Magic Quadrant for Robotic Process Automation
Gartner defines robotic process automation (RPA) as software that automates tasks within business and IT processes using software scripts that emulate human interaction with the application UI. RPA enables a manual task to be recorded or programmed into a software script, which users can develop through programming or by using the RPA platform's low-code and no-code GUIs. This script can then be deployed and executed into different runtimes. The runtime executable of the deployed script is referred to as a bot or robot. RPA is used across numerous business functions for tactical task automation.
Vendors must, among other requirements:
A: This research covers the robotic process automation (RPA) software market, evaluating 13 enterprise RPA vendors across multiple criteria. It assesses vendors' ability to execute and completeness of vision, examining their product capabilities, market presence, pricing strategies, customer experience, innovation, and strategic direction. The research includes analysis of mandatory and common RPA features, market trends including computer use, agentic automation, and business orchestration technologies, and provides detailed strengths and cautions for each evaluated vendor.
A: This research should be used by application leaders, IT leaders, and business decision-makers who are evaluating, selecting, or managing RPA solutions for their organizations. It is particularly valuable for those looking to understand the competitive landscape of RPA vendors, assess which vendors best align with their specific automation needs (whether tactical task automation or broader enterprise automation strategies), and make informed decisions about RPA investments. The research helps both new RPA buyers prioritizing price and ease of development, and experienced buyers focusing on analytics, governance, and stability.
A: Vendors must offer: 1) Screen scraping with at least five specified UI connectors (Selenium IDE, Microsoft Active Accessibility, Microsoft UI Automation, Java Application Connector, SAP WinGUI, Windows GUI or mainframe emulators), 2) Ability to record tasks and convert them into deployable scripts, 3) Support for both attended and unattended automation, 4) Orchestration and administration capabilities for users, scripts and runtime including configuration, monitoring and security, and 5) Support for multiple bot runtimes including desktops, on-premises servers, public or private clouds, and virtual machines.
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A: Ability to Execute evaluates how well vendors' processes, systems, methods and procedures enable them to be competitive, efficient and effective. It focuses on current capabilities including product quality, operational excellence, sales execution, pricing, market responsiveness, customer experience, and overall viability. Completeness of Vision evaluates how well vendors demonstrate understanding of the RPA market's current and future direction, including innovations, customer needs and competition, and the degree to which their vision aligns with Gartner's. It focuses on strategic aspects including market understanding, marketing and sales strategy, product strategy, business model, vertical strategy, and innovation capabilities.