RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation. It is a technology that uses software robots or «bots» to automate repetitive and rule-based tasks within business processes. These bots mimic human interactions with user interfaces to perform tasks such as data entry, form filling, data extraction, and more.
RPA bots interact with applications and systems through the user interface, just like a human user. They can navigate screens, input data, click buttons, copy and paste information, and perform other tasks.
Some key benefits of RPA include:
RPA can be applied to a wide range of tasks and processes. Common examples include data entry, invoice processing, report generation, data reconciliation, customer onboarding, HR processes, IT support tasks, and more. Any rule-based, repetitive task that involves interacting with software applications can be a candidate for automation.
Attended RPA refers to scenarios where bots work alongside human users, typically clicking the button to start the robot. Unattended RPA, on the other hand, involves fully autonomous bots that can operate independently without human intervention, often running in the background on servers or virtual machines.
RPA tools and platforms have built-in security features to ensure data integrity and compliance. Access controls, encryption, and audit logs are commonly used to protect sensitive information. However, as with any technology, proper security measures should be taken, such as securing credentials, regular security audits, and adhering to data protection regulations.