Understand the difference between RPA and Excel macros in this article

Both RPA and Excel macros (Macro) can automatically perform daily office tasks, save time and cost, and improve work efficiency. So, what's the difference between them?

What is an Excel macro?

Macros in Excel are a function of recording tasks. It remembers a series of task steps and automatically repeats the same task. It can be said that all operations related to Excel can be automated through macros.

For example, update the data created in Excel every Monday and chart it. To perform this daily task, you can use record Macro, then select the data range and format the chart in the Chart Wizard. After recording a series of actions, the next time you just run the macro, you can automatically perform the same task.

In addition, macros can be created using the VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) programming language to operate Microsoft Office products such as Word and Access, as well as other Microsoft software.

What is RPA?

RPA (Robotic Process Automation), that is, "robot process automation". According to the pre-set program, the software robot can perform a large number of repeatable operation tasks instead of manual, so as to realize the process automation.

RPA can automate almost all repetitive and standardized operations on computers, not just Microsoft Office products.

The difference between the two

1. You can use RPA even if you have no programming knowledge.

If you just perform the basic tasks of Excel, you don't need programming knowledge, and you can do it with a single macro button. But to automate more advanced tasks, you must understand and use the VBA programming language.

RPA does not require programming knowledge, and software vendors generally provide built-in templates and tutorials. You only need to create a flowchart step by step, and you can automate tasks with RPA even if you don't know how to program.

2. RPA can handle a large amount of data.

Because the Excel macro runs on the computer, the data processing time depends on the specification and performance of the computer. Processing a large amount of data at one time, the burden on the computer is heavy, which may reduce the processing speed, and the actual amount of data processed is small.

RPA is suitable for a large amount of data processing. It can be run on servers and clouds, is relatively less dependent on computer specifications, and can quickly process large amounts of data (such as commodity information and customer information). It is especially suitable for background business which needs a lot of data, such as review, query, customer data, inventory confirmation, sales data and so on.

3. RPA can work with other systems

Excel macros can only automate Excel-related tasks. Even with the VBA language, it is limited to automating operations in Microsoft products, and these software must be modified.

By contrast, RPA is much more powerful than Excel macros. Its flexible scalability can be integrated on any system and is "non-invasive". Using RPA, you can automatically perform more tasks across systems and platforms, further improving office efficiency.

Knowing the difference between RPA and Excel macros (Macro), you also need to choose automation tools according to your own needs and uses.

The difference between RPA and Excel macros:

Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of RPA and Excel macros: