What is RPA and how robotic process automation works

RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is software that performs the same actions on a computer as an employee: it logs in to systems, copies data, fills in forms, sends emails and prepares reports. We call such a program a software robot. It works according to predefined rules, never gets tired and makes no typing mistakes.

How does an RPA robot work?

1. Together with you, we describe the process step by step: where the data comes from, what is done with it and where it goes.

2. We program a robot that performs these steps in your systems through the regular user interface or via API.

3. We test the robot with real data and launch it.

4. The robot works on a schedule or whenever new work appears, and sends you the result or a notification.

Which tasks are worth handing over to a robot?

A robot is a good fit for work that repeats, follows clear rules and relies on digital data. The most common examples:

– entering and matching invoices;

– reconciling bank statements;

– filing reports in state systems (in Lithuania: VMI, Sodra, GPAIS, SABIS);

– moving data between applications that are not connected to each other;

– updating orders, stock levels and prices;

– reminders and notifications based on data in your systems.

If a task requires a decision that can't be described with rules, the robot prepares the data and a person makes the decision.

How is RPA different from artificial intelligence?

An RPA robot follows rules: “if the invoice amount matches the order, mark it as checked”. Artificial intelligence (AI) handles what rules can't describe: it reads an invoice in a layout it has never seen, understands an email written in free text and summarises a document. Most often they work together: AI reads and understands, and the RPA robot enters the result into your systems.

How is RPA different from system integration?

Integration requires both systems to have an API and someone to program it. An RPA robot works through the regular application window, so it also works with systems that have no API, such as older accounting software or government portals. Your existing software doesn't need to change.

How much does RPA implementation cost and how long does it take?

Each process has a fixed price that you know before work begins. The first hour of consultation is free. Implementing one process usually takes 12–22 working hours.

Frequently asked questions:

Does RPA replace employees?

The robot takes over retyping, checking and filling in. Decisions, exceptions and communication with people stay with your employees.

Do we need to change our existing software?

No. The robot works with the systems you already have.

Is it safe to let a robot work with company data?

The robot runs in your environment, on your computer or server. Logins and data don't leave it.

Who maintains the robot after launch?

Usually no maintenance is needed as long as your systems and environment don't change. If changes are needed, Robodam makes them and you pay for the hours spent.

What size of company is RPA suitable for?

It suits both growing companies and large organisations. What matters is not the size of the company, but how much time repetitive work takes each month.