Word of the Day: robotic process automation (RPA)

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms | April 16, 2019 robotic process automation (RPA) Robotic process automation (RPA) is the use of software with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities to handle high-volume, repeatable tasks that previously required humans to perform. These tasks can include queries, calculations and maintenance of records and transactions. RPA technology consists of software robots (bots) that can mimic a human worker. RPA bots can log into applications, enter data, calculate and complete tasks and then log out. Currently, practitioners divide RPA technologies into three broad categories: probots, knowbots and chatbots. Probots are bots that follow simple, repeatable rules to process data. Knowbots are bots that gather and store data. Chatbots are virtual agents who can respond to customer queries in real time. What distinguishes RPA from traditional IT automation is the ability of the RPA software to be aware and adapt to changing circumstances, exceptions and new situations. Once RPA software has been trained to capture and interpret the actions of specific processes in existing software applications, it can then manipulate data, trigger responses, initiate new actions and communicate with other systems autonomously. Continue reading... Quote of the Day "Because of the massive hype about RPA, organizations think they can take it on and deploy it very quickly. But then they find there's a bit of learning and it doesn't go as quickly as they thought it would." - Sarah Burnett Trending Terms AI machine learning digital transformation screen scraping IT automation software robotics Learning Center Robotic process automation market set for service shake-up Process discovery offerings could change the way service providers approach the robotic process automation market. Learn more about this technology and how it could affect RPA consulting firms. RPA in banking gives fintech a competitive edge In the financial sector, big banks have been using and deploying AI to build better processes for years. Fintech companies are now emerging as players in the AI game through the use of RPA in banking. Experts outline how RPA is giving a competitive edge to these banking industry upstarts. AI cybersecurity benefits are real, but not automatic The potential for RPA, machine-learning and AI cybersecurity benefits is real, but achieving them can be elusive. Learn how the latest smart technologies further IT security. Scalable learning vs. scalable efficiency in the automation age Deloitte's John Hagel makes the case for companies to embrace scalable learning -- not scalable efficiency -- in the automation age. That starts with enlightened leaders who solve problems by asking questions, not by thinking they have all the answers. The steady evolution of RPA to intelligent automation The evolution of RPA is a long journey, one that started more than two decades ago. While the core function of automation remains the same, the complexity and use cases of RPA have expanded over the years and will likely continue to grow. Quiz Yourself The promise of automation is that people will need to work _____ hours. a. fewer b. less Answer Stay in Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed! FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2018 TechTarget. All rights reserved.