In the last post in this series, we zoomed into key features of robotic process automation (RPA) software to help buyers find the right software for their particular needs. In this piece, we will zoom out in order to understand how it fits into broader historical trends in the RPA space and more.
RPA software is a technological solution for an age-old problem: executing repetitive tasks in an automated fashion. We have seen this type of solution arise in the industrial revolution when what was previously accomplished by humans started to be performed by human-operated machines. Now, we take this type of machine-human collaboration for granted, sometimes forgetting how much we interact with and rely on machines. Everything from car manufacturing to farming relies on this type of symbiosis.
RPA is a new take on an old problem
What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Software?
RPA software utilizes bots to automate routine tasks within software applications usually performed by a company’s employees. These products are used to save time and eliminate the need for human employees to conduct tedious, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks.
With the rise of computers and software, humans spend a great deal of their time clicking buttons and staring at screens. HR workers, for example, receive government-issued documents from new employees, drag those documents into HR systems, and update those systems with the relevant information. Just as farmers gain ”‘superpowers” with the use of machinery such as tractors and plows, HR workers and other business professionals can augment their work and abilities with the use of automation software such as RPA.
RPA technology, at a basic level, records the screen of a worker and notes the clicks and mouse movements. They can use bots to automate these tasks to assist employees and take repetitive tasks off their hands. In the example above, RPA technology can automate the process by ingesting the documents and automatically uploading them to the relevant systems. More advanced types use optical character recognition (OCR) to determine the text therein and consequently update fields in HR systems with it.
| Related: Features Are Key To Choosing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Software → |
Review trends on G2 highlight that RPA is open to all
Just like machinery that was at the core of the industrial revolution, RPA software is open to all and can be used by businesses both big and small. Although the majority of G2 reviewers for the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software category come from enterprise businesses, 49% come from small and mid-market businesses.
Share of G2 reviews based on customer segment served
We have found that RPA users come from all around the world, with the largest region for reviewers being Asia-Pacific.
G2 reviewers by region
Finally, if we look at the top industries for RPA reviewers, we find that after IT and software users, financial services is the top industry reviewing RPA software on G2. This is also supported by data from AI Multiple, which found that 51% of RPA solutions are within the banking, financial services, and insurance industries. This is logical and to be expected, as financial services have many repetitive tasks as part of their businesses, such as taking payments and processing payments.
Top industries for RPA reviewers on G2
What does all this mean to the buyer?
What is the moral of this story?
- RPA isn’t new and isn’t going away: RPA is one of many solutions that helps people accomplish repetitive tasks. Just as people used machinery to speed up production lines, people can and are using RPA to speed up and optimize their use of software.
- Anyone can use it: Businesses of all shapes and sizes are using RPA.
- It can be used anywhere: Companies across the globe are using the technology.
In the next post of this series, we will take a look at RPA trends around cost, ROI, and implementation.
Want to learn more about Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Software? Explore Robotic Process Automation (RPA) products.
Matthew Miller
Matthew Miller is a research and data enthusiast with a knack for understanding and conveying market trends effectively. With experience in journalism, education, and AI, he has honed his skills in various industries. Currently a Senior Research Analyst at G2, Matthew focuses on AI, automation, and analytics, providing insights and conducting research for vendors in these fields. He has a strong background in linguistics, having worked as a Hebrew and Yiddish Translator and an Expert Hebrew Linguist, and has co-founded VAICE, a non-profit voice tech consultancy firm.
