RPA (robotic process automation)
RPA is software that imitates human clicks and keystrokes on screens to repeat a fixed task. It works as long as the screen does not change and understands nothing of the content.
For years RPA was the way to automate systems without an API: a robot fills in the same form an employee would. The downside: one moved button and the robot stops, and every exception has to be programmed in advance.
An AI agent works through APIs where possible and understands the task, so it copes with deviations. RPA remains useful as a last resort for a system without an interface.
Other terms
Workflow automation
Workflow automation lets fixed steps between systems run automatically: when an order comes in, the invoice is created, the confirmation goes out and stock is updated, without anyone clicking.
ERP
An ERP (enterprise resource planning) is the system in which a company keeps orders, stock, purchasing, planning and finance, such as Microsoft Dynamics, Exact or AFAS.
CRM
A CRM (customer relationship management) is the system in which you keep customers, contacts, agreements and sales opportunities, such as HubSpot, Pipedrive or Teamleader.
Want to know what this means for your business?
Tell us where you lose time or margin. We show where AI pays back fastest, in plain language.