Why Is RPA Gaining So Much Attention Now?
In recent years, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has been rapidly adopted by companies across various industries. It’s no longer seen as just a “task automation tool,” but rather as a key enabler of greater operational efficiency, cost reduction, and work style innovation.
So why is RPA attracting so much attention at this particular moment? Several social and business shifts are driving this trend:
✅ Rise of Remote and Hybrid Work
Since the pandemic, remote and hybrid work have become the norm, making face-to-face business processes more challenging. RPA offers a way to ensure business continuity without being tied to physical locations.
✅ Labor Shortages and Increased Workloads
With persistent labor shortages, employees are often burdened with a heavier workload. By automating repetitive and rule-based tasks, RPA allows organizations to allocate their limited human resources to more strategic work.
✅ Acceleration of Digital Transformation (DX)
As digital transformation becomes a pressing need, RPA stands out as an accessible first step. It enables automation without requiring a complete overhaul of existing systems, making it an attractive option for companies looking to digitize their operations.
✅ Balancing Cost Reduction with Quality
RPA can operate 24/7 with high accuracy, reducing human error and increasing efficiency. For organizations aiming to maintain stable quality while controlling costs, RPA presents an ideal solution.
For these reasons, RPA is no longer seen as just a “useful tool,” but as a strategic investment that can significantly impact a company’s competitiveness.
What is RPA? – A Simple Explanation of Its Definition and How It Works
RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is a technology that uses software robots to automate routine, rule-based tasks typically performed by humans on a computer.
Here are some examples of tasks where RPA excels:
Extracting data from Excel and inputting it into another system
Compiling and sending reports at scheduled times
Downloading email attachments and saving them in folders
Regularly collecting and updating information from websites
📌 Key Feature 1: Automating Human Operations
RPA mimics human interactions with software applications—such as mouse clicks and keyboard input—by replicating the exact actions on the user interface. This means businesses can automate workflows without modifying their existing systems, which is one of RPA’s biggest advantages.
📌 Key Feature 2: No Programming Required (No-Code/Low-Code)
Most RPA tools are designed with intuitive interfaces, allowing users to create automation workflows through simple drag-and-drop actions. This makes it accessible not only to IT departments but also to business teams without technical expertise.
📌 Key Feature 3: Ideal for Repetitive Tasks
RPA is best suited for clearly defined, repetitive tasks that don’t require decision-making. These robots can operate 24/7, executing processes quickly, reliably, and without errors.
Rather than being just another automation tool, RPA is now viewed as a foundational element in driving digital transformation across businesses.
In the next section, we’ll explore real-world examples of how RPA is being used across various industries.
How Is RPA Used? – Real-World Examples of Business Process Automation
RPA is a highly versatile tool that can be applied across a wide range of business functions. It’s especially effective for repetitive, rule-based tasks that follow a consistent structure. Here are some common use cases:
🧾 [Finance & Accounting]
Extracting invoice data and registering it in accounting systems
Reconciling transaction details and processing journal entries
Generating monthly and annual financial reports
✅ Benefits: Reduced processing time and fewer human errors
👥 [HR & Payroll]
Aggregating attendance data and entering it into payroll systems
Preparing documents and updating systems for onboarding/offboarding
Compiling internal survey results and creating summary reports
✅ Benefits: Standardized procedures and balanced workloads
📈 [Sales & Marketing]
Updating customer lists and sending automated follow-ups to leads
Inputting and updating data in CRM systems
Automatically generating and distributing campaign reports
✅ Benefits: Faster customer engagement and centralized data management
📞 [Customer Support]
Automatically sorting incoming emails and updating support statuses
Compiling chat logs and categorizing FAQ entries
Generating reports on complaint resolution statuses
✅ Benefits: Improved response speed and greater visibility into support operations
📊 [Reporting & Internal Communication]
Collecting, analyzing, and generating reports from various performance data
Regularly consolidating KPIs from multiple departments and auto-sending reports
Visualizing data via integration with Excel and BI tools
✅ Benefits: Promotes data-driven decision-making
As you can see, RPA can be leveraged in virtually any department. Even automating just a portion of a workflow can result in significant time savings and cost reductions.
