What feature typically distinguishes RPA from traditional automation?

RPA is distinguished from traditional automation primarily through its ability to work with existing applications without the need for extensive customization or major changes to those systems. This means that RPA can interact directly with the user interface of applications in the same way a human would, allowing it to automate processes across various platforms and legacy systems. This is particularly valuable because organizations can leverage their current technologies without incurring the costs and complexities associated with overhauling or replacing existing applications.

While other options touch on aspects of automation, they do not capture the defining feature of RPA. For instance, the dependency on manual intervention does not accurately describe RPA, as its purpose is to reduce such intervention. Similarly, the concept of processing speed isn't a primary differentiator, as traditional automation can also exhibit varying speeds depending on the context. Lastly, higher costs of implementation typically do not align with the premise of RPA, which is often considered a more cost-effective solution relative to extensive IT-driven automation efforts.