RPA and Low-Code: Key Differences & Use Cases

RPA is great for automating UI-based tasks, like data entry and working with legacy systems. However, low-code provides a more scalable and customizable solution, when companies need to automate end-to-end workflows or build internal tools.

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• Key differences between RPA and low-code
• When to use RPA vs. when to use low-code
• Challenges of combining RPA and low-code
• How Superblocks enhances RPA automation

Let’s start with RPA.

What is RPA (Robotic Process Automation)?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) mimics human actions with digital systems to automate repetitive tasks. This includes clicking buttons, entering data, copying and pasting information, and logging into systems.

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In the early 2000s, automation mostly relied on screen scraping. Since many systems didn’t have APIs, bots would copy and paste data between applications just like a human would. It wasn’t the most advanced approach, but it got the job done.

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As technology advanced, rule-based automation emerged. Instead of just scraping data, bots could follow structured logic: “If this value appears, click here. If not, enter that.” This made automation more reliable.

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RPA built upon these early automation techniques, but it evolved beyond simple UI interactions. It incorporates more sophisticated features like workflow design, rule-based logic, and integration with various systems, not just at the UI level.

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Today, RPA has evolved far beyond simple UI automation. Modern bots can integrate directly with systems, process structured and semi-structured data, and even use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to extract text from PDFs and images.

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With newer AI-powered automation, RPA bots can analyze data, recognize patterns, and make simple decisions.

RPA examples

RPA is used by pretty much any industry with a lot of repetitive structured tasks. Here are some real-world examples of common RPA use cases across different industries:

• Data entry: Copying data from one system to another.
• Invoice processing: Extracting invoice data from PDFs/emails and entering it into an ERP system.
• Payroll processing: Extracting timesheet data and updating payroll systems.
• Legacy system automation: Automating tasks in outdated applications without APIs.
• Order processing: Pulling order details from emails and updating ERP systems.
• Price comparison & competitive analysis: Scraping competitor prices and updating pricing strategies.

Popular RPA tools

Here are three leading RPA tools in the market:

• UiPath: Offers a user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface for building bots. It’s ideal for large enterprises seeking comprehensive automation solutions with strong cloud capabilities.
• Automation Anywhere: A cloud-native RPA platform notable for combining cloud-based flexibility with AI features. It caters to companies needing scalable and user-friendly RPA solutions. 
• Blue Prism: Known for enterprise-grade automation with a focus on robust governance and scalability. It’s ideal for organizations that require structured, rule-based automation.

What is low-code?

Similar to RPA, low-code provides a quick and simple way for both developers and non-developers to optimize processes with technology. However, instead of building a robot to sit on top of existing systems, it often works directly with old, outdated, or manual systems to extend and modernize them. 

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Low-code achieves this by providing a visual development environment and integrations that allow teams to build apps that connect directly to databases, APIs, and third-party tools. So instead of scripting a bot to extract data from a system by clicking through menus and copying text, low-code enables teams to build a user-friendly app that pulls data directly from the system’s database or API.

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Though some low-code concepts existed earlier, the approach significantly gained traction in the late 2000s and 2010s. As cloud computing and SaaS solutions became more popular, businesses started using more third-party apps and distributed systems. 

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Instead of relying on a single monolithic system, companies had to integrate multiple tools like CRMs, ERPs, analytics tools, and other cloud services. This created a growing need to build apps and automate workflows between these systems without pulling too many resources from core development.

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Low-code is a perfect fit. It gives devs a faster way to build applications but still gives them some flexibility to hand code.

Examples of low-code

 Companies use low-code to upgrade outdated tools, consolidate operational processes, and free up developers for higher-impact projects. 

