FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About RPA

What does RPA mean?

RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation. "Robotic" is describing the program that you can set up to do work—the same way you would—with computer systems and applications. “Process” refers to the work that you want to get done. And “Automation” is what it sounds like—making work happen on its own.

What are RPA bots?

RPA bots, or just "bots", are software programs that you set up to do digital work. They’re often called a Digital Workforce. RPA bots can interact with any system or application the same way you do. It’s as simple as showing your bots what to do, then letting them do the work.

Is RPA the same as Intelligent Automation?

RPA is a big part of Intelligent Automation. Connecting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with RPA software is what makes it "intelligent". Intelligent Automation works for many—and more complex—business process automation scenarios than RPA alone.

What is Intelligent Document Processing?

Most information is not in set format (often referred to as “unstructured data”). Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) is able to capture data from any document, extract relevant information, and organize the data. Why does that matter? Having the right, usable, data is what enables RPA to work its magic. Ahem, execute processes.

Is RPA free?

Yes and no. We believe everyone should have access to automation tools, so Automation Anywhere makes our industry-leading RPA platform available for free to individuals such as students, small businesses, developers, and researchers. The core of our business is supporting enterprises’ automation and digital transformation with our platform and services. To get started, every organization can access a free trial to take the power of RPA for a test drive.

Why use RPA?

Have you ever felt like a robot? The classic examples of processes ripe to be automated are called “swivel chair” work—that is, repetitive, manual, soul-crushing, drudge work that has zero creative input or value added by being completed by a person. RPA takes over this “robotic” work, and executes it better and faster, without stopping or making mistakes.

The best part? That’s just the beginning of the benefits of RPA.

When RPA is married with AI technologies (aka Intelligent Automation), it enables us to reimagine how businesses operate by seamlessly integrating technology, work processes, and people.

Here are a few of the top benefits of using RPA+AI

• Automate any business process from start to finish
• Connect front- and back-office processes
• Organize and process complex data
• Eliminate errors and exceptions
• Strengthen operational security
• Ensure compliance
• Enhance customer experience
• Liberate employees

Where can I use RPA?

Across industries and business sizes, RPA can take on any repetitive, manual, process—and be up and running in a matter of minutes. Ways to apply Intelligent Automation are limited only by your imagination. And with pre-built bots ready to download, you can find RPA bots pre-trained to take on functions such as hiring and onboarding or insurance claims processing. Put bots in, anywhere.

Do I need to know how to code to use RPA?

No coding is required to use RPA. Automation Anywhere delivers RPA+AI tools that anyone can use. Is RPA easy to learn? Yes. The best outcomes for enterprise adoption of RPA are built on a core team that includes people with development and IT skill sets, working together with business users to organize and optimize automations.

How long will it take to learn RPA?

You can start using RPA without any training and learn as you go. It helps, though, to build a foundation with RPA training and certification on RPA and AI tools and technologies. Depending on the path you’d like to take, such as RPA developer or RPA administrator, certification programs include around 10 hours of in-class time.

What does RPA implementation look like?

Getting started with RPA is easy, but it’s true that alone doesn’t guarantee long-term success, especially at scale. Before you begin, take an in-depth look at the RPA journey. Implementing RPA is in fact a long-term journey of creating business change—both operational and cultural. You'll need a great core team and the right tools. Help from expert RPA partners doesn't hurt, either.

Why do RPA projects fail?

There is rarely a single point of failure in RPA projects. But some of the common trouble spots that you can certainly get ahead of include: Lack of RPA skills or knowledge, insufficient communication and change management, not involving IT from the beginning, mis-defined success criteria. Don’t be shy to ask for help at any stage of your RPA journey. Want to speak with an RPA expert? Contact us.

What's next after RPA?

If you're here, you must be a big-picture thinker. The latest buzzword for where RPA evolves to is hyperautomation. The idea is automating business processes—even automatically—of increasing complexity, that today rely on knowledge inputs from people. Automating begins to change the nature of work itself, not only by providing an accessible way for business processes to become more “digital” but by changing the human work experience and setting the stage for more complex and intelligent augmentation and transformation of business. In short, RPA defined the start of a new era of work. The rest is yet to come.