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These software robots imitate the human interaction that usually takes place with an application and can work with the normal user interfaces. This has the advantage that no special interfaces are needed. RPA bots can carry out tasks on their own without any input from a member of staff. Alternatively, it is possible just to delegate parts of a task to a bot as your virtual assistant. RPA bots can collate unstructured content, validate data and move data without requiring API interfaces. This technology makes it possible to automate simple recurring tasks to free up staff for more important tasks.
Both robotic process automation (RPA) and automation via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) have advantages and disadvantages. This table provides an overview of the most significant characteristics of each.
RPA | API | |
Existing applications | Code does not need to be adapted. | Code has to be adapted in some circumstances. |
Reliability | Frontend-oriented: changes to input masks and such can lead to errors. | Backend-oriented: functions executed with high reliability. |
Flexibility | Changes to processes can be made simply and without specialist knowledge. | Changes to processes can only be carried out by specialists and with considerable effort. |
Performance | Generally good, as long as only simple processes are automated for each instance. | Optimal, even with high workloads. |
Costs | Low, as less specialist expertise required, and implementation can be carried out quickly. | High, as projects are often quite complex, and a high level of expertise is required. |