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Here are some common ways businesses leverage low-code:

• Modernize legacy admin tools: Low-code makes it easy to rebuild outdated internal systems with better UIs, cloud accessibility, and direct data sharing.
• Quickly build tooling for company initiatives: Teams can use low-code to create purpose-built tools for initiatives like new product launches or AI-powered features without waiting on full-scale software development.
• Consolidate fragmented workflows: Businesses use low-code to centralize operational processes spread across spreadsheets, third-party tools, and internal dashboards into a single system.
• Reducing the burden on senior engineers: Replacing complex, outdated tools with low-code solutions empowers non-technical teams to make updates and build internal applications on their own. This frees up senior developers to focus on higher-priority projects.

Popular low-code platforms

Many low-code platforms support both application development and workflow automation. Some may prioritize specific areas, but the distinction is often blurred as modern platforms increasingly provide comprehensive features for both. 

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This allows businesses to either fully replace RPA-driven workflows with more stable, API-based automation or revamp legacy applications that were previously relegated to RPA by building modern, integrated apps instead.

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Here are some of the most well-known low-code platforms:

• Superblocks: Best for quickly building internal tools and workflows. It stands out for its strong focus on developer experience, customization, and governance controls.
• Microsoft Power Apps: Best for businesses already using the Microsoft ecosystem. It integrates with Microsoft 365, Dynamics, and Power Automate.
• Mendix: Best for organizations developing both mobile and web apps. It places a strong emphasis on collaboration between business and IT.
• Appian: Best for process automation and case management. It’s ideal for companies with process-heavy workflows such as those in the public sector.

RPA vs. low-code: Key differences

RPA is good for automating repetitive tasks at the UI level, while low-code works at the system level with APIs and databases. But how do they actually compare?

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A quick look at their key differences before we expand on each point:

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Purpose

RPA’s purpose is to automate tasks within existing applications by mimicking user interactions. Low-code is built for creating new apps and system-level automation by integrating directly with databases and APIs.

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Because of this, RPA is often used as a workaround for systems without integration points, whereas low-code builds automation natively into the application design.

How it works

In short, RPA works on top of existing applications without modifying them, while low-code replaces or extends those applications.

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RPA interacts with existing systems just as humans would. These bots identify screen elements through selectors, detect on-screen visuals, and extract text from images using OCR. No changes to underlying business apps are required.

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With low-code, developers (or even power users) visually design their own UIs and business logic flows. Low-code platforms provide built-in connectors to link user-facing apps directly to existing systems such as databases or REST APIs.

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Behind the scenes, the platform handles a lot of the "plumbing" like database CRUD operations, API calls, and authentication. The end result isn't a script operating another application's UI, but rather an enterprise-grade application with its own interface and logic.

Flexibility

RPA is flexible in that it can automate almost any application without needing backend access. However, it’s not flexible in how it automates. Since it relies on the UI, even small changes like a button moving or a form layout update can break the bot.

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Low-code can automate a greater variety of tasks. Because it actually integrates with APIs and data sources, it’s easier to use for end-to-end workflows that rely on decision-making and lots of integrations.

Integration approach

As we mentioned, RPA integrates with systems through the UI. This "non-invasive" approach means RPA can often work with legacy systems without needing to change the underlying code. 

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Low-code integrates at the system level, using APIs, webhooks, and database connections. It doesn’t need to load UIs or simulate human actions. For legacy systems that you don’t want to replace, you can usually embed low-code apps directly into them.

Best use cases

RPA is ideal for:

• Automating repetitive, high-volume, manual tasks (data entry, report generation, etc.).
• Automating processes within legacy systems that have no APIs.

Low-code is ideal for:

• Automating end-to-end business processes that require coordination between humans and systems (e.g., customer onboarding, order fulfillment).
• Building new applications and digital experiences (portals, mobile apps, workflow applications).
• Digital transformation initiatives that require process improvement and system integration.

Implementation complexity

For basic RPA bots that automate simple, well-defined tasks, the technical barrier to entry can be relatively low. Business users with some training can often build and deploy basic bots, especially with user-friendly RPA tools.

