RPA-VS-API

Modern RPA vs API decision.

Definition

Pro-API criteria: official APIs available, high volumes (>1000/day), real-time requirements, complete audit trail desired. Pro-RPA criteria: missing/paid APIs, exception-heavy processes, low volumes, screen scraping needed. Industry recommendation: API when possible, RPA as compensation, never RPA to fill vendor roadmap gaps.

Origin

RPA vs API debate documented in Forrester Wave RPA 2020 and Gartner Hyperautomation 2021 reports.

Example in context

A company picks SAP S/4HANA OData API for 50000 POs/day (volume) and UiPath for 200 legacy PDF contracts/month (exception process).

Related terms

• RPA vs iPaaS — cousin debate.