Difference between RPA and IPA
The main purpose of both RPA (Robotic Process Automation) and IPA (Intelligent Process Automation) is to automate repetitive tasks and workflows within a business organization. However, both these automation technologies are different from each other.
The fundamental difference between RPA and IPA is that RPA uses simple software robots to automate only rule-based, repetitive tasks that involve the use of structured data, whereas IPA uses cognitive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) along with RPA and can handle unstructured data and automate complex processes.
This chapter is meant for providing a comparative study of robotic process automation (RPA) and intelligent process automation (IPA).
Difference between RPA and IPA
The following table highlights all the significant differences between robotic process automation (RPA) and intelligent process automation (IPA) −
| Parameter | RPA | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | RPA is a software-based automation technology used in businesses to automate repetitive, rule-based, time consuming tasks and processes. | IPA is a combination of RPA, AI, ML, NLP, and many other advanced technologies designed to automate end-to-end business processes with cognitive decision-making. |
| Automation capabilities | RPA can automate only rule-based, repetitive tasks. | IPA can automate complex processes that require cognitive intelligence, decision-making, and adaptability. |
| Data handling | RPA can handle structured data only. | IPA is capable in handling both structured and unstructured data. |
| Ability to learn | RPA does not have ability to learn from historical data and past experiences. | IPA uses machine learning technology to learn from past actions. |
| Adapt to changes | RPA can operate using pre-defined instructions and cannot adapt to changes in processes. | IPA uses cognitive technologies allowing it to adapt to changes without any explicit programming. |
| Decision-making | RPA does not have decision-making capabilities, instead it follows a set of pre-defined instructions to automate tasks. | IPA uses data analytics to identify patterns and get insights to make informed decisions in real-time. |
| Implementation | RPA is easy and less time-taking to implement. | Implementation of IPA is a complex and time-consuming processes, as it involves integration of multiple technologies. |
| Benefits | RPA improves operational efficiency, reduces human errors, and frees up human workers from low-value tasks. | IPA creates a more sustainable automation ecosystem and allows for continuous learning and improvement of processes. |
| Suitability | RPA is suitable to automate simple, individual tasks. | IPA is suitable for end-to-end automate complex processes. |
| Applications | RPA is used for automating tasks like data entry, file transfer, account reconciliation, record updates, etc. | IPA is used for automating advanced processes like predictive analytics, personalized customer support, fraud detection, etc. |
Conclusion
RPA is a simple software-based automation technology used to automate rule-based, repetitive tasks that do not require decision-making. In contrast, IPA is a group of multiple advanced technologies like RPA, AI, ML, DPA, NLP, etc. designed for cognitive process automation that requires real-time decision-making.
Lets move ahead in the tutorial and learn about the core technologies used to implement intelligent process automation.