Types of RPA You Need To Know
RPA has emerged as a vital component of digital transformation, completely transforming the operations of businesses. This detailed blog will explore the different types of RPA, highlighting the distinct features that set each type apart.
What is RPA?
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a technology that uses software robots (or bots) to do repetitive tasks, such as copying and pasting data, filling out forms, or moving files. These bots mimic human actions, making processes faster, more accurate, and freeing up time for more important work.
Inshort, RPA automates routine tasks, making business operations more easier and efficient!
To understand RPA technology, its benefits, and more in depth, check out this blog.
Types of RPA
Attended RPA
Attended RPA, also known as desktop automation, involves human-robot collaboration. In this type of automation, bots work alongside human employees to enhance their productivity.
Attended RPA is typically used for tasks that require a human touch, such as decision-making or tasks that involve unstructured data. It operates on the user's desktop, automating specific processes while allowing users to intervene when necessary.
Unattended RPA
Unattended RPA takes automation a step further by operating without human intervention. It is designed for tasks that can be executed independently, often in the background, allowing for lights-out automation.
Unattended bots can handle large volumes of repetitive, rule-based tasks, making them ideal for processes that require 24/7 operation. This type of RPA significantly enhances efficiency by automating routine tasks without requiring constant supervision.
Hybrid RPA
Hybrid RPA represents the ideal blend of attended and unattended RPA, delivering an innovative solution for tasks that demand both repetitive actions and human decision-making.
This type of RPA allows businesses to merge front and back office responsibilities, achieving the ultimate synergy. For instance, in the loan processing scenario, Hybrid RPA bots can be incredibly helpful. Attended bots can streamline data entry and document retrieval for loan officers, while unattended bots can handle tasks like credit checks, eligibility assessment, and generating loan approval documentation.
By combining attended and unattended RPA bots, businesses can truly take advantage of the "best of both worlds" philosophy.
Process Discovery RPA
This particular type of RPA utilises cutting-edge machine learning (ML) and data analytics to enable RPA bots to learn from their activities and continuously improve their performance. It provides a comprehensive view of business processes and identifies prime candidates for automation.
Intelligent RPA
Intelligent RPA — also referred to as Intelligent Automation (IA) or Cognitive RPA — is a type of RPA that is enhanced by Artificial Intelligence.
This type of RPA enables bots to handle unstructured data, learn from experience, and make decisions based on contextual understanding. Cognitive RPA brings a level of intelligence to automation, allowing bots to adapt to dynamic scenarios and perform tasks that involve data interpretation and analysis.
Some key capabilities of intelligent RPA include:
Computer vision - The ability to recognize text, images, and objects on screen to extract information. This allows automation of processes like extracting data from scanned documents.
Natural language processing - The ability to understand free-form human speech and text. This enables RPA to interpret emails, chats, and documents.
Machine learning - The ability to learn and improve automatically over time based on data patterns. This allows RPA to adapt as processes change without needing to be reprogrammed.
API-driven RPA
API-Enabled RPA leverages Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to facilitate seamless integration with various software applications.
This type of RPA ensures that bots can communicate and exchange data with different systems, enhancing their versatility. API-Enabled RPA is instrumental in creating a connected and integrated automation ecosystem within an organisation.
API-driven RPA is widely used by banks and financial institutions. It offers a range of benefits that make it an essential tool for these institutions, such as smooth integration with internal and external systems, real-time data exchange, and improved authentication and security.
Implementing the Right Type of RPA
Choosing the right type of RPA depends on the specific needs and objectives of your business. Here are some key considerations for implementation:
1. Identify Automation Goals
Clearly define the goals of automation within your organisation. Whether it's enhancing efficiency, reducing errors, or improving customer service, understanding your objectives will guide the selection of the most suitable type of RPA.
2. Assess Process Complexity
Evaluate the complexity of the processes you intend to automate. Rule-based RPA may be sufficient for structured and repetitive tasks, while cognitive RPA might be necessary for processes involving unstructured data and decision-making.
3. Consider Human Involvement
Determine the level of human involvement required in the processes. If tasks necessitate human decision-making or intervention, attended RPA might be the ideal choice. For lights-out automation, unattended RPA is more appropriate.
4. Evaluate Integration Needs
Assess the integration requirements with existing systems and applications. API-Enabled RPA can be helpful for organisations that need seamless connectivity and data exchange between different software solutions.
5. Plan for Scalability
Consider the scalability of the chosen RPA type. Ensure that the selected automation solution can adapt to the changing needs and growing complexity of your business processes.
Final Thoughts
RPA offers various solutions to meet different business needs. Whether you opt for attended or unattended RPA, rule-based or cognitive automation, each type offers unique benefits. By understanding the complexities and benefits of these different RPA types, organisations can make informed decisions, strategically implement automation, and fully leverage the potential of digital transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the three types of RPA?
The three main types of RPA include: attended automation, unattended automation, and hybrid RPA.
What is RPA and its tools?
RPA is a technology using software robots to automate repetitive tasks. RPA tools, such as UiPath, Automation Anywhere, and Blue Prism, enable businesses to streamline processes, boost efficiency, and cut costs by automating routine tasks, freeing up human resources for strategic initiatives.
Is RPA costly?
The costs of RPA can differ depending on factors such as complexity and scale of implementation. RPA is commonly viewed as an upfront cost, and its benefits often outweigh expenses through efficiency gains. Reach out to BharatBotz today for customised automation solutions that align with your budget.
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