In the next section, we’ll look at key points to consider when selecting an RPA tool.
Key Points for Choosing the Right RPA Tool
With so many RPA tools on the market—each with its own strengths and specialties—it’s no surprise that many organizations struggle with the question: “Which one should we choose?”
To select the RPA tool best suited to your company’s needs, it’s important to evaluate the following criteria:
1. Ease of Use (Usability)
Can business users operate it without coding (no-code/low-code)?
Is the user interface intuitive and easy to navigate?
Does it offer pre-built templates and drag-and-drop functionality?
💡 User-friendliness is key to enabling front-line teams to drive automation themselves.
2. Functionality and Scalability
Does the tool support a wide range of use cases? (e.g., OCR, AI-based decisions, chat integration)
Can it easily integrate with APIs and external services?
Can it scale up with increased automation needs and data volumes?
💡 Don’t just look at what it can do now—consider how far it can grow with your business.
3. Cost Structure
Are the initial setup fees and monthly license costs reasonable?
Is pricing based on the number of users or robots?
Are there trial plans or free versions available?
💡 For small and mid-sized businesses, low-cost and phased implementation options are often ideal.
4. Integration with Existing Systems
Does it connect smoothly with your current systems (ERP, CRM, SaaS platforms, etc.)?
How well does it integrate with tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, or Salesforce?
💡 The goal is seamless automation—not isolated bots. Look for tools that naturally fit into your workflow ecosystem.
5. Security and Governance
Can the tool track detailed user activity logs (audit trails)?
Does it support access control and role-based permissions?
Does it offer deployment flexibility (cloud or on-premises)?
💡 In highly regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government, strong governance features are essential.
By carefully considering these factors and aligning them with your business environment and goals, you can maximize the impact of your RPA investment.
In the next section, we’ll compare some of the leading RPA tools on the market and explore which types of organizations they’re best suited for.
Introduction & Comparison of Major RPA Tools (Features, Strengths, and Points to Note)
Here, we introduce and compare the features, strengths, and weaknesses of ten major RPA tools that have a strong track record and high reputation in Japan.
1. UiPath
Overview:
UiPath is an enterprise-grade RPA tool with a strong global market share. With its flexible design and extensive features, it supports a wide range of tasks from simple routine operations to complex processes utilizing AI. It is widely adopted by major corporations and government agencies in Japan.
Key Features:
Compatible with both desktop and cloud environments, with flexible on-premise support
Seamless integration with AI, machine learning, and OCR
Equipped with development tools such as “UiPath Studio,” also supports low-code development
Management and operation features (Orchestrator) for large-scale deployment
Recommended for:
Medium to large enterprises aiming for company-wide RPA adoption
Organizations with a wide variety of automation targets
Teams requiring advanced scalability such as AI or API integration
Advantages:
Easy to implement with a wealth of templates and assets
Free learning resources provided through UiPath Academy, with a well-structured training environment
Active global user community
Points to Note:
Due to its wide range of features, a certain level of IT literacy is required for implementation and operation
License costs are relatively higher compared to other tools
Pricing
Official site：https://www.uipath.com/
2. Microsoft Power Automate
Overview:
Power Automate is a cloud-based RPA and workflow automation platform provided by Microsoft. Its native integration with Microsoft 365 makes it easy to automate operations involving Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and more. The user interface is designed to be accessible even without programming knowledge.
Key Features:
High compatibility with Microsoft products (Office, Azure, Dynamics, etc.)
Low-code environment to create and manage flows in the cloud
Supports automation of both web browser operations and desktop applications (Desktop Flows)
Offers a wide range of plans, from free to business-grade paid options
Recommended for:
Companies that rely heavily on Microsoft 365 for daily operations
Small to medium-sized businesses aiming to promote no-code, employee-driven automation
Organizations that want to try RPA easily as a starting point
Advantages:
Intuitive UI that is easy to use even for non-engineers
One-click integration with other Microsoft services
Enables small-scale cloud-based deployment with minimal upfront cost
Points to Note:
Has limitations for complex operations or large-scale deployments
Integration with third-party services and customization may require additional effort
Pricing
3. Automation Anywhere
Overview:
Automation Anywhere is a cloud-native RPA platform adopted by large enterprises worldwide. It enables browser-based development and operation, eliminating the need for installation and offering excellent scalability. Its flexibility makes it ideal for remote environments as well.
