RPA vs Workflow Automation: What's the Difference

Robotic process automation (RPA) and workflow automation are often used interchangeably, but they solve different problems. RPA uses software robots to mimic human actions on existing interfaces, clicking buttons and typing into fields exactly as a person would.

Workflow automation, on the other hand, focuses on routing information and tasks between people and systems according to defined rules, such as sending an invoice for approval once it crosses a certain amount.

In practice, the two are often combined: workflow automation manages the overall process, while RPA handles specific data-entry or system-interaction steps within it.