Skip to main content

​
What is RPA?

RPA (Robotic Process Automation) lets you define exact steps for automation in code. Unlike AI agents that interpret tasks, RPA scripts are deterministic and repeatable.

​
When to Use RPA

Use RPA When

  • Task is well-defined
  • Steps are always the same
  • High reliability needed
  • Running unattended

Use AI Agent When

  • Task varies each time
  • Exploring new workflows
  • Natural language is easier
  • One-off tasks

​
Technology Stack

Granite uses Robocorp for RPA:
  • Python-based - Write scripts in Python
  • Proven framework - Enterprise-grade reliability
  • Rich libraries - Browser, Excel, PDF, and more
  • Cross-application - Automate any Windows app

​
Basic Example

from robocorp.tasks import task
from robocorp import browser

@task
def fill_expense_form():
    # Open browser
    browser.goto("https://expenses.company.com")

    # Fill form
    browser.fill("#amount", "150.00")
    browser.fill("#description", "Team lunch")
    browser.select("#category", "Meals")

    # Submit
    browser.click("button[type=submit]")

    # Verify success
    browser.wait_for_text("Expense submitted")

​
Key Capabilities

  • Navigate to URLs
  • Fill forms
  • Click elements
  • Extract data
  • Handle popups

​
RPA vs. AI Agent Comparison

AspectRPA ScriptAI Agent
DefinitionCodeNatural language
ExecutionDeterministicAdaptive
Setup timeHigherLower
ReliabilityHigherVariable
FlexibilityLowerHigher
Best forProductionExploration

​
Getting Started

1

Understand the Task

Map out each step manually first
2

Write the Script

Translate steps into RPA code
3

Test with HITL

Run with human oversight to verify
4

Deploy

Run unattended once reliable

​
Next Steps

Creating Scripts

Write your first script

Script Template

Standard script structure