Key Features:
Fully cloud-compatible: no infrastructure setup required, can be used immediately
Supports integration with advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP)
Intuitive operation through the web-based development environment “Automation 360”
Enhanced security and governance features, making it reliable for large-scale enterprises
Recommended for:
Companies with global operations
Organizations that primarily use SaaS or cloud-based systems
Teams that prioritize security and governance but also seek flexible scalability
Advantages:
Fast deployment thanks to full cloud compatibility
High performance, especially for large data processing and distributed tasks
Rich enterprise-grade features such as data governance and role-based access control
Points to Note:
The UI can be somewhat complex, requiring time to get used to
Higher learning curve may not be ideal for small-scale implementations
Pricing: Contact Sales
Official site：https://www.automationanywhere.com/
4. Blue Prism
Overview:
Blue Prism is an enterprise-level RPA tool originating from the UK, highly regarded in industries that place a strong emphasis on security and governance, such as finance and public institutions. Its stable on-premise operations and robust management capabilities make it reliable even for large-scale and high-load business processes.
Key Features:
On-premise-oriented architecture allowing full control within internal networks
Centralized management from development to monitoring, ensuring high governance
Strong in advanced user permissions, log monitoring, and compliance with security policies
Flexible integration with AI and machine learning via API connections
Recommended for:
Industries with strict compliance requirements such as finance, insurance, healthcare, and public institutions
Large enterprises with primarily on-premise IT infrastructure
Internal IT departments aiming for detailed control and governance over internal operations
Advantages:
Extremely high standards of security and operational control
Scalable to support deployment of thousands of robots
Recognized for its long-term operational stability and reliability
Points to Note:
Initial setup and implementation require specialized knowledge and time
Relatively high license cost may pose a barrier for small to mid-sized companies
More developer-oriented design rather than no-code development
Pricing: Upon request
Official site：https://www.blueprism.com/
5. IBM Robotic Process Automation （IBM RPA）
Overview:
IBM Robotic Process Automation is an enterprise-grade RPA solution provided by IBM. In addition to automating routine tasks, it enables intelligent process automation through seamless integration with AI, chatbots, and OCR. With built-in compatibility with IBM Cloud and Watson, it offers powerful scalability as a digital business platform.
Key Features:
Integration with IBM Watson enables natural language processing and AI-driven analytics
Chatbot integration allows for automated customer support
Strong focus on security and compliance, with enterprise-ready operational design
Supports both on-premise and cloud deployments, with high compatibility across IBM product suites
Recommended for:
Companies already using IBM products such as Watson or Cloud Pak
Organizations aiming for advanced automation integrated with AI and data analytics
Enterprises that prioritize security and plan to deploy RPA at scale
Advantages:
Integration with AI allows automation of decision-based processes
Combination of chatbot and RPA supports both customer-facing and internal inquiries
High compatibility and consistency in environments already utilizing IBM solutions
Points to Note:
Due to its advanced architecture and features, initial setup requires specialized expertise
Compared to other RPA tools, learning curves and design efforts may be higher
May be over-engineered for small to mid-sized implementations
Official Website：https://www.ibm.com/jp-ja/products/robotic-process-automation
6. WorkFusion
Overview:
WorkFusion is an RPA platform with strengths in the intelligent automation (IA) domain, combining AI and machine learning. In addition to rule-based automation, it can handle tasks that require judgment and learning. It is especially well-established in the finance and insurance sectors.
