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Business Process Automation Vs. Robotic Process Automation Tools

Prabhat Gupta

Updated On:

June 19, 2024

10

 min read

10

 min read

Table of Contents

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To stay ahead in today's competitive business world, organizations continually seek methods to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and boost productivity. Yet, many still use outdated manual processes. This is where automation steps in to transform business processes. However, when selecting the best automation tool, a crucial decision point arises: Business process automation (BPA) vs Robotic process automation (RPA).

BPA simplifies complex tasks by automating manual tasks and streamlining business processes using software. Meanwhile, RPA takes it a step further by employing software bots to mimic human actions and interact with digital systems.

Both BPA and RPA are great at automating repetitive tasks, allowing businesses to utilize resources more efficiently. Implementing BPA and RPA makes processes smoother, faster, and more accurate, revolutionizing organizational operations.

While BPA and RPA may seem similar, they have functional differences. How do you determine which one suits your business best? And what tools are out there to assist in automation?

To help you overcome this dilemma, we recommend continuing reading this article. In this guide, we'll walk you through the basics of BPA and RPA, showing you how they work and what they can do for your organization. We'll also introduce you to Nected, a powerful automation platform designed to make your life easier.

A Quick Features Comparison Between BPA and RPA 

Take a look at this comparison table to decide which tool best suits your needs.

Feature	Business Process Automation (BPA)	Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Purpose	Automates entire business processes.	Automates repetitive tasks within processes.
Scope	Covers complex, end-to-end processes.	Focuses on specific, repetitive tasks.
Integration	Integrates with multiple systems and applications.	Integrates with existing applications via UI.
Flexibility	Provides flexibility to adapt to dynamic processes.	Less flexible; requires structured processes.
Cognitive abilities	Limited cognitive capabilities.	May include basic cognitive abilities like decision making.
Implementation	Typically requires custom development and integration.	Implementation is quicker due to simpler automation tasks.
ROI	Generally higher ROI due to optimizing entire processes.	Typically provides quick ROI by automating repetitive tasks.
Skill requirement	Requires skilled analysts and developers for implementation.	Requires less technical expertise for implementation.
Scalability	Scalable for large-scale business processes.	May lack scalability for complex processes.
Learning curve	Steeper learning curve due to complexity.	Lower learning curve due to task-specific automation.
Maintenance	Requires ongoing monitoring and updates.	Maintenance involves managing robot performance and exceptions.

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Let's conduct a thorough analysis of both these tools to determine which one is more beneficial and better suited for situations in your organization.

These tools are used to automate repetitive tasks, saving time and reducing errors. BPA is great for streamlining complex workflows, while RPA is perfect for automating rule-based tasks with structured data.

Using BPA for Automating Decisions

BPA solutions are designed to scale with the needs of an organization, allowing for the automation of processes across departments or even entire enterprises.

What Is Business Process Automation BPA?

Business process automation (BPA) is an advanced solution to streamline and automate repetitive tasks, workflows, and processes within an organization. It uses software platforms to replace manual labor with automated processes. They automate decision-making processes, reducing errors and ensuring consistency.

How Does BPA Surpass Manual Methods in Performing Tasks?

To understand how BPA surpasses manual methods in performing tasks, check this table.

Aspect	When BPA is Used	Manual Methods
Enhanced efficiency	Leverages advanced technology to streamline workflows, increasing productivity.	Relies on basic scripting, often time-consuming.
Reduced errors	Automates tasks with precision, minimizing errors and ensuring consistent results.	Prone to human error, leading to inaccuracies.
Seamless scalability	Easily scales to accommodate growth or fluctuations in demand, providing flexibility.	Struggles to handle increasing workloads or adapt to changes.
Advanced analytics	Offers built-in monitoring and analytics for continuous improvement.	Lacks real-time monitoring and analytics capabilities.
Seamless integration	Seamlessly integrates with existing systems, promoting efficient data exchange.	Involves disjointed systems, leading to inefficiencies.

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Using BPA over manual methods in performing tasks is beneficial, but how does this work? Read on to know more.

What Is the Working Mechanics of BPAs and Their Functionality?

You can use the mentioned step-by-step process to use the BPAs.

Process identification: BPA starts by identifying repetitive tasks or workflows, analyzing processes, finding bottlenecks, and spotting areas for improvement.

Process design: Once processes are identified, BPA entails designing the automated workflow, mapping tasks, defining decision points, and setting conditions for automation triggers.

Automation implementation: Following process design, BPA tools are used to implement automation, involving software configuration, system integration, and custom script or workflow development.

Monitoring and optimization: Post-implementation, it's crucial to monitor and optimize automation. BPA tools typically offer monitoring and analytics to track efficiency, spot issues, and make adjustments for ongoing improvement.

What Are the Diverse Benefits of BPA Implementation?

This table will help you understand the diverse benefits of BPA implementation.

Feature	Business Process Automation (BPA)
Improved accuracy	Reduces the risk of human error, ensuring more accurate and consistent results.
Cost savings	Reduces manual labor costs, leading to increased efficiency and reduced errors.
Enhanced compliance	Ensures consistent execution according to rules and regulations, improving compliance.
Better decision making	Provides real-time data insights for informed decisions and continuous improvement.
Scalability	Allows for easier scaling of operations by automating repetitive tasks, crucial for growth.
Improved customer experience	Streamlines operations, leading to more efficient delivery of products and services and enhanced customer satisfaction.

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We have analyzed the different aspects of BPAs. Now, let's have a detailed understanding of RPAs.

Using RPA for Automating Decisions

Using RPA for automating decisions streamlines processes by implementing rule-based decision-making, reducing human intervention, and increasing efficiency.

