Capterra Glossary
Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robotic process automation or RPA is software that carries out repetitive tasks that replicate human actions. Users can create instructions for a 'bot' to perform duties such as:
Retrieving and processing data for financial companies
Processing product returns for retailers
Streamlining claims and payment cycles for insurance providers
Automating prescription management for healthcare providers
Completing receivables and payables tasks for accountancy firms
Updating employee information and timesheets for human resources departments
RPA uses automation, machine learning, and computer vision to complete rules-based tasks. A bot mimics the behavior of the human that programs it and then completes the same tasks manually.
What Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
SMBs might benefit from RPA because this technology can reduce labor costs, lessen administrative workloads, and decrease human error.
Related Terms
- Big Data
- Attrition
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Furlough
- Intranet
- Business Intelligence (BI) Services
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
- Analytics and Business Intelligence (ABI)
- Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR)
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Managed Service Provider (MSP)
- Advanced Clinical Research Information Systems (ACRIS)
- Business Analytics
- Augmented Reality (AR)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Remote Work
- AMO (Application Management Outsourcing)
- Procurement
- Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy
- MSO (Management Services Organization)