Pros and cons of RPA

While RPA enables businesses to automate processes quickly without major system changes, it also comes with challenges. In this section, we’ll break down its advantages and drawbacks. 

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But first, here’s a quick overview:

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Pros:

• Reduces human error in repetitive tasks: Bots follow rules perfectly. They don’t get tired or distracted, so they execute tasks flawlessly every time. If a bot is programmed to process orders in a specific sequence, it will always follow the same workflow.
• Works well with legacy systems that lack APIs: If you’re dealing with old software that doesn’t have APIs, RPA is a great way to automate tasks without modifying the system.
• Can be deployed quickly without significant IT involvement: RPA is quicker to implement because it doesn’t require deep code changes. Many RPA platforms (like UiPath and Automation Anywhere) offer visual workflow designers that business teams can use. 
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  Some tools even let users record their actions (e.g., clicking buttons, copying data) and turn them into automation scripts without coding.

• Works across multiple apps: RPA can extract, manipulate, and input data across different systems — from web apps and local databases to Citrix environments and virtual desktops. This makes it useful for processes that touch multiple disconnected tools.

Cons:

• Limited ability to handle decision-based processes: RPA is fundamentally task-based, not workflow-based. If a process involves many decision branches, parallel workflows, exceptions, or human intervention, RPA alone isn’t enough.|
  Many organizations pair RPA with process orchestration tools or APIs to handle more complex workflows.

• Requires ongoing maintenance when UI changes: Bots don’t handle changes gracefully. An unexpected pop-up, UI update, or a slight alteration in a process flow can confuse the bot and halt the automation entirely. Addressing these errors can be time-consuming. Even worse, the maintenance burden accumulates the more bots you deploy.
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  Unlike API-based automation, where a versioned endpoint ensures stability, RPA bots break if a webpage redesigns a button or a login flow changes. 

• Limited scalability: RPA scales by replication. If you need to process more work, you deploy more bot instances. Unfortunately, managing more bot instances introduces complexity especially when bots start relying on other bots. One small change in a process breaks multiple automations downstream. Furthermore, some tasks have a scalability limit if they all depend on the same UI.
• More security concerns: With RPA, each bot often acts with a set of user credentials to access various systems. A bot is, in fact, a virtual user that typically inherits user privileges. If not governed properly, bots can introduce security risks like overexposing sensitive data while processing it.
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  Best practices include enforcing role-based access control (RBAC), storing bot credentials in vaults, and audit logging to track bot activities.

Pros and cons of low-code

Low-code platforms promise faster development, reduced reliance on traditional coding, and easier collaboration between business and IT teams. But like any technology, they come with trade-offs.

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In this section, we’ll break down the pros and cons of low-code to help you decide where it shines and where it might fall short.

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Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons before we get into the details:

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Pros:

• Has a wider range of applications for businesses: Low-code platforms go beyond task automation. They can consolidate internal tools, modernize legacy systems, and build entirely new applications.
• Faster performance: Low-code apps are generally faster for processing transactions because they bypass the GUI and interact at the API level. You don’t need to wait for screens to load or scripts to simulate typing.
• Allows both visual and custom-coded logic: Most platforms allow developers to write custom scripts (e.g., JavaScript, Python, or SQL) alongside visual workflows. This flexibility means you’re not locked into rigid automation rules like in RPA — you can build sophisticated, tailored logic when needed.
• Lower maintenance over time: Updating a low-code app is usually quicker and less complex than tweaking a fleet of bots. For one, changes are made from a centralized place rather than in many distributed scripts. If a business rule changes, a developer can update the logic in the low-code platform and redeploy the app. 
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  Another thing that contributes to low maintenance needs is the pre-built templates and built-in integration middleware. They are thoroughly tested, meaning the apps have fewer bugs from the start.

