Robotic process automation
RPA uses software to perform recurring application steps, often through user interfaces. Clear rules and verifiable outcomes matter.
Performing recurring application steps with software
Robotic process automation, or RPA, automates recurring steps in software applications using software robots. These often operate user interfaces, read fields or transfer data between applications according to defined rules. The term does not refer to physical robots. RPA can automate part of a business process and be combined with API integrations. Such a workflow still needs appropriate permissions, unambiguous inputs and a verifiable outcome.
In a fictional service business, an old shipping application lacks a suitable API. A planned RPA workflow would transfer a checked tracking number through the interface into the corresponding service case. The shipment and target case must match unambiguously before saving. If the interface changes, an unexpected dialogue appears or the session expires, the workflow should stop for clarification. If confirmation is missing after saving, the target case is checked first. A blind retry could enter the same number again. The planned review therefore considers matching, exception handling and confirmed target state alongside the sequence of clicks.
Sources
Related terms
- Business process automationBusiness process automation connects recurring steps with rules, responsibilities and defined ways to handle exceptions.
- Agentic workflowA process combining AI-assisted decisions and tool actions, with fixed checks and variable paths through the work.
- Function callingA language model requests a described function with structured arguments; the connected application executes it.
- Process miningProcess mining examines workflows recorded in event logs. Case identifiers, activities and timestamps provide the basis for analysis.
Articles on this topic
Your project with ASES
Describe your project to us. We will get back to you with an initial assessment.