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Have you ever imagined having a digital assistant to handle all the most boring parts of your job? It's not science fiction; it's called RPA (Robotic Process Automation). Imagine small software programs that mimic human actions to complete repetitive tasks, such as data entry or filling out endless forms. This allows people to focus on more creative and stimulating activities.

But it's not that simple. To make these 'digital robots' work effectively, simply installing a program isn't enough. A perfect balance is needed between three worlds: business (those who decide what to do), IT (those who manage the technology), and people (us!). If these three elements do not collaborate, automation can lead to confusion or errors.

A recent study explored this very balance. Researchers found that for RPA to succeed, companies must create clear and standardized rules. It's not just about technology, but about how people adapt to change. When automation is managed well, it doesn't replace humans; it empowers them, making work smoother and less stressful. In short, the goal is to turn technology into a loyal ally, capable of handling routine tasks while we focus on big ideas.

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Robotic Process Automation (RPA) differs from traditional artificial intelligence because it doesn't necessarily 'learn' from data; instead, it follows predefined rules (if-then-else) to replicate human actions on digital interfaces. The main challenge identified by research is 'governance': the set of rules and processes that ensure automation is secure, compliant with privacy laws, and integrated into existing workflows. Without solid governance, automation can create 'hadow IT'—unmonitored technological processes that increase security risks. Effective integration requires the IT department to oversee the infrastructure, while the Business department defines optimized processes, ensuring that automation is not just a 'band-aid' on inefficient processes, but a true engine of digital transformation.

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Authors:
José Cascais BrásRuben Filipe PereiraMarcella MeloIsaias Scalabrin BianchiRui Ribeiro
Date Published:
Original Article www.mdpi.com
Fact-check verified on 11/08/2026
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Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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