Digital Process Automation (DPA) refers to the use of technology to automate business processes and workflows. DPA typically involves the use of software and other digital tools to streamline and optimize business processes, with the goal of improving efficiency and reducing the need for manual labor.
Business Process Automation (BPA) vs. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a type of DPA that involves the use of software “bots” to perform tasks that are typically done by humans. RPA bots are designed to mimic human actions and can be programmed to perform a wide range of tasks, such as data entry, processing transactions, and handling customer inquiries.
| # | DPA | RPA |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Automation of business processes using technology | Automation of tasks using software bots |
| Focus | Wide range of technologies and approaches | Repetitive, rule-based tasks |
| Number of systems/technologies involved | Multiple | Single |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Scope of automation | Comprehensive approach to process automation | Focused on specific tasks |
| Level of customization | High | Low |
| Time to implement | Longer | Shorter |
| Level of maintenance required | High | Low |
| Suitability for highly complex processes | Better | Limited |
In summary, DPA is a broad term that refers to the use of technology to automate business processes, while RPA is a specific type of DPA that involves the use of software bots to perform tasks.
In detail
Firms must concentrate on efficiency and innovation to remain ahead of the curve in today’s ever-changing digital environment. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Digital Process Automation (DPA) are two of today’s fastest-growing business technology areas. According to a recent analysis, the RPA market will be worth USD 2,467.0 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 30.14%. According to Think Automation, the DPA industry is now valued at $6.76 billion and is expected to grow to $12.61 billion by 2023.
According to Gartner, 72% of organizations will be using robotic process automation (RPA) in the next two years, and digital process automation (DPA) is highlighted as a key component for digital transformation, with the DPA market valued at $6.76 billion and predicted to grow to $12.61 billion by 2023.
Top 20 RPA Development Companies in USA
Worldwide RPA Software Revenue (Millions of U.S. Dollars)
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
| Revenue ($M) | 1,411.1 | 1,579.5 | 1,888.1 |
| Growth (%) | 62.93 | 11.94 | 19.53 |
Source: Gartner (September 2020)
So the issue is whether RPA and DPA compete or complement each other. Both technologies are diverse, yet they have similar purposes. When used together, they constitute the framework for enabling digital transformation.
What exactly is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?
Do you remember normal, repetitive duties like mailing charges, entering into an application, browsing sites like SERASA or Receita Federal, confirming forms, updating spreadsheets, and copying data? With RPA, you essentially have a robot doing it for you, without mistakes, and 24 hours a day.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a technique that automates repetitive human operations by using software robots capable of imitating and accurately recreating them. Simply set up the robot, and it will complete the assigned activities based on rules, increasing productivity, reducing mistakes, and giving staff the chance to devote themselves to strategic endeavors and make a difference inside the firm.
RPAs accelerate processes and decrease overall burden by communicating with other systems. It automates repetitive activities using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to assure consistency, precision, dependability, and greater speed, without the need for breaks. It may be employed in a variety of divisions within a corporation as long as its procedures are rule-based.
Robotic Process Automation is a fairly basic technology that can be tailored to any organization’s architecture and processes. Low-code RPA platforms are prevalent, allowing the user to design his or her own robot with little or no assistance from the IT department.
What Is Digital Process Automation (DPA)?
The primary definition of digital process automation is that it is basically an amalgamation of bots, AI, humans, and data working in tandem and synergy to complete different automated procedures.
These systems are designed with one goal in mind: to decrease human effort, save time, and save money by automating and completing repetitive operations in the normal business process. All of these are undeniable signs of the usefulness of automation in today’s world.
Take note of how “people” are still included in the definition. This is because, in contrast to RPA, DPA in general still needs human interaction, particularly when making critical decisions.
Given the multiple variables that it encompasses, digital process automation is a pretty extensive category in and of itself. This may also be attributed to the fact that Power Automate only provides a version of DPA, each with its own set of functionality.
