With the digital revolution underway and businesses growing to become more successful, automation is getting popular. Companies are adapting various automation technologies such as artificial intelligence, intelligent process automation, robotic process automation, etc. These technologies have helped to build physical robots. Companies are using these automated robots to finish work in less time with more efficiency.

Let's dig deeper to learn more about IPA vs RPA. Robotic process automation is a component of intelligent process automation rather than an alternative to it. RPA is used to execute repetitive tasks with least differences whereas, IPA (RPA + AI) is used to implement more compound end-to-end procedures. In this article, you will learn the differences between IPA and RPA?

What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

RPA is a software technology that employs robots, also known as bots. These bots are programmed to perform rule-based and repetitive tasks. These bots can interact with data sources, digital systems and applications just like humans. It makes them ideal for tasks that require structured data and follow predefined workflows. Source : automation anywhere certification

RPA bots are especially efficient in data validation, report generation, data entry and other mundane tasks.The worldwide RPA industry was estimated at $5.63 billion in 2023. It is expected to be worth $54.57 billion by 2032, with a 28.7% annual growth rate.

Characteristics of RPA:

• Speed- RPA bots can execute the tasks more efficiently in less time.

• Scalability- These bots can be easily scaled as per the business requirements.

• Non-invasive integration- This technology does not need any complex and costly software updates to integrate with existing systems.

Use Cases of RPA:

• Customer service

• Human resources

• Finance and accounting services

• Healthcare

What is Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)?

IPA is an advanced automation technology that merges artificial intelligence, machine learning and RPA abilities. It can automate, integrate and manage operations based on structured, unstructured and semi-structured documents.

It does not follow predefined rules, but it analyzes data and learns from it. That makes it the best option to perform high-level tasks and handle dynamic workflows. The global IPA was estimated at $13.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $51.35 billion by 2032.

Characteristics of IPA:

• Self learning- IPA systems can improve themselves over time by using ML algorithms.

• Cognitive abilities- IPA systems can interpret, understand, and analyze unstructured data from different sources, and make clever decisions.

• Contextual understanding- It can understand any task by allowing variables and dependencies to use process results.

Use Cases of IPA:

• Customer experience

• Fraud detection

• Healthcare

• Supply chain management

What is The Difference Between RPA and IPA?

IPA and RPA both come under automation technology. These technologies are helping the automation industry by their applications. Lets dive deeper to learn more about IPA vs RPA, here are some key differences between them -

Flexibility

IPA is more flexible than robotic process automation in terms of applications. RPA frequently needs clear instruction and it is hard to process variations. Hence, it is only used to execute specific tasks.

IPA has self learning abilities which help it to learn new scenarios and improve itself. These improvements are based on its experience and outcome of the tasks. IPA is able to manage a wide range of applications and meet corporate needs due to its capabilities.

Scope of Automation

RPA is the best option for automation to perform particular tasks using structured data. It is shining in automation processes like invoice management, order processing, data entry, etc.

IPA is used to handle complex functions that includes decision making, unstructured data, and natural language processing(NLP) based on logical analysis. It is an expert in maintaining dynamic workflow and exceptions.

Simplicity

The principal attraction of RPA is that it does not need deep technical skills. On the other hand, development and implementation of IPA is more complex. It requires data removal & classification, ML & AI for fostering decision making. IPA system-based businesses need experts on hand who have in-depth knowledge of latest tools and updates.

Technologies Used

In the age of automation, AI and RPA are the most significant innovations for achieving efficiency. RPA is created using three technologies: workflow automation, screen scraping and artificial intelligence. IPA is an upgraded version of RPA. It utilizes many technologies like ML, AI, NLP, etc. That allows it to fulfill large-scale and complex purposes in automation.

Intelligence

The most remarkable difference between RPA and IPA is their intelligence capacity. RPA works on predefined rules hence, it only performs particular tasks efficiently. It doesn't have cognitive abilities to change circumstances. IPA is integrated with AI and ML that enables it to handle all kinds of data. Thus, it is suitable for complex business situations.

Level of Human Intervention

RPA is used for repetitive tasks, and does not support any variations. Human interference is often required to handle unexpected situations or manage exceptions. IPA possesses logical ability and can learn things without human intervention. As a result, the system requires less human intervention.

IPA vs RPA: Which One is Better?

The answer to this question is not so difficult. Both of these technologies have a significance in the business world because of their applications. Hence, your choice will vary according to need and application.

RPA is used for low-scale and manual tasks that need least variation in execution. It uses bots which are the best for performing low-scale and repetitive tasks. Bots work efficiently, saving time and manpower.

IPA is used to solve more complex tasks because this system has the ability to self learn. It is a great choice for large applications. The only drawback of IPA is that the maintenance cost is higher than RPA.

Bottom Line

This blog has given insights on IPA vs RPA. Both IPA & RPA have their exclusive applications and strengths in automation technology. RPA is most suitable for the repetitive and rule based tasks, whereas IPA is used to execute complex tasks. Once you know the difference between RPA and IPA, the choice would be easier. In the near future, these automation technologies will have a great impact on the global market.

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