Key Features:
Strong capabilities in AI/ML-based document recognition and entity extraction
“Human-in-the-Loop” feature designed for collaboration between humans and bots
Specialized in content-based automation (e.g., reading contracts or invoices)
Cloud-native architecture for scalable deployments
Recommended for:
Companies looking to automate complex processes involving document handling and decision-making
Organizations in finance, insurance, or legal sectors with high-volume and judgment-heavy operations
Businesses seeking advanced AI-integrated automation beyond traditional RPA
Advantages:
Industry-specific pre-trained templates allow for quick deployment
High-accuracy NLP and data extraction features
Human-AI collaboration balances precision and flexibility
Points to Note:
Requires a certain level of expertise to tune or train AI models
May be over-engineered for simple automation tasks
Fewer adoption cases and support resources available in Japan
料金 : Contact Sales
Official Website：https://www.workfusion.com/
7. Fortra Automate
Overview:
Automate by Fortra (formerly HelpSystems) is a cost-effective RPA tool tailored for small to mid-sized businesses. It supports both server-based and desktop-based deployments and is praised for its ease of use by business users as well as IT teams. It enables quick automation without the need for complex development.
Key Features:
No-code interface with over 500 drag-and-drop actions
Server editions (Automate Plus / Ultimate) support large-scale operations
Strong capabilities in routine tasks like database integration, file handling, and email processing
Flexible integration with systems such as FTP, ERP, and SFTP
Recommended for:
Small businesses or regional companies new to RPA
Organizations aiming to gradually expand automation starting from simple tasks
Companies where individual departments want to drive automation independently
Advantages:
Low initial and operational costs make it easy to adopt
No-code design allows on-site teams to use it with ease
Simple and easy-to-understand licensing model
Points to Note:
Less suited for advanced AI integration or complex workflows
Primarily focused on basic automation, with some limitations in scalability
Japanese documentation and support may be limited
Pricing: Upon request
Official Website: fortra
8. ARGOS LABS
Overview:
ARGOS LABS is a lightweight, flexible RPA and low-code automation platform from Silicon Valley. Its plugin-based architecture makes it suitable for a wide range of users—from business workers to developers. It also supports integration with Python and AI, enabling both standard automation and intelligent automation.
Key Features:
Intuitive low-code/no-code workflow creation
Over 300 plugins to freely combine functions
Capable of advanced logic and AI integration via Python
Available on both on-premise and cloud environments
Increasing availability of Japanese plugins for the domestic market
Recommended for:
Tech-driven companies with business users who have development skills
Businesses needing to automate unique workflows that generic RPA can’t handle
Small to medium-sized enterprises seeking a lightweight and adaptable RPA
Advantages:
High flexibility thanks to plugin-based design, suitable for custom tasks
Python integration enables complex logic and AI processing
Relatively affordable, allowing for small-scale rollout
Points to Note:
Lower name recognition and limited support resources in Japan
Not fully no-code; some learning curve may be required
Governance and audit features are limited for large enterprise use
Pricing: Upon request
Official Website: https://www.argos-labs.com/
9. VisualCron
Overview:
VisualCron is a job scheduler and task automation tool designed for Windows environments. It offers GUI-based control with functionality similar to Unix cron. Users can create flexible automation workflows without programming, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases from simple file handling to complex task coordination.
Key Features:
Graphical UI for job creation and management
Supports over 80 task types including file transfers, SQL queries, REST APIs, email, and script execution
Multiple trigger types such as time, file, process, and service monitoring
Supports both local and remote environments with multi-server management
Extensive logging, job history, and notification features
Recommended for:
Companies running many routine or batch tasks on Windows servers
Teams seeking centralized automation management without full RPA implementation
IT operations teams needing job scheduling without coding
Advantages:
Enables automation without programming
Flexible task combinations and scheduling options
Can function standalone or integrate with other RPA tools (e.g., for scripts or alerts)
Points to Note:
Primarily designed for Windows; not compatible with Mac or Linux
Unlike RPA tools, it does not support UI automation (BPA-focused)
English-only UI may limit accessibility for Japanese users
Pricing
Official Website：https://www.visualcron.com/order.aspx
10. AssistEdge
Overview:
AssistEdge is an enterprise RPA and intelligent automation solution developed by EdgeVerve Systems, a subsidiary of Indian IT giant Infosys. It features high-level security and large-scale process management, making it a strong fit for industries like BPO, banking, insurance, and telecommunications.
