Today, executives are adopting technologies that integrate different applications and automate processes to eliminate tedious and manual tasks. Among these technologies, they often consider iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) and RPA (Robotic Process Automation) platforms. While iPaaS and RPA platforms offer similar benefits, companies need to know the differences between the two before choosing one over the other. In this blog, we will explore the differences between iPaaS and RPA to help businesses decide which platform is better suited for their automation needs.
What is iPaaS?
iPaaS is a cloud-based platform that enables companies to integrate different applications and data sources in a complex technology environment. This API-driven platform helps seamlessly share data between two or more applications, automate processes, increase efficiency and reduce the need for manual intervention.
For example, businesses can use iPaaS to integrate their CRM platform with their marketing automation platform. This way, when new customer data is created or updated in the CRM platform, the relevant changes are automatically transferred to the marketing automation platform.
What is RPA (Robotic Process Automation)?
RPA is a platform that automates repetitive and routine tasks through software bots. These bots follow specific rules to mimic an employee’s interactions with computer systems, digital systems and applications. Robotic Process Automation automates routine tasks such as data entry, order processing, email and calendar management, and report generation. Thus, it helps businesses reduce human intervention and increase operational efficiency.
iPaaS vs. RPA: What’s The Difference?
iPaaS and RPA are two different solutions used by businesses to integrate their systems and applications. While the two systems have some similarities, there are important differences between them. Let’s examine these differences together:
Integration and Automation
iPaaS makes it easy to integrate disparate systems and applications to ensure seamless data flow. At the same time, it provides customers with pre-built connectors to speed up integration processes. iPaaS harmonizes data, ensures data integrity across applications and easily automates workflows.
On the other hand, Robotic Process Automation platforms have very limited integration capabilities, requiring additional resources and effort to integrate with other systems. This is because RPA is designed to connect non-API based applications such as mainframes, on-premises applications. Therefore, it cannot integrate modern API-based applications and systems.
Maintenance
Robotic Process Automation requires more maintenance than iPaaS platforms. For example, when the RPA user interface changes, the RPA process may have problems. However, the iPaaS solution is not affected by user interface changes.
Scalability and Flexibility
The iPaaS and RPA platforms can be tailored to the needs of businesses. Both platforms are scalable and flexible. However, iPaaS is more flexible than RPA; it can handle a variety of integration requirements and adapt to evolving technologies and APIs. RPA requires the addition of new rules and scalable maintenance as business requirements change.
Cost
The cost difference between iPaaS and RPA depends on the functionality of the two platforms. iPaaS focuses on cloud integration services. It prices based on data volumes and usage.
RPA, which automates repetitive tasks, is priced based on the number of bots, process complexity and licenses. iPaaS is generally a more predictable subscription-based model, while RPA costs vary depending on the scale of automation.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of iPaaS?
- iPaaS is designed to create a seamless integration between different applications, systems and software. It offers ready-made connectors and low-code development options. These features make iPaaS a more user-friendly solution than RPA. In addition, iPaaS’s ready-made connectors enable integrations to be built faster and systems to be integrated quickly.
- iPaaS provides a single platform for businesses to manage integrations. This means that it is enough to know one integration system to connect and maintain all applications and systems.
- The iPaaS platform gives real-time visibility into all integrations and data.
- It protects data against cyber-attacks by offering high security measures such as access controls, real-time monitoring, advanced encryption.
However, iPaaS has some disadvantages to consider.
- Using some iPaaS platforms can make businesses dependent on the ecosystem of the iPaaS provider.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of RPA?
- RPA works best with legacy systems that do not have APIs and automates repetitive routine tasks. These features enable routine tasks to be done more accurately, quickly and efficiently.
- By eliminating manual work in business processes, RPA greatly reduces labor costs and enables better use of resources.
- Robotic Process Automation works efficiently with existing systems without the need for major changes in infrastructure.
However, RPA has some drawbacks that need to be considered:
- RPA raises concerns about security and scalability.
- Maintenance costs are high.
- RPA is limited to the automation of routine business processes.
What are iPaaS and RPA Used for?
iPaaS is a solution used for application and data integration, real-time data analytics, API management, on-premises or cloud integration and workflow automation.
RPA is used for automating routine tasks such as invoice processing, inventory management, data entry, employee onboarding/offboarding, HR and payroll processes, invoice processing.
Should You Choose iPaaS or RPA for Your Business?
To meet business needs such as data integration, real-time data streaming and batch data processing, iPaaS is the best option because it can best integrate different applications, systems and data. RPA is a good option for businesses that want to automate repetitive tasks.
MIP is a middleware software that can seamlessly integrate different systems and applications of businesses and offers cloud and on-premises deployment options. With MIP, you can create various integration scenarios, monitor integrations in real time and automate workflows without compromising security and scalability.