Cons:

• Requires some technical knowledge to maximize benefits: While low-code platforms simplify development, they’re not entirely no-code. Business users can build simple workflows, but technical know-how is still needed to write custom logic or integrate APIs.
• Not ideal for UI-driven automations: If the goal is to automate clicking and form-filling across multiple applications, RPA is purpose-built for that, while low-code isn't.
• Some trade-offs in customization: Low-code platforms offer pre-built components and templates that enable more democratized and faster development. However, you lose the fine-grained control of DIY apps. 
• Potential vendor lock-in: Some low-code platforms don’t allow you to export your code outside their environment. This can lead to long-term dependency on a single vendor or costly migrations.

When to use RPA vs. Low-Code

If you're deciding between RPA and low-code, the choice depends on what you're automating and how scalable you need it to be. Here’s when each makes the most sense.

Use RPA if:

• You need to automate repetitive UI-based tasks without modifying existing software.
• Your organization relies on legacy systems without API access.
• Your automation doesn’t require complex decision-making.

Use low-code if:

• You're looking for a fundamental shift in how business apps are created and automated
• You need custom applications and workflows beyond simple task automation.
• Your automation involves API integrations, databases, or decision-making processes.
• You want a scalable, long-term automation solution that doesn’t break when UI changes.
• Your business needs to streamline complex processes that require logic, approvals, and multi-step automation.

Industry comparisons of RPA and low-code use cases

Different industries have unique automation challenges, and the choice between RPA and low-code depends on their specific needs. 

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Below are real-world examples of how healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing leverage both:

Healthcare

• RPA: An RPA bot scans doctor schedules in an EHR and auto-sends SMS confirmations to reduce no-show appointments.
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• Low-code: Healthcare providers can use low-code to build a patient intake app that consolidates scheduling, insurance, and medical record data via API integrations. The app can guide patients step-by-step through check-in, insurance verification, and consent forms. After that, it automatically updates billing and EHR systems.

Finance & banking

• RPA: RPA is widely used in finance to automate data entry tasks. During a loan application, for example, a bot extracts applicant data from online forms, emails, or PDFs and inputs it into loan processing systems.
• Low-code: Banks can build a self-service loan portal where applicants upload documents, verify their identity, and track loan approval status. The app integrates directly with credit bureaus, underwriting systems, and payment platforms.

Retail & ecommerce

• RPA: Retailers use RPA to handle support tickets. An RPA bot extracts customer inquiries from emails or chat, retrieves order details from the CRM, and pre-fills support tickets. 
• Low-code: A low-code platform enables businesses to build centralized customer support apps that consolidate all customer interactions, order history, and support tickets into a single view. Agents can access all information in one place, improving first-contact resolution rates.

Manufacturing & supply chain

• RPA: In supply chain operations, RPA automates data entry into legacy inventory systems. It's also effective for processing supplier invoices by extracting information from emails and PDFs.
• Low-code: Manufacturers use low-code to build a real-time supply chain management app that integrates with supplier APIs, warehouse inventory, and production tracking systems. The app automatically pulls order statuses, triggers reorders when stock runs low, and provides consolidated inventory data for procurement teams.

Checklist: Choosing between RPA and low-code for your business

If you're unsure whether to use RPA or low-code, this table can help. It breaks down common automation factors and which approach is the best fit:

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Why not combine RPA and low-code for maximum efficiency?

Instead of choosing one, businesses can combine RPA and low-code to optimize automation.

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Take loan processing for example. A bank receives thousands of loan applications in different formats (docs, scanned PDFs, and some handwritten).

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In this case, RPA bots extract data from scanned applications then sends that data to a loan-processing app built with low-code. This app integrates with credit bureaus and underwriting systems for automated risk assessments. It also provides a central place for loan officers to view, approve, or reject applications.

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Small businesses do the same with invoices. RPA extracts key data from PDFs and enters it into the accounting system. Then a low-code app validates amounts, flags duplicate invoices, and syncs payments with accounting software like QuickBooks or NetSuite.

