex data analysis and even creative tasks.

2. Flexibility and adaptability

RPA is best suited for processes with well-defined rules and consistent inputs. It follows a predetermined workflow and is less adaptable to handling exceptions or tasks that require significant cognitive processing. Automation, depending on its complexity, can adapt to varying scenarios and even learn from new data inputs.

3. Cognitive abilities

RPA lacks cognitive abilities and does not possess the capacity for advanced learning or understanding. It executes tasks based on predefined instructions. Automation technologies beyond RPA, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, have the capability to analyze data, recognize patterns and make informed decisions.

4. Integration with systems

RPA is often used to bridge gaps between different systems and applications by emulating user interactions. It can integrate with legacy systems and newer software applications. Automation, depending on its sophistication, can integrate with systems and applications, but it can also involve process orchestration, decision automation and data integration.

5. Skill level required

RPA implementation typically requires less technical expertise, as it relies on predefined rules and workflows. Automation technologies like machine learning may demand a higher level of technical proficiency for model training and optimization.

What is the RPA process?

Think of RPA as your reliable digital co-worker. It starts with identifying routine tasks that your employees spend time on. Then, the RPA bot is trained to follow the same steps a human would. It interacts with various software systems, extracts data, inputs information and completes the task efficiently and accurately.

How do you deploy an RPA project?

Deploying an RPA project is like adding a tech-savvy member to your team. First, you analyze your processes to identify which tasks can be automated. Then, you design the workflow and logic for the bot. After testing and fine-tuning, you unleash the bot to perform its magic. It’s a bit like teaching a digital dog new tricks!

How we can help

Baker Tilly helps combines human intelligence and automation to digitally empower your workforce. We help companies optimize their work processes by automating mundane tasks so your employees can redirect their skills and time toward more creative and challenging tasks by implementing RPA. Once we have designed the perfect product for the organization, we continue to offer maintenance support to ensure that they don’t face any problems in their automation journey.

Start your automation journey with us today!