> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getgranite.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# RPA Automation Overview

> Create reliable, repeatable desktop automations with scripts

## 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

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Use RPA When" icon="check">
    * Task is well-defined
    * Steps are always the same
    * High reliability needed
    * Running unattended
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use AI Agent When" icon="robot">
    * Task varies each time
    * Exploring new workflows
    * Natural language is easier
    * One-off tasks
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Technology Stack

Granite uses [Robocorp](https://robocorp.com/) 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

```python theme={null}
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

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Browser">
    * Navigate to URLs
    * Fill forms
    * Click elements
    * Extract data
    * Handle popups
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Desktop">
    * Click UI elements
    * Type text
    * Handle dialogs
    * Launch applications
    * Window management
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Excel">
    * Read/write cells
    * Create workbooks
    * Format data
    * Charts and formulas
    * Pivot tables
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Files">
    * Read/write files
    * PDF extraction
    * Image processing
    * File management
    * ZIP handling
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## RPA vs. AI Agent Comparison

| Aspect          | RPA Script    | AI Agent         |
| --------------- | ------------- | ---------------- |
| **Definition**  | Code          | Natural language |
| **Execution**   | Deterministic | Adaptive         |
| **Setup time**  | Higher        | Lower            |
| **Reliability** | Higher        | Variable         |
| **Flexibility** | Lower         | Higher           |
| **Best for**    | Production    | Exploration      |

## Getting Started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Understand the Task">
    Map out each step manually first
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write the Script">
    Translate steps into RPA code
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test with HITL">
    Run with human oversight to verify
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deploy">
    Run unattended once reliable
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Creating Scripts" icon="code" href="/rpa-automation/creating-scripts">
    Write your first script
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="book" href="/api-reference/overview">
    RPA API endpoints
  </Card>
</CardGroup>