RPA

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a software-based approach to automating repetitive, rule-based digital tasks by emulating the steps a human user would take within and between enterprise applications. RPA tools interact with graphical user interfaces, fill forms, copy and paste data, trigger transactions, and communicate with other software through APIs or UI automation. Bots can run on demand on a user’s workstation (attended) or autonomously in servers, data centers, or cloud environments (unattended), and are managed through a central orchestration layer.

Implementation typically follows process discovery and redesign. A process is chosen for automation, mapped into steps, and configured in a development environment where bots are created and tested. Routine tasks such as data extraction, data entry, reconciliation, and report generation are common targets. RPA is most effective for structured data and rule-based workflows; it often complements existing systems without requiring changes to underlying applications.

Benefits include reduced cycle times, improved accuracy, cost savings, improved compliance through audit logs, and the ability to scale automation across departments. Limitations include a reliance on stable user interfaces, potential brittleness if applications change, the need for governance and ongoing maintenance, security considerations, and the risk of automating poorly designed processes without process improvement.

RPA is distinct from AI in handling unstructured tasks; when combined with cognitive technologies it becomes intelligent automation. Process mining and business process management can help identify automation opportunities. As of the 2020s, leading vendors include UiPath, Blue Prism, and Automation Anywhere, among others.

Common use cases appear in finance, HR, procurement, customer service, and IT operations.