Types of Robotic Process Automation You Should Know

Technology has evolved and now organizations have solutions to automate small data entry tasks to confidential financial processes. This technology is Robotic Process Automation (RPA) which has revolutionized how companies operate. RPA is being embraced in almost every industry from healthcare, finance, and manufacturing to retail, these robots are playing an important role in keeping everything streamlined.

While you may know RPA as the only software robot that is configured to do your tasks, there is actually more to this. Robotic process automation comes in types, and each type fits the different workflows. Depending on the needs of an organization, the type of RPA must be selected to simplify the workflow. However, before you choose any of these types, you must first understand how they differ from one another.

This article is curated to compare and highlight the differences between the most common types of RPA. Scroll down to learn everything you need to know.

5 Types of Robotic Process Automation to Learn About

Before RPA implementation the first task is to assess your business requirements and understand the workflows. Then after this, you need to choose the type of automation that suits your needs. This article will go through the types such as attended, unattended, hybrid, API-driven, and intelligent RPAs. Scroll down to learn what are they best for and which one is right for your needs.

1.    Unattended RPA

Unattended RPA is one of the most common and well-known types of robotic process automation. In this approach, experts identify simple and predictable processes that bots can easily handle and build automated workflows to minimize repetitive and mundane tasks. This type of RPA can work autonomously without any human intervention.

These can fit well in workplaces where there is a high volume of tasks like data entry, payroll, invoicing, etc. A significant advantage associated with this type is the high ROI. However, choosing the right RPA platform is more important regardless of its type. This is why organizations opt for Kofax UAE RPA solutions to streamline their workflow with highly efficient software robots.

2.    Attended RPA

Attended bots vary from unattended, they are dynamic. An example of this would be: that they live on a desktop and operate as an automated assistant. However, typically for these bots to work, they are triggered by the users. For instance, a user can select a bunch of files and then ask the bot to convert them into a specific format.

These bots are often involved in processes where they require human decision-making at particular steps. These bots are great for front-office tasks such as customer service where agents can use these bots while talking on the call with a client. This leads to better customer service and builds loyalty.

3.    Hybrid RPA

Hybrid bots are a combination of both attended and unattended RPA. They are used in tasks that are repetitive but still require human intervention and decision-making. As discussed above unattended is great for back-office tasks while attended can handle front office. With a hybrid approach, you can automate both front and back-office tasks.

An example to understand this is taking a loan. For instance, the attended RPA bot can help out loan officers by automating data entry and document retrieval. While the unattended one can perform credit checks, assess eligibility, and generate loan approval documentation. Thus, with these two together, you can bring an automated approach to complex tasks.

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4.    API-Driven RPA

API Driven RPA works just like the name suggests. It is a specific automation approach where bots interface with external applications and systems through APIs.  Most RPA implementations use screen scraping technology to interact with websites and other data resources. This approach is considered a safer and more stable method for sending and receiving data.

Financial sectors like banks in particular are among the top adopters for this API-driven RPA approach. There are various benefits of this approach. As they can integrate with both external and internal systems. Another advantage is the real-time data exchange which increases security and authenticity.

5.    Intelligent RPA

Intelligent RPA also known as cognitive RPA or Intelligent Automation (IA) is a type of robotic process automation enhanced by artificial intelligence. While the traditional RPA is more about well-defined and predictable tasks, this one goes beyond this limit. This automation uses various technologies like Natural Processing Language (NLP), data analytics, and Computer Vision to perform more complex tasks.

It makes itself capable of handling those tasks that traditionally required human decision-making or any other kind of intervention. This type of RPA helps organizations automate more and more of their workflows.

Make the Most Out of Each RPA Automation Type

No matter which automation software robot you choose, choosing the right platform stands over everything. You can get in touch with solution providers to get your bots from a reputed platform for higher efficiency. Feel free to contact professionals and start your RPA implementation with the right type today!