What role does Power Automate’s DPA solution play within the broader definition? You might begin by remembering the following facts:
Power Automate’s DPA solution may undoubtedly be regarded as a kind of business process management due to its heavily API-driven nature, which has already been a common feature in most current BPM systems – even if it is not entirely automation-centered.
Many experts see DPA as the next evolutionary step in BPM technology.
The most successful DPA systems make use of AI. Power Automate easily incorporates this cutting-edge technology into how it executes DPA.
Robotic Process Automation vs. Digital Process Automation
You can have noticed that they have different use cases —- While RPA is mostly focused on producing robots that execute activities that people do, DPA digitizes and automates common business procedures.
Let us now compare RPA and DPA on the following criteria:
Popularity and Use
RPA and DPA are both widely utilized and popular in many businesses. However, based on current market valuations, DPA is more valuable than RPA. Robotic Process Automation had a market value of $2094 million in 2020, while Digital Process Automation had a market value of $7.8 billion in the same year. RPA is estimated to be worth $9416 million by 2026, while DPA will be worth $16.12 billion.
Utilization Ease
RPA and DPA both provide minimal code visual development platforms that allow you to express what you want in a flowchart-like approach and construct various use-case applications.
Aside from logic, defining real tasks is not difficult… RPA supports macro recording, which means that if you do anything while recording the macro, the RPA system knows what you did and may repeat it…!
Pricing
Pricing RPA and DPA installation is a little challenging since there are so many different methods to utilize them. That is, many firms adopt varying degrees of automation and pay appropriately. However, when compared in general, RPA technologies are more expensive than DPA solutions.
Popular Instruments
RPA and DPA both have diverse ecosystems and lively communities. One of the most popular RPA tools is UI Path. Other well-known RPA solutions include Blue Prism, Automation anyplace, and Contextor. Pega, Quixy, and Nintex Promapp are popular DPA tools. Pega is a tool that may also be used for RPA.
What Should You Use in the DPA vs. RPA Debate?
Make use of both! The shortest and fastest method to respond.
As previously said, it is desirable to implement automation in as many areas as possible.
Simply said, RPA and DPA would automate a large number of business procedures and operations.
Combining RPA with DPA yields the following benefits:
Save Money
RPA and DPA automate various procedures, which reduces the need for labor while increasing the productivity and concentration of present personnel on critical tasks. The use of RPA and DPA would provide a significant return on investment.
Human-Robot Integration that Works
Although RPA technologies are ideal for orchestration in and of itself, combining RPA with DPA would provide enterprise-wide solutions for orchestrating work across software robots, systems, and humans.
Simple Adherence
There would be no need to worry about whether work was being done in line with best practices if RPA and DPA worked as intended. Another advantage is that they insist on well-defined procedures, which will come in handy during the audit.
Advantages Of Combining Rpa And Dpa For The Best Results
It’s critical to realize that RPA and DPA both serve vital functions in the context of business improvement. Ideally, you want to capitalize on each technology’s distinct advantages.
For instance, based on your company objectives, you could wish to combine the rapid productivity improvements that RPA can help you accomplish with the comprehensive change that DPA can help you achieve. Since RPA can run any app, it may be utilized with apps created on the DPA platform. This allows for the automation of one or two crucial elements in the process that would otherwise have been delegated to a human employee if the DPA solution were used alone.
DPA and RPA can quickly simplify and automate operations that span several departments and apps when they collaborate. In other words, businesses have the capacity to create apps that efficiently address all of their requirements for process optimization. Then, if new skills are needed, other technologies, like artificial intelligence or machine learning, may be employed to offer more capabilities.
The Final Reflections!
Both robotic process automation and digital process automation are at the forefront of the business’s digital transformation, winning the conflict between the two.
They both aim to automate a variety of business operations, but their approaches to doing so vary. While DPA is mainly concerned with the process automation of all business processes, RPA is solely focused on automating business tasks. Since they complement one another, using them together produces the finest results. Therefore, there is just DPA and RPA, not DPA vs. RPA.
Technology is constantly developing and becoming easier to use. Therefore, if you haven’t already, we suggest that you start putting things into practice.
