I am Test Automation engineer and recently got opportunity to explore RPA tool blueprism. After exploring I found it similar to UI automation tools supporting various technologies. Can anyone tell me what value RPA adds compare to traditional tools. I was interested to see how it can use 'intelligence' but couldn't find any feature.
Can expert in this forum help me understand what RPA can do which traditional tool can not do ?
The main difference between the two very similar techniques Test (Process) Automation and Robotic Process Automation is the Goal. Almost all the points contained in the previous posts are, in my modest opinion, consequences of the goal of both techniques:
I hope, this help to clarify.
PS: I include the word "Process" in the context of testing, because initializing or resetting a test environment, providing secondary data, booting a system under test, running a test, collecting results, comparing actual with expected results, creating reports for test management or DevOps is usually a process you automate using some kind of "Test Process Automation" not just Test Automation.
In contrast to traditional process automation, RPA takes a completely different approach. The introduction of RPA is not associated with expensive investments in new platforms and also does not affect existing business processes in any way. RPA processes rule-based, structured data via the user interface of the process-supporting robot software. Examples of this are repeated data entry functions or downloads and uploads in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) area. This technology aims to automate processes without changing existing applications to replace and reduce costs. Since these software robots operate in a similar way to the actual users, there is no real need for additional system tests.
As a representative of traditional process automation, for example, BPM (Business Process Management) is fully established as a holistic approach to automation. The BPM platform is an integral part of the process workflow automation solutions for optimal efficiency and value creation in the company. The underlying process is revised to increase efficiency and create a consistent customer experience. The data from the underlying system is exchanged between the new application and the backend system, bypassing the established user interfaces. Therefore, in contrast to RPA, BPM requires extensive additional tests, since the integration of the data layer takes place via interfaces between the applications. One often comes across the term BPA in this context. That’s business process automation, the technology-supported automation of complex business processes, functions, or entire workflows.
Without knowing the definitions of Robotic Process Automation and Traditional Automation, it is hard to understand the differences between them. Let's start with the definitions:
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a software that is used to automate a high volume of repetitive and rule-based tasks. RPA tools allow users to design and deploy software robots that can mimic human actions. These tools also utilize pre-defined activities and business rules to autonomously execute a combination of tasks, transactions, and processes across software systems. RPA can deliver the desired result without human interaction.
On the other side, Traditional Automation is the automation of any repeated tasks. It combines application integration at a database or infrastructure level. It requires minimal human intervention.
Let's understand the differences between these two
| Robotic Process Automation | Traditional Automation |
|---|---|
| It does not require any modification in the existing systems or infrastructure. | It requires certain customizations in the existing IT infrastructure. |
| It can automate the repetitive, rule-based tasks. It mimics human actions to complete the tasks. | It does not include the ability to mimic human actions. It only executes the pre-defined programmatic instructions. |
| A user can start using RPA without knowing any programming. RPA allows automation with easy to use flowchart diagram. Therefore, users do not require to remember language syntax and scripting. They only need to focus on the functionalities given under automation. | Users are required to have the programming skills to use Traditional Automation for automating functionalities. Programming language requirement depends upon the type of automation tool. Users need to remember language syntax and scripting. |
| RPA provides the easy and quick implementation. It requires less amount of time as RPA software is process-driven. | Traditional Automation can take several months for implementation. Test designing and feasibility studies take a longer time. |
| RPA allows users to assign work to hundreds or thousands of virtual machines that can perform the allotted tasks without the requirement of physical machines. | On the other hand, Traditional Automation uses different programming techniques to achieve parallel execution or scalability. Physical machines are required to perform parallel execution. Those physical machines should have the capability of providing good processing speed. |
| RPA can be configured to meet the requirements of a particular user. It can be combined with several applications (e.g., calendar, e-mail, ERP, CRM, etc.) to synchronize information and create automated replies. | When it comes to customization, Traditional Automation is considered as a critical and complex technology compared to the RPA. The integration of different systems with Traditional Automation is a challenge due to the limitations of APIs. |
| RPA can be a little costly in the initial phase. But it saves a lot of time, money, and effort in the long run. | Traditional Automation is cheaper in the initial phase. However, it costs a lot more in the long run. |
| RPA is a more efficient option since it can make improvements instantly. | Traditional Automation requires more time, effort, and a considerable workforce. |
| With RPA, users can easily update any business flow due to its simplicity. | On the other hand, Traditional Automation may force users to change various scripts. Hence, maintenance and updation of this technology can be tough. |
