What is RPA?
RPA enables businesses to automate processes traditionally performed by humans at a computer. Unlike physical robots, RPA bots are virtual workers that operate in the user interface of existing software systems - performing data entry, form filling, calculations, and cross-application transfers automatically.
A typical RPA implementation starts with identifying repetitive workflows (like invoice processing or ticket routing), designing automation logic, and deploying bots that handle these tasks autonomously or with human supervision. Modern RPA platforms integrate AI, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP) to create Intelligent Automation (IA) - bots that not only execute tasks but also make contextual decisions.
RPA mimics human actions - such as clicking, typing, and copying data—across applications without requiring changes to underlying systems or APIs. RPA helps organizations improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability by automating workflows in areas like customer service, finance, HR, and IT operations.
How RPA Works
- Process Discovery: Identify repetitive and rule-based tasks suitable for automation.
- Bot Design: Create automation scripts using drag-and-drop builders or recording user actions.
- Execution: Bots interact with systems just as a human would - navigating interfaces, reading data, and triggering actions.
- Monitoring: Platforms track bot performance and exceptions in real time.
- Scaling: Bots can be deployed across teams or systems for parallel execution.
RPA can operate in attended (user-triggered) or unattended (fully autonomous) modes.
