In essence, with RPA the (human) user records the sequence of actions and interactions with applications to build the workflow. The system develops the action list by watching the human perform the task and then it builds software bot that performs the task within the application’s GUI.

Robotic process automation (RPA) is the creation and deployment of software ‘robots’ (or ‘bots) designed to learn, mimic, and execute simple, repetitive business processes, operating around the clock and freeing up human professionals to focus on more creative tasks.

RPA software automates repetitive, rules-based work tasks that rely on digital data. These tasks include queries, calculations, creating and updating records, filling out forms, producing reports, cutting and pasting and performing other high-volume transactional tasks that require moving data within and between applications.

In the digital era, RPA is a rebranding of workflows, business process management (BPM), and business process automation (BPA). Like BPM, BPA, and workflows, RPA helps make the workplace more efficient. Workflow automation focuses on streamlining tasks that require manual intervention, like document processing and data entry.

Workflow automation shines in complex processes that involve many steps, decisions, approvals, or teamwork across different departments. RPA is best for straightforward tasks like repetitive or rule-based actions that don’t involve complex decisions or approvals.