Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools are software that support business process optimization through the automation of existing repetitive tasks in a workflow. RPA is used by business users to build and deploy software robots (bots) that mimic humans, interacting with multiple software applications to execute and speed tasks.

By deploying scripts which emulate human processes, RPA tools complete autonomous execution of various activities and transactions across unrelated software systems. This form of automation uses rule-based software to perform business process activities at a high-volume, freeing up human resources to prioritize more complex tasks.

RPA is an application of technology, governed by business logic and structured inputs, aimed at automating business processes. Using RPA tools, a company can configure software, or a “robot,” to capture and interpret applications for processing a transaction, manipulating data, triggering responses, and communicating with other digital systems.