Challenges of using both

Combining both RPA and low-code is not always a straightforward synergy. There are some challenges you need to be aware of:

• Governance and maintenance overhead: RPA and low-code often come from different vendors. Managing and governing automations across two different platforms increases governance overhead. You now have separate platforms to monitor, secure, audit, and manage.
• Redundancy and overlap: There can be functional overlap between RPA and low-code. Teams might unintentionally build redundant automations or choose a more complex combined approach when low-code or RPA alone would suffice.
• Cost and licensing: Using two platforms means paying for both which will increase the overall cost of your automation efforts.

The best way to avoid these challenges is to prioritize API-based automation via low-code tools whenever possible. It offers scalability and flexibility benefits that RPA doesn’t. 

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If UI-based RPA is unavoidable, minimize its scope. Use it only for the specific UI interactions that cannot be achieved through APIs and make sure you at least standardize governance across the two platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can low-code replace RPA?

Not always. Low-code can automate workflows via APIs, while RPA is useful for automating UI-based tasks when no API exists. 

Which is more cost-effective: RPA or low-code?

Low-code is more cost-effective than RPA due to its lower initial setup costs, reduced maintenance needs, and ability to build more complex applications with less specialized IT skills required. However, RPA can offer a quick ROI for automating high-volume, repetitive tasks.

How does RPA integrate with low-code platforms?

RPA can extract data from legacy systems and pass it to a low-code app, which then processes, visualizes, or routes the data through APIs. Some low-code platforms also offer built-in RPA connectors for easier integration.

Is RPA easier to implement than low-code?

RPA is often faster to deploy for simple UI-based automation but requires ongoing maintenance when interfaces change. Low-code takes more setup initially but provides a more stable, long-term solution for workflow automation.

Does RPA require coding skills?

Not always. Many RPA platforms offer drag-and-drop interfaces for basic automation. However, for complex workflows, error handling, and integrations, some coding knowledge is often needed.

Can RPA and low-code work together?

Yes. Businesses often use RPA for UI automation where APIs aren’t available and low-code for workflow orchestration, dashboards, and API integrations. 

How Superblocks helps businesses automate and scale

RPA is great for automating repetitive tasks, but that’s usually not enough for teams dealing with larger issues due to process fragmentation, legacy systems, and product backlogs.

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At Superblocks, we provide a code-enabled platform for developers that makes it easy to consolidate tooling, eliminate tech debt, and reduce maintenance overhead. With visual app builders, built-in integrations, and full-code support, they can build custom apps, automate workflows, and schedule cron jobs all in one place without minimal overhead.

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More importantly, since everything is under a single platform, you get consistent visibility and control over your operations — something that becomes increasingly challenging when solutions are fragmented across multiple systems.

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We achieve this through a comprehensive set of features:

• 60+ native integrations: Connects directly to any data source (databases, APIs, data warehouses), removing the need for RPA bots that scrape interfaces.
• Visual workflow builder: Build automations using a visual flowchart UI where you can chain actions together without writing extensive code. Use JavaScript, SQL, and Python for fine-grained control over execution logic.
• Visual app builder: Drag and drop over 100 pre-built components to design your app UIs. Bring in custom React components for super specific designs.
• Event-driven and scheduled automations: Trigger workflows via API requests or set them to run on a custom schedule.
• Centralized governance and access control: Easily define who can create, edit, and execute workflows with role-based access control (RBAC) so teams can collaborate without compromising security.
• Built-in monitoring and debugging: Track and troubleshoot workflows in real-time with live execution logs, automatic retries, and performance insights.
• Affordable pricing: Traditional RPA tools charge based on bot executions and workflow runs, which can add up fast. Superblocks keeps pricing flexible. You pay for apps by Creator and use usage-based pricing for end users.

Ultimately, our goal is to give you the best features so you can build stable scalable workflows and internal tools. If you’re ready to see it in action, check out our 5-minute Quickstart guide or better yet, try it for free.