{"id":2059,"date":"2022-03-17T15:10:07","date_gmt":"2022-03-17T19:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog2wrkdev.wpenginepowered.com\/enterprise-automation-vs-rpa\/"},"modified":"2026-09-30T08:11:24","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T12:11:24","slug":"enterprise-automation-vs-rpa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog2workato.wpengine.com\/enterprise-automation-vs-rpa\/","title":{"rendered":"How enterprise automation differs from RPA software"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Automation has long been tied to robotic process automation<\/a> (RPA) software. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the technology can help businesses run more efficiently, treating it as the solution<\/em> for driving digital transformation fails to account for the broader possibilities offered by automation\u2014particularly those provided by an enterprise automation platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To better understand the differences between the two sets of technology, and why enterprise automation can drive more meaningful returns to your business, let\u2019s compare them across a few dimensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

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Want to learn more?<\/h4>\r\n

These insights come from our guide, \u201cExpanding automation beyond the limits of RPA.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t Read our guide<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\n\n\n

Tasks versus business processes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You perform countless tasks throughout your work day, whether that\u2019s logging into an application to find information, copying and pasting data between systems, or messaging a colleague for an update on an assignment.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A common task where someone copies fields from a spreadsheet, logs into Salesforce, creates a new lead record, and then pastes the copied information into the newly-created lead fields. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Performing these error-prone tasks is generally tedious and mind-numbing, leaving your team grateful when RPA\u2019s robots perform them instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Streamlining individual tasks, however, comes with limitations, as workflows are left unchanged and the automations deliver minimal business value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Business processes, on the other hand, are what drive your organization. Each works across employees and business applications, and, if automated end-to-end, can carry transformative benefits for all involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, using an enterprise automation platform, you can streamline your lead routing process all the way through; in doing so, your sales reps can follow-up with leads more intelligently and faster, thereby increasing their odds of converting them. All the while, your prospects receive a better experience, as they get a timely response catered to their needs and wants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how it can work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Once a lead comes in via a marketing channel, the workflow gets triggered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The enterprise automation platform uses 3rd-party data enrichment tools to look up any information that\u2019s missing on the lead. At the same time, the platform looks up any communications they’ve received and, if relevant, their product usage data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The enterprise automation platform goes on to update the lead with all this information in your marketing automation platform and in your CRM, allowing your marketers and reps to become aware of the lead and follow up intelligently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: How to decide between an iPaaS and RPA software<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key performance indicators<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned already, workflow automations powered by an enterprise automation platform aim to tackle business outcomes that outweigh those targeted by RPA software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Task automations<\/a> tend to focus on metrics like time or accuracy savings. And while these metrics are useful, enterprise automation can help different departments deliver on their top priorities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HR<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n