What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

Robotic Process Automation is the evolution of earlier software used for scripted testing. Programmes such as 'WinRunner' enabled testers to write repeatable test-scripts that would automate repetitive clicking and data-entry to replicate various text-scenarios. When the scripts were run they could run much faster than human manual entry and the results logs would rapidly reveal bugs.

This same principle of using scripts to alleviate repetitive data entry and screen / UI navigation is now used as a key part of digital transformation initiatives in order to replace manual activities. A good example is the use of Open Banking credit scoring where an API can access the transaction history of a user and then a series of algorithms can be run over the data top create a credit score and produce a decision. The risk of human error is removed and a comprehensive audit trail is produced.