Key Features:
Supports end-to-end automation through integration with AI, OCR, and process mining
Advanced bot scheduling, monitoring, and governance features
“AssistEdge Discover” helps visualize operations and identify automation candidates
High-level security and compliance features for enterprise requirements
Supports both cloud and on-premise deployments, suitable for multi-tenant setups
Recommended for:
Large enterprises managing hundreds or thousands of processes
BPO or shared service centers handling high-volume workloads
Companies seeking to combine automation with process analysis (process mining)
Advantages:
Unified platform for automation discovery, design, and operation
Strong governance and security features for large-scale deployments
Capable of decision-based automation through AI integration
Points to Note:
Requires expert knowledge and initial design effort for implementation
May be overkill for small or medium-sized companies
Limited local support and implementation partners in Japan
Pricing: Upon request
Official Website：https://www.edgeverve.com/assistedge/
Recommended RPA Tools by Scenario
| Scenario | Recommended Tools | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| For SMBs starting automation | Power Automate | Easy to adopt, integrates well with Microsoft 365, cost-effective |
| Fortra Automate | No-code, budget-friendly, and user-friendly | |
| ARGOS LABS | Lightweight, low-cost, and quick to start | |
| For large enterprises with complex needs | UiPath | Highly scalable, fits most enterprise processes |
| Blue Prism | Strong in security and governance | |
| AssistEdge | All-in-one platform with AI & process mining | |
| For cloud-first & scalable environments | Automation Anywhere | Cloud-native, ideal for global deployment |
| WorkFusion | Document-oriented AI automation | |
| IBM RPA | Watson integration, flexible cloud operation | |
| For IT/server task scheduling | VisualCron | Specializes in Windows server automation |
| ARGOS LABS | Python-based scripting and advanced automation | |
| Fortra Automate | Strong in IT ops like FTP, email, and file handling | |
| For intelligent automation with AI | WorkFusion | Combines AI with human-in-the-loop for decision-based tasks |
| IBM RPA | Excellent NLP and chatbot capabilities | |
| UiPath | Offers AI Center and Document Understanding |
Summary
RPA tools are not just “install-and-forget” solutions. They are long-term business partners that should be selected and optimized continuously based on your company’s strategic goals and unique workflows.
As we’ve seen, each RPA tool has its strengths:
Companies prioritizing usability and easy implementation
Companies focusing on governance and compliance
Companies looking to integrate with AI and cloud services
And perhaps most importantly, how automated tasks and information are shared across teams is the real key to success.
RPA × Team Collaboration = Real Business Transformation
For example:
Automatically share generated reports in real time
Alert team members instantly via VoicePing when anomalies are detected
Notify teams automatically when a workflow is completed
By integrating RPA with collaboration tools like VoicePing, you create an environment where awareness and action happen faster and more accurately.
Why VoicePing?
While RPA automates rule-based operations, VoicePing is a collaborative automation tool that turns “meeting content” into real-time actions.
Live translation of spoken content during meetings
All dialogue recorded and saved as text
AI-generated summaries including meeting overviews, details, and next actions
VoicePing supports the entire post-meeting process—from capturing what was said to sharing it and turning it into action.
🚀 What’s Next: Automating Sales Management with VoicePing
VoicePing is now evolving to include native RPA features focused on sales management—not just assisting, but automating the entire process.
Coming Soon:
🎯 Automatically convert meeting-generated next actions into tasks and assign them
🧾 Automatically store and organize customer conversation history in chronological order
📬 Auto-generate follow-up messages and reminders using AI
📊 Automatically create and share activity reports based on each sales rep’s actions
This will help sales managers drastically reduce time spent on:
Collecting information
Giving instructions
Tracking progress
While RPA automates task execution, VoicePing is set to automate people and action management.
Ready to Experience the Future of Automation?
Start with your current meetings and evolve toward full-scale sales automation—with VoicePing.
🔗 Try VoicePing for Free
Need a demo or detailed materials? Feel free to reach out to us anytime.
