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.

PEX Report 2025/26: Global state of business transformation

The PEX Report 2025/26 examines the results of our annual survey of more than 200 professionals with insights from more than a dozen industry business and thought leaders from across the globe. Contributors include leaders from Mars, Navy Federal Credit Union, Pacific International Lines, Sodexo, SAP and Nintex!

Explore why true business transformation is not a singular project but an ongoing journey, one that requires visionary leadership, cross-functional collaboration, technological prowess and an unrelenting commitment to agility and innovation. Those that embrace this evolution holistically are not just surviving the future, they are shaping it!

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