RPA and test automation are different concepts for automating processes. RPA is used by business users to automate repetitive business tasks for improved productivity, while test automation is carried out by developers and QA teams to test software functionality before release. Key differences include their areas of focus (RPA is backend-focused while test automation validates front-end functionality), required technical skills (test automation requires programming skills while RPA is designed for non-technical users), and when they are used in the development lifecycle (test automation is used pre-release while RPA is post-release). Both can improve efficiency but have distinct purposes and specializations.

2. • In the world of software developing and testing, RPA or Robotic Process Automation and test
automation are familiar terms. As similar as the names sound, the two are different concepts. That
brings us to what RPA and test automation is. What are the differences, and which one is better?
• RPA is a business automation tool used by business users and testers. It is used for regression testing
as well as for test data. It provides codeless automation macros on the desktop. This makes RPA a
better choice than other web and API testing tools.
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Test Automation Vs. RPA: Top 7 Differences
That Set Them Apart

3. • Test automation, on the other hand, is carried out through different automation tools. It is ideal to
use test automation in projects that have already gone through manual testing. It is also well suited
for large projects which require repeated testing.
• While those were some surface-level differences, there are more ways in which these two testing
practices are not alike. Before we get down to those, let’s quickly go through the benefits of each.
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4. Why Should One Opt for Robotic Process
Automation?
• It is ideal to apply RPA to tasks that are repetitive and require following a specific set of rules. It can
be used in tasks like product management, migration, accounting etc. Here are some of the benefits
of using RPA:
● Higher accuracy and lower chance of errors.
● Lower human intervention, hence higher productivity
● Automation results in reduced costs
● Better time management with time allotted to high-value job
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5. Why Should One Opt for Test Automation?
• Instead of having to test every software manually, automating testing can reduce manual effort, time
spent on repetitive tasks, and cost. It is done through testing tools that suit the task at hand.
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● Faster deployment of products
● Higher accuracy than manual testing
● High test coverage
● Lower time spent on repetitive tasks and more time allotted to high-value tasks.

6. • Robotic Process Automation and Test Automation both work to the same ends, i.e, testing, cutting
costs and increasing productivity. While they share vague similarities, there are larger differences
that set them apart. Each has its specialities and expertise required.
• Let us now look at some of the differences between Robotic process automation and test
automation.
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7. 1. What is it used for?
• The use of Robotic Process Automation is to automate a business process. However, the use of test
automation is to test and evaluate software behaviour. While both automate repetitive processes, RPA
does it to execute a task effectively and efficiently. Test automation repeatedly tests to evaluate, and
find bugs. This helps developers make the necessary changes and release a product without any
glitches.
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8. 2. Environment of execution
• Testing automation and RPAs are carried out in different environments. Test automation is done during
the development and testing stage of a product. It is done before the release of a product.
• Robotic process automation is done in a completed product. It is carried out in the operations stage of a
product. RPA is done on the product to increase efficiency and productivity.
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9. 3. Area of focus and strategy
• Test automation is usually focused on the front-end. It usually tests aspects that are used by
clients/users and hence they are focused more on the functionality of the
product/software/application. These are hence more valued in terms of business and have a higher risk
associated with them.
• RPA, on the other hand, is carried out on the back-end process. These are done to improve the
efficiency and productivity of certain processes. They are relatively low-value compared to test
automation, however, it is done with utmost care to nullify errors.
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10. 4. Scope of application
• There is a major difference between test automation and robotic process automation in the area of its
application. RPA can be conducted on a business process as well as products.
• However, Test automation works only on an application, software or product and its features.
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11. 5. Lifecycle
• Test automation is part of the maintenance lifecycle of software. They are part of the development
process. Their lifecycle is dependent on the tests carried out previously, and the decisions taken related
to software. Test automation might have to be updated multiple times before the actual product is
released.
• However, the lifecycle of RPA is independent of the software. It is more dependent on the business and
its course of decisions.
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12. 6. Technical Skills
• The technical skill involved in carrying out these tests also vary. In test automation, there is a higher
level of skill involved. The Q&A or developer would need advanced programming skills to carry out test
automation.
• RPA is designed to be used by business people. It does not require technical skills related to
programming.
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13. 7. Roles involved
• Test automation is conducted by developers. They examine the pre-release product to carry out tests in
relevant areas. Q&A teams are also deployed to conduct tests on products.
• RPA is conducted by business people. Although they are created by developers, it is meant to be
operated by the client in business.
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14. Summing Up
• RPA and Test automation are two entirely different processes with different applications. While they
may have similarities in that they both use automation and improve efficiency, the similarities usually
stop there. The major differences have been discussed above. Each of these requires entirely different
skills and knowledge.
• Whether you are looking to implement robotic process automation or test automation, you should hire
an experienced automation solutions provider like Calidad. Our team of experienced automation
engineers use world-class testing tools to rapidly meet the testing and automation needs of your
project. Reach out to us today for a custom quote today!
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15. https://calidadinfotech.com/
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