Introduction of Robotic Process Automation Tools
In the ever-changing business world, the need for efficiency and adaptability has pushed Robotic Process Automation (RPA) into the limelight. RPA is set to revolutionize how we handle day-to-day operations, offering a smart solution for the complexities of modern workflows. Amid this transformation, open-source RPA tools emerge as catalysts for change, reshaping how organizations approach automation.
Traditional automation often came with hefty price tags and inflexibility. Open-source RPA tools disrupt this norm by offering cost-effective, customizable alternatives. More than just a budget-friendly option, open-source RPA embodies collaboration and community-driven innovation. It taps into the collective intelligence of a global developer community, ensuring continuous improvement and shared knowledge.
As businesses grapple with diverse processes and evolving challenges, open-source RPA tools bring adaptability and scalability to the forefront. They empower organizations to tailor automation to their unique needs, from streamlining routine tasks to orchestrating intricate workflows. This flexibility positions open-source RPA as a solution that not only solves current problems but also anticipates and addresses the dynamic demands of the future.
List of Open-Source RPA software
Open-source RPA solutions refer to software distributed with accessible source code, allowing users to modify and customize bot code to suit their specific requirements. Below is a list of leading open-source RPA software and their corresponding source codes available on GitHub:
1. TagUI (GitHub)
TagUI, an open-source Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tool, was developed by AI Singapore to facilitate the automation of repetitive and time-consuming tasks on computers. Its key features include:
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Web Automation: Actions on the web can be recorded using a Chrome extension or an invisible (headless) browser.
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Visual Automation: The tool enables the visual automation of both desktop and website processes.
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Natural Language-like Syntax: Users can script in a natural language-like syntax.
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Cross Platform: TagUI is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
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Easy Installation: The tool can be deployed by simply unzipping the source files without requiring explicit installation.
Flows can be written in the TagUI language, allowing for the automation of tasks on websites, desktop applications, or the command line. Example steps include utilizing actions such as click and type to interact with identifiers, encompassing web identifiers, image snapshots, screen coordinates, or text using OCR.
2. Open RPA (GitHub)
Open RPA stands out for its comprehensive customization and automation capabilities and primarily for its well-established solution architecture. In essence, Open RPA represents a mature solution poised to cater to the operational needs and scalability requirements of enterprises, irrespective of their size.
Key Features:
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Remote Management: Efficiently oversees processes from a distance.
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State Handling: Manages the state of processes remotely.
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Cloud Integration: Seamlessly integrates with major Cloud providers.
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Scheduling: Facilitates the systematic scheduling of automated tasks.
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Analytics Dashboards: Provide insightful dashboards for analytical purposes.
Noteworthy is the consistent enhancement of Open RPA, owing to the active contributions from the community, ensuring frequent updates to the project.
3. Robot Framework (GitHub)
The Robot Framework is an advanced RPA tool, addresses the escalating demand for outsourcing while providing organizations with a cost-effective means to deliver comprehensive business process automation services. Specifically designed for the implementation and execution of enterprise-level robotics applications, this framework adeptly navigates complex business processes.
Key Features:
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Process Streamlining: Facilitates the optimization of business processes.
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Infrastructure Improvement: Enhances the efficiency of IT infrastructure.
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Cost Reduction: Provides a cost-effective solution for automation needs.
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Agility Enhancement: Increases organizational agility in responding to evolving demands.
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Workload Reduction: Alleviates the workforce burden, allowing more time for high-value tasks.
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SAS Integration: Leverages a modern SAS version compatible with leading cloud providers.
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Configurability: Allows for various configurations, including adding virtual workers and seamless integration with other business systems.
4. UI.Vision (GitHub)
UI.Vision, formerly known as Kantu, is an open-source Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software designed to automate tasks across web and desktop applications on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Key Features:
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Visual RPA Capability: UI.Vision provides visual RPA functionalities for automating workflows in both desktop and browser environments.
