IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) vs SAP Intelligent RPA comparison

IBM and SAP are both solutions in the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) category. IBM is ranked #8 with an average rating of 8.2, while SAP is ranked #9 with an average rating of 8.0. IBM holds a 3.1% mindshare in RPA, compared to SAP’s 2.2% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 87% of SAP users who would recommend it.

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 4, 2024

IBM Robotic Process Automation and SAP Intelligent RPA compete in the automation software category. IBM RPA seems to have the upper hand due to its strong analytics and integration with IBM Watson, whereas SAP excels in adaptability and flexibility.

Features: IBM RPA is known for its ease of use, integrating seamlessly with IBM Watson, and providing robust analytics and hybrid cloud integration. SAP Intelligent RPA is flexible, handling both attended and unattended tasks, offering smooth integration with CRMs, databases, and APIs.

Room for Improvement: IBM RPA can improve by enhancing its machine learning capabilities, browser compatibility, and Microsoft systems integration. SAP Intelligent RPA needs better SAP GUI stability, improved data extraction processes, and more flexible error messaging and Outlook integration.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: IBM RPA supports versatile deployment in hybrid cloud environments, with generally positive customer support though it can vary in quality. SAP Intelligent RPA is flexible in both cloud and on-premises deployments but needs better technical support and resource accessibility.

Pricing and ROI: IBM RPA has higher pricing with annual licensing but offers significant ROI, with returns often in less than a year. SAP Intelligent RPA's SaaS model is adaptable to various business needs, providing cost-effective solutions over time with a similar ROI period.

To learn more, read our detailed IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) vs. SAP Intelligent RPA Report (Updated: June 2025).

Buyer's Guide

IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) vs. SAP Intelligent RPA

June 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Automate

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) category, the mindshare of Automate is 1.8%, up from 1.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is 3.1%, up from 2.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of SAP Intelligent RPA is 2.2%, up from 0.8% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Featured Reviews

Anabel Marco

Account Director at a tech services company with 11-50 employees

Automates processes efficiently with cost-effective scaling and robust customer support

Web scraping is quite good since it offers a lot of possibilities. Another important feature for me is its compatibility with MBI, the Power that is ISEQUADO Centers. I appreciate the ability to scale and increase the number of bots or studios without additional expense. Automate's non-reliance on additional orchestrators makes it quite cost-effective.

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GeorgeTzifas

Chief Operating Officer at Anyrobotics RPA Experts

Provides smart AI tools and easy to use

I would like to have more flexibility in connecting the platform with third-party systems. It is easy to connect IBM RPA with other IBM products, but it is complicated when connecting to non-IBM systems. So, I would like IBM RPA to be even more flexible in connecting to third-party systems.

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Keerthana Jayathran

SAP BTP Developer at Wipro Limited

Offers integration of the document extraction service into SAP ALC, enabling the direct upload and extraction of details

I found that SAP Intelligent RPA can be somewhat unstable when using SAP GUI. When we upgraded from SAP GUI version 7.50 to version 7.70, we had to update our SAP Intelligent RPA screens even though the screens were the same. This was difficult and time-consuming. The one I would like to see is in context with the screens, if they are using the same SAP UI, and if it updates, it should not be changed. At least it should be able to identify the screen. There should be more of an error, like a proper error feature, in future releases. Sometimes, we don't understand why that automation is not learning what, like, where it is stuck, what the reason is, or what the criteria we are missing to add. A proper error message would be helpful.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The most valuable feature is the drag-and-drop interface, which is very Windows-like."

"The solution is continuously adding more integrations to help with workflows and bot and task creation."

"Overall, the whole product is really nice and provides significant benefits."

"A great feature that you seldom see in these kind of systems is the ability to use a database as trigger to launch a task. This is something I asked for a few years ago and that was added."

"The pricing is excellent. I would give them perfect marks in that regard."

"Fortra's Automate performs the job effectively and has the capability to alert us of any issues."

"This tool has machine learning and voice recognition and computer vision, which are both quite useful aspects. These aren't available in other tools. It's a good addition to this tool and it gives the solution an edge on the market."

"I find the ease of use from a programming perspective very valuable."

More Automate pros

"One of the most impactful features of IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has been its one-time setup capability."

"The solution's ease of use is its most valuable aspect."

"The feature I found most valuable is the TCO."

"IBM RPA helped us resolve a lot of difficult cases we could not resolve using other solutions."

"I like the integration with Watson and the possibility to have an intelligent reading of all the customers' documents."

"The most valuable feature is the ability to automate mundane tasks. This improves efficiency, reliability, etc. You can form critical operations which can be highly automated."

"The solution is very user-friendly."

"The quality is great! It's very strong and has a very strong platform."

More IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) pros

"Scalability is fine. It is pretty nice."

"It is remarkably easy to configure and code, and it doesn't require an extensive technical background or coding expertise."

"The most valuable feature of SAP Contextor is that everyone is in one place in the program that I need."

"Most of the details are already in the help portal and SAP notes are available. It is well documented as part of the product support."

"The initial setup of SAP Contextor is easy."

"Contextor is a good solution for a Citrix environment. It's the first with this tool. Other tools provide the same functionality, but not with the Citrix environment."

"It is a stable solution...It is a scalable solution."

"The standout features of SAP Intelligent RPA are its flexibility and integration capabilities."

Cons

"There is a lack of good development for artificial intelligence, such as machine learning."

"The vendor is currently working on a solution that allows us to automatically create a process that is based on a document that we receive via email."

"The workflow for variables could be better. The input and output of task-level variables could be made a little clearer in terms of passing those around from one task to another upon success, etc. Things like that could be a little easier potentially."

"I would prefer not having to log in to update a ticket; being able to respond via email would be beneficial."

"I would like the updates to be easier to deploy. Integration with Amazon S3 is somewhat lacking."

"I believe we need to test various OCR tools that assist in evaluating, let's say, six different customer resyncs. We analyze their spending patterns and documentations, but current OCR support has limitations, requiring highly standardized documents, which isn't always the case. With a more advanced OCR system, we could improve processes related to credit risk management and legal matters. We're exploring how to integrate Fortra's Automate with our CRM platform, taking cues from instances where Salesforce seamlessly merged with Automate. However, we use a different CRM, Insight for New Enterprise, and we're seeking ways to connect the automation process within our CRM. We aim for the automation to continue smoothly, even in instances where traditional automation methods might face hurdles."

"Some companies have asked for voice integration. This is likely part of the roadmap."

"The product also has a limited use case in some respects."

More Automate cons

"This RPA should be under the umbrella of BPM. This is what the future should be."

"I would like it to do pretty much everything out-of-the-box without any need for any customization. However, that is not the case right now. We absolutely have to do some amount of customization with the solution in order to use it out-of-the-box as-is."

"One of the things I would definitely like to see is more of the machine-learning and cognitive capabilities. For example, now that we're starting to automate more and more tasks, there are some things that still require us to go back and modify the robots when we need to. But if we had more of the machine-learning integrated into it, I believe it would be easier to maintain, so that we wouldn't have to go back and adjust every time."

"We would like a decreased need for customer support."

"I would like to have more flexibility in connecting the platform with third-party systems."

"Needs better integration with artificial intelligence or with machine-learning."

"IBM should provide specific solutions for specific problems, like templates for invoicing processes, or general templates for creating efficient processes."

"My impression of the support experience is lower than middle. I would rank it as that. They need to improve their support by having more experienced level one support."

More IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) cons

"There should be more of an error, like a proper error feature, in future releases. Sometimes, we don't understand why that automation is not learning what, like, where it is stuck, or what is the reason like, or what is the criteria we are missing to add. So a proper error message would be helpful."

"I would like to see a better capacity for unstructured data, for example, PDF, or text within images."

"I found that the SAP scripting of a program is easier than SAP Contextor."

"SAP Contextor could improve by automating some processes."

"The tool's licensing has been kind of a challenge...At the moment, the tool does not offer different licensing models to users."

"The initial setup is of medium complexity. It is neither too hard nor too simple. You need some background in SAP and an understanding of it."

"One way SAP Intelligent RPA could improve is by integrating built-in DI services for document processing."

"For potential features or improvements, one aspect I would suggest enhancing is the flexibility of the extraction process."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Once you buy the software, you just pay for the support for backend help."

"I believe the price falls within a reasonable range, which significantly influenced our decision regarding the product. This aspect is crucial for any technological solution, especially in our country where enterprises might be hesitant to invest heavily in something untested or uncertain about its practicality and potential returns."

"I'm only involved in running the product and maintaining the systems, so I can't speak to the cost."

"It has gone up in price. The price of Fortra's Automate has increased since we first started using it. It does a lot but also costs a lot. It was a lot more affordable before Fortra owned the software."

"I like the way this solution is priced because you can buy a license, or you can buy the software outright."

"Compared to other products, the pricing model for this solution is much more convenient, flexible, and adaptable to the Portuguese reality."

"From a distributor's perspective, one of the biggest selling points of Automate is its price point."

"It comes with a package that costs approximately $20,000 USD per year."

More Automate pricing and cost advice

"The pricing is reasonable for this solution."

"The pricing is reasonable."

"I rate the pricing ten out of ten. So, the pricing is very good for me."

"The product has a yearly licensing fee."

"IBM licensing is annual and based on Virtual Processor Cores (VPC). This provides flexibility as part of the containerization environment."

"The product is reasonably priced compared to other tools."

"IBM RPA is cheaper than other tools."

"There is a free trial