What Is Robotic Process Automation RPA?

Robotic process automation (RPA) is a technology that utilizes software robots or "bots" to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks and processes within organizations.

These software robots mimic human interactions with digital systems, such as navigating applications, entering data, and performing calculations, to execute tasks with speed and accuracy.

How Does RPA Surpass Manual Methods in Performing Tasks?

RPA brings unmatched efficiency and accuracy, surpassing traditional manual approaches. This table will help you understand the different aspects where RPA surpasses manual methods.

Feature	When RPA is Used	Manual Methods
Increased speed	Executes tasks faster, leading to reduced processing times and increased productivity.	Prone to delays and interruptions due to human limitations.
Improved accuracy	Minimizes errors by consistently following predefined rules, ensuring reliable outcomes and data integrity.	Susceptible to human errors such as typos and data entry mistakes.
Enhanced scalability	Easily scales to handle increasing workloads or changes in business needs, providing flexibility.	May struggle to keep up with growing demands, requiring additional resources and time.
Better efficiency	Streamlines processes by automating repetitive tasks, freeing up human resources for more strategic activities.	Involves time-consuming and mundane tasks, reducing overall efficiency and productivity.
Regulatory compliance	Ensures adherence to regulations and standards by consistently applying rules and procedures.	May introduce compliance risks due to inconsistencies or errors in execution.

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Using RPA over manual methods in performing tasks is beneficial, but how does this work? Read on to know more.

What Is the Working Mechanics of RPAs and Their Functionality?

RPAs operate like digital helpers, smoothly navigating tasks with precision, simplifying complex workflows.

Task identification: RPAs identify repetitive, rule-based tasks suitable for automation within business processes.

Process design: RPAs map out the sequence of tasks, decision points, and rules to automate workflows effectively.

Bot configuration: RPAs configure software robots to perform tasks by interacting with applications, systems, and data sources.

Execution: RPAs execute automated tasks by following predefined instructions, inputs, and conditions.

Monitoring and optimization: RPAs monitor process performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize workflows for continuous improvement.

What Are the Diverse Benefits of RPA Implementation?

Check this table to understand what are the key benefits of RPA implementation.

Advantage	Description
Increased efficiency	Streamlines processes for faster task completion and improved operational efficiency
Cost savings	Reduces labor costs and errors associated with manual tasks, resulting in significant savings
Enhanced accuracy	Minimizes errors through consistent and accurate task execution, improving data quality and decision-making
Scalability	Easily scales to handle varying workloads and business requirements, supporting organizational growth
Compliance	Ensures compliance with regulations and standards by consistently applying rules and procedures

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We have checked different aspects of both the tools, but can you use these tools together? Let's analyze.

Can You Use Both BPA and RPA in Your Business?

Think of your business as a big puzzle. BPA is like the frame of the puzzle, putting all the pieces together to complete the picture. It automates entire processes from start to finish, like assembling the puzzle.

On the other hand, RPA is like the individual puzzle pieces. It focuses on automating specific tasks within those processes, like fitting the pieces together to complete a section of the puzzle.

So, yes, you can use both BPA and RPA in your business. They work together, with BPA managing the big picture and RPA handling the smaller details. And the best part? They can easily integrate with your existing systems to make your business run smoother than ever.

Thus, when you want to utilize the capabilities of both BPM and RPA, you need a tool that can help you automate things easily. This tool should not involve complexities, rather it should simplify your automation journey. A low-code/no-code automation tool like Nected stands out with its intuitive interface, powerful automation capabilities, and cost-effective solutions.

How Does Nected Help in Automation Tasks?

Nected has a plethora of capabilities, making it adaptable to various industries. Nected offers a suite of automation tools tailored for various industries.

Following are some industry examples where Nected can be utilized to build advanced workflows and rule engines to simplify their task management, increase iteration efficiency, and lower costs.

Underwriting process automation in insurance: Nected's platform streamlines insurance underwriting by automating tasks like risk assessment and decision-making. This enhances efficiency and accuracy, reducing manual efforts and ensuring consistency.

Healthcare efficiency: Nected's platform automates tasks like appointment scheduling and patient record management in healthcare, reducing admin work and letting providers focus on patient care.

Banking simplification: Nected's tools automate banking tasks such as account management and fraud detection, making the customer experience better and cutting operational costs for banks.

Ed-tech streamlining: Ed-tech companies use Nected's platform to automate tasks like course enrollment and grading, allowing them to concentrate on delivering top-notch educational content.

Start using Nected today to build automation workflows for various purposes.

Conclusion

To enhance your business processes, you have two options: Business Process Automation (BPA) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). BPA streamlines entire business processes, while RPA focuses on automating repetitive tasks, offering targeted solutions for increased productivity and accuracy.

BPA is suitable for complex processes involving multiple departments, whereas RPA is best for automating mundane tasks, allowing resources to be redirected to strategic activities. Both BPA and RPA have their distinct roles and benefits, and in many cases, organizations may find value in implementing a combination of both to maximize automation potential.

If you want to opt for advanced tools to automate business operations without being in the dilemma of choosing between BPA and RPA, consider using Nected for its capabilities to help businesses transform their existing slow and outdated processes and bring enhancement to their efficiency.

FAQs

Q1: When should I use business process automation (BPA) versus robotic process automation (RPA)?

BPA optimizes complex processes involving multiple steps or departments, whereas RPA is best for automating rule-based, repetitive tasks that are time-consuming for humans.

Q2: Do process automation (BPA) and robotic process automation (RPA) require different technologies or platforms?

While there may be some overlap, BPA involves broader solutions like BPM software and ERP systems, while RPA relies on specialized tools designed for task automation within applications.