DPA (Digital Process Automation) Vs RPA (Robotic Process Automation)

In a world fast moving into the once isolated concept of automation, a major question arises: what should organisations adopt in the debate of DPA vs RPA?  

According to Mordor Intelligence, organisations have started to adopt Digital Process Automation (DPA) because it increases CAGR by 12.98%. In contrast, according to a survey by Sapio, up to 92% of organisations worldwide believe that Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is important for their day-to-day operations.  

In this blog, we'll discuss the differences between DPA and RPA, their benefits, and if they can co-exist. Read more to learn further! 

Table of Contents

1) Understanding RPA and DPA   

   a) What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)? 

   b) What is Digital Process Automation (DPA)? 

2) The difference between RPA and DPA 

3) Can RPA and DPA co-exist? 

4) Conclusion 

Understanding RPA and DPA 

Before getting to know the major difference between RPA and DPA, let us have a basic overview of both and the benefits they provide to an organisation: 

What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)? 

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) performs rule-based, repetitive tasks using software bots. RPA bots can mimic simple human actions such as logging into systems, entering data and extracting information from a source. RPA is often used to automate specific, smaller tasks within a larger business process. 

The main benefits of RPA are: 

1) Increased efficiency 

2) Cost Savings 

3) Accuracy 

4) Scalability 
 

What is Digital Process Automation (DPA)? 
 

Digital Process Automation (DPA), on the other hand, focuses on automating end-to-end business processes, including complex decision-making and approval workflows. DPA involves using workflow automation, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology to automate business processes. It is a more holistic approach to automation and focuses on improving overall business performance.   

DPA offers major benefits such as: 

1) Improved decision-making 

2) Faster processing times 

3) Better compliance 

4) Improved visibility into business processes

Eager to learn more about Robotic Process Automation, refer to our blog on "RPA testing"

The difference between RPA and DPA 

As explained above, RPA and DPA are technology solutions that aim to streamline business processes and increase efficiency. However, there are some significant differences between the two.  

Below is RPA vs DPA, explained:
 

Understand how to deliver OpenSpan solutions and projects with OpenSpan RPA Training. Sign up now! 

Can RPA and DPA co-exist?   

DPA and RPA are two distinct technologies that can be used together to achieve greater automation and efficiency in various business processes. Here are six use cases where the two technologies can co-exist: 

1) Human Resource (HR) recruitment: RPA can be used to automate tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling and sending feedback to candidates. DPA can automate the entire recruitment process, including resume parsing and pre-screening.) 

2) Order processing: RPA can extract and enter data from order forms into an ERP system. Similarly, DPA can automate the entire order process workflow, including order validation, shipment tracking and payment processing.

3) IT service management: RPA can be used to handle simple IT requests such as password resets, while DPA can be used to automate the entire IT service management workflow, including incident management, problem management and change management. 

4) Customer service: RPA can be used to handle simple customer inquiries and route complex inquiries to a human agent, while DPA can automate the entire customer service workflow, including ticketing, routing and resolution of feedback or complaints. 

5) Healthcare claims processing: RPA can extract data from claim forms and enter it into a claims management system. On the other hand, DPA can be used to automate the entire claims processing workflow, including order validation, shipment tracking and payment processing.  

6) Finance and accounting: RPA can automate simple tasks such as invoice processing and accounts reconciliation. On the other hand, DPA can be used to automate the entire finance and accounting process, including budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.   

In all these use cases, DPA and RPA work together to automate specific tasks and processes within a larger business process, resulting in greater efficiency and accuracy. RPA automates repetitive and rule-based tasks that can otherwise be replicated quite easily by humans, while DPA automates complex and dynamic workflows.  

By combining both technologies' strengths, organisations can achieve end-to-end process automation and optimise performance while maintaining accuracy and precision.   

Conclusion

In conclusion, both offer unique benefits in the debate of DPA vs RPA. The choice between the two technologies will depend on the specific needs of a business process or an organisation.   

While the former is best suited for the complex automation of complete business processes from start to finish, the latter is designed for flawless accuracy concerning repetitive tasks that human employees can otherwise perform easily. Both technologies can help organisations increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve overall performance, especially when complementing each other in the business process.   

The perfect solution to eliminating human errors. Learn more with Robotic Process Automation Training by signing up now!