One of the most remarkable aspects of technology lies in its ability to automate tasks. What once demanded hours or even days of manual effort can now be accomplished within mere minutes, all thanks to the wonders of technology. Take, for instance, the field of logistics, where software is employed to autonomously allocate goods to their optimal shipping routes. This very task, when carried out manually, would consume a significant amount of time, stretching into hours or even days.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) stands out as a game-changer for businesses. RPA software empowers enterprises to automate the routine tasks that were traditionally entrusted to human hands. This, in turn, liberates human resources to concentrate on the more intricate facets of managing a business, ones that computers are not equipped to handle.
An illustrative example of RPA in action can be found in an online retail setting, where the automated processing of customer orders is paramount. RPA software excels in swiftly sorting and processing orders, outperforming human counterparts and ensuring the swift delivery of customers’ items. Moreover, RPA software can be employed in the realm of payroll processing for companies; it adeptly extracts information from timesheets and various data sources to compute employee salaries and seamlessly authorize payments.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that RPA software, like any tool, is not without its imperfections. Each RPA solution comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. To identify the most suitable options, we undertook rigorous testing of various RPA platforms. Our selection process involved a meticulous evaluation of essential criteria such as features, pricing, performance, and customer support, among others.
Number 1. UiPath
UiPath stands as one of the most widely embraced platforms for Robotic Process Automation (RPA), catering to a diverse array of industries, including healthcare, insurance, IT, banking, manufacturing, and more.
UiPath streamlines the process of crafting cloud-based robots for automating routine tasks, providing users with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface complemented by a degree of programming flexibility. Once a bot is constructed, deployment is a straightforward affair, and you retain the option to enhance its capabilities by adding additional services as needed.
UiPath can be accessed directly, or you may opt to go through cloud-based providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. Leveraging UiPath in conjunction with these cloud platforms can significantly facilitate the automation of various IT-related tasks.
For those seeking a cost-effective entry point, UiPath offers a free version tailored for personal use. This version permits unlimited individual automation and provides access to a range of pre-built integrations. In addition to this, UiPath offers two premium plans:
- Pro Plan: Starting at $420 per month, this tier unlocks a suite of advanced bot creation tools and includes pre-designed bots that enterprises can swiftly deploy to streamline their operations.
- Enterprise Plan: Pricing for this plan is not standardized, necessitating direct engagement with UiPath’s sales team to obtain a tailored quote. The Enterprise plan is highly flexible, allowing for discussions with UiPath’s developers to fine-tune solutions to meet specific needs. However, it’s worth noting that this level of customization may come with a higher price tag.
Ultimately, UiPath offers a comprehensive suite of RPA solutions catering to a broad spectrum of industries and budgets, with the flexibility to adapt to varying automation requirements.
Number 2. Automation Anywhere
Automation Anywhere, true to its name, stands out as another prominent player in the realm of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), offering robust tools to empower enterprises in automating repetitive tasks, thereby saving valuable time and effort.
This cloud-based platform offers flexibility in deployment, allowing you to choose between your private cloud infrastructure or well-known public cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Opting for the latter grants access to a seamless Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) experience.
Automation Anywhere takes an industry-specific approach, tailoring its solutions to meet the distinct needs of various sectors. For instance:
- Healthcare: The platform provides ready-made bots designed to automate tasks such as claims processing, appointment requests, and billing, streamlining operations for healthcare organizations.
- Financial Services: Financial institutions can leverage pre-built bots for automating essential processes like know-your-customer verifications, money laundering checks, and the origination of mortgages and loans.
The pricing structure for Automation Anywhere starts with the “Cloud Starter” plan, priced at $750 per month. This plan includes one bot creator, one control room, and one bot runner. Additional bot runners can be added for $500 per month, and each additional user comes at a cost of $125 per month. To assess the platform’s capabilities and suitability for your needs, you have the option to request a demo, ensuring you make an informed decision about incorporating Automation Anywhere into your workflow.
Number 3. Blue Prism
Blue Prism, a renowned RPA platform, caters to a wide range of industries and offers a unique feature set to facilitate the automation journey.
One standout feature of Blue Prism is its “Process Assessment” tool, which assists organizations in identifying the most beneficial processes to automate. This tool simplifies the process by allowing users to complete an online survey or export relevant data to help determine the most suitable automation candidates.
When it comes to actual automation, Blue Prism positions itself as a low-code platform, simplifying development by enabling users to create portals, web forms, websites, and more with minimal coding requirements. However, it’s worth noting that Blue Prism’s interface is often considered more complex compared to some other RPA platforms, making it less suitable for beginners without prior RPA experience.
Deployment options for Blue Prism are flexible, allowing users to choose between their own cloud infrastructure or access it as a SaaS platform on a public cloud.
Pricing for Blue Prism is not standardized, necessitating direct contact with the company’s sales team for a customized quote. The final cost depends on factors such as the number of users and the specific features chosen. It’s worth noting that Blue Prism is typically associated with a substantial annual cost, often running into thousands of dollars, making it more suitable for large enterprises with significant IT budgets.
In summary, Blue Prism offers a robust suite of tools for RPA, including a unique process assessment tool, but its relatively complex interface and cost structure may limit its appeal primarily to large enterprises with substantial resources.
Number 4. Microsoft Power Automate
Microsoft, a globally recognized technology giant, is renowned as the world’s largest software company. It is most prominently known for its Windows desktop operating system and the Azure cloud computing service.
Within Microsoft’s expansive product portfolio, you’ll find Microsoft Power Automate, an invaluable automation tool. Power Automate belongs to the Power family of products, which includes the widely-used Power BI and Power Apps.
This versatile platform empowers users to automate repetitive tasks, resulting in significant time and effort savings. Power Automate boasts an array of pre-built workflows designed to streamline a wide range of activities, from printing weekly calendars to locating and deleting empty files, and even facilitating file sharing. An especially noteworthy feature is its seamless integration with Microsoft’s 365 enterprise software suite, enabling users to automate tasks with a simple click of a button.
Microsoft offers flexible pricing options for Power Automate, allowing users to choose between a monthly subscription or a pay-as-you-go model. The monthly plan is available at a cost ranging from $15 to $100 per user per month, catering to various needs and budgets. Alternatively, the pay-as-you-go plan commences at $0.60 per automation, making it adaptable to usage levels. Additionally, users can explore the platform’s capabilities during a 30-day free trial period before making a commitment.
Power Automate offers accessibility through both desktop and mobile applications, ensuring that users can leverage its automation capabilities across different devices and scenarios.
Number 5. WorkFusion
WorkFusion, an RPA and automation platform, is specifically tailored to cater to the unique needs of banks and financial institutions. This platform empowers these organizations to streamline and automate numerous processes, with a particular focus on essential functions like know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) checks.
WorkFusion introduces its automation agents as “Digital Workers,” pre-built bots meticulously crafted to facilitate the scaling of KYC and AML initiatives for financial service providers. These Digital Workers are versatile and capable of handling various tasks, such as sanction screening for new customers, addressing customer support inquiries, underwriting insurance, processing ownership documents, and screening payments, among other functions.
To assist users in harnessing the full potential of its platform, WorkFusion offers comprehensive support and training resources. These resources include user guides, video tutorials, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and courses, ensuring that users can gain proficiency in leveraging the platform effectively. Additionally, users have the convenience of reaching out to human support representatives for assistance whenever needed.
Notably, WorkFusion follows a customized pricing model, with no standard pricing readily available. To obtain detailed pricing information tailored to specific organizational requirements, interested parties are encouraged to get in touch with WorkFusion’s sales team, allowing for a personalized quote based on their unique needs and objectives.
