# Robotic process automation (RPA) · Glossary
Software that automates repetitive, rule-based tasks by mimicking how a person uses applications, such as clicking, copying and entering data.
[Glossary](/glossary) · Platform and software engineering

# Robotic process automation (RPA)

     Software that automates repetitive, rule-based tasks by mimicking how a person uses applications, such as clicking, copying and entering data. It is often used where systems lack suitable APIs.

## Why it matters

     RPA can deliver quick relief for high-volume manual tasks without changing underlying systems. Because it depends on screen layouts and fixed rules, it can be brittle when applications change or inputs vary.

     Combining RPA with AI for reading unstructured inputs, and with proper workflow and exception handling, extends its reach. Where possible, API-based integration is usually more robust over time.

## In practice

     For example, a UK freight company might use RPA to enter consignment details into a legacy carrier portal that has no API, while an AI step extracts those details from emailed booking forms and routes unclear cases to staff.

## Where Rodan fits

     Rodan builds [Governed Workflow Platforms](https://rodan.io/what-we-build/governed-workflow-platforms) that combine integration, AI and human review, using RPA only where it is the most practical option.

## Related terms

- [Intelligent document processing (IDP)](/glossary/intelligent-document-processing)

- [Workflow orchestration](/glossary#workflow-orchestration)

- [Agentic workflow](/glossary/agentic-workflow)

- [API (application programming interface)](/glossary/api)

- [Legacy modernisation](/glossary/legacy-modernisation)
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