The top differences between RPA and DPA

Digital process automation (DPA) is the fifth solution respondents are currently using for their transformation initiatives according to PEX Report 2023: Global state of process excellence survey data. The popularity of this technology can be explained by its capacity at digitizing processes end-to-end.

This article explains some of the key takeaways from PEX Network’s recent Accelerating business transformation by leveraging digital process automation report. Read on to learn more about the key differences between robotic process automation (RPA) and DPA. This article also outlines the benefits the latter can provide companies.

In the report, Stephan Blasilli, director of Lean, business process excellence, sustainability at EDP Renewables, explained the differences between RPA and DPA.

“RPA is mainly used to automate repetitive tasks without or with very little human interaction while DPA is mainly used to onboard humans to a process by providing guidance,” he said.

During her session at PEX Live: Digital Process Automation 2022, Arpita Saha, head of business process automation at MaxLife, noted another difference between the two. While RPA is specific and comprises bots automating mundane tasks done by humans, DPA can help automate processes end-to-end.

It can orchestrate automations in larger workflows and measure how entire business operations execute. DPA can provide companies with benefits such as time and cost savings, and improved experiences for employees, customers and external partners.

One specific process which has benefitted from DPA at MaxLife is in the servicing area, which used to deal with manual letters sent by customers and scanned into the company’s systems. Now, no paper is required. Customers can create a request digitally and receive a transaction ID which can be processed automatically in the company’s systems.

What other difference do you seen between RPA and DPA? Let us know in the comments below.

How process intelligence transforms manufacturing & supply chains: 2025 industry report

This industry report examines how and why organizations are investing in process intelligence to enhance manufacturing and supply chain management. “Global manufacturing and supply chains face enormous volatility in 2025,” says Michael Ochi, director at QAD. “Individual organizations feel tremendous pressure but also have new opportunities to grow. Any combination of protective and expansive business strategies requires constant speed and awareness.” 

Organizations with significant manufacturing and supply chain operations are turning to process intelligence because it is uniquely capable of providing speed and awareness to any part of the business that leverages software.

Download the report to explore:

• The top five trends shaping process intelligence.
• Case study examples of process intelligence transforming manufacturing and supply chains.
• The key success factors and challenges of process intelligence adoption

Download Now