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Web and Desktop Automation: The free RPA software by UI Vision automates tasks within web and desktop applications.
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Enterprise-Grade Security: UI.Vision's core is open-source, ensuring Enterprise-Grade Security, ensuring that user data remains localized on their machines.
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Visual Web Automation and Selenium IDE++: UI.Vision RPA incorporates computer-vision visual UI testing commands, facilitating the creation of automated visual tests.
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Visual Desktop Automation: UI.Vision RPA extends beyond web browser automation, utilizing image and text recognition technology to automate desktop processes.
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Selenium IDE++ for Hybrid Web Automation: The freeware RPA software integrates standard Selenium IDE commands, offering versatile capabilities for general web automation, web testing, form filling, and web scraping.
This tool caters to individuals seeking to streamline their workflows by automating repetitive tasks. Users can conveniently deploy UI.Vision as a browser extension on Chrome or Firefox
5. Taskt (GitHub)
Taskt offers a distinct advantage over traditional ERP solutions by presenting itself as an RPA application accessible through standard web browsers. This feature unlocks many possibilities for businesses to revamp their conventional processes through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
Key Features:
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Web Browser Accessibility: Taskt is available through standard web browsers, ensuring widespread accessibility.
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User-Friendly Interface: Facilitates process re-engineering with a straightforward drag-and-drop interface.
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Exploratory Samples: The official website provides informative samples for users to explore the application's capabilities.
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Free Trials: Users can opt for free trials to assess the application's suitability for their business needs.
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Comprehensive Setup Guide: The website offers a step-by-step guide for setting up task automation processes.
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Cost-Free Usage: Taskt is entirely free to set up and use, minimizing financial barriers.
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Time and Cost Savings: Streamlines HR and accounting processes, reducing the need for manual data entry and handling complex accounting rules.
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Data Management: Eases the challenge of handling increasing volumes of incoming data for businesses.
6. Robocorp (GitHub)
Robocorp, a recently introduced RPA tool in the market, stands out as a potent solution for automation. This startup is dedicated to developing open-source, cloud-based RPA software. Although currently in its initial phases, interested users can register their email addresses for early access. The platform provides a valuable resource library named 'Robohub' that is designed to assist developers.
Key Features of Robocorp:
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Bot Performance Analytics
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Workflow Recording
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Custom Automation
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Machine Learning Integration
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Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Robocorp operates on a framework similar to that of the Robot Framework Foundation, offering a unique approach to RPA orchestration in the cloud. Notable advantages include a user-friendly interface, easy deployment and scalability, making it the first cloud-native RPA solution. Customizable workflows, applicable across various industries, characterize its versatility. However, users may encounter challenges such as the necessity for additional inbuilt packages to enhance ease of building, resource-intensive memory usage, and the imperative need for log libraries during the development phase for real-time monitoring.
Developing metrics for assessing RPA success
To assess the success of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) implementation involves focusing on three critical indicators:
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Periodic reduction in economic costs within specific business areas.
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Substantial short-term cost reductions to modernize processes and align them with current industry standards.
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Significant long-term cost reductions aimed at enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.
These metrics apply universally to any process, application, or platform enhancement. Whether it involves automating standard operations processes under the oversight of the CTO/CIO, deploying an application alongside automation, or any other improvement initiative, success can only be gauged by measuring the tangible business impact through these metrics.
Conclusion of Best Open Source RPA Tools
For numerous small and mid-sized enterprises, cost poses a barrier, even with freemium solutions. Conversely, larger enterprises find that Open-Source solutions address gaps unmet by commercial products, particularly in automating Python.
Both commercial and Open-Source solutions bring distinct advantages, with each filling gaps that the other may lack. In the dynamic landscape of RPA, an emerging market experiencing early adoption, these two types of solutions are complementary, catering to diverse needs and niches. It is essential to recognize that there is no universally applicable solution, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the benefits and value RPA brings. A balanced approach involves incorporating both commercial and Open-Source tools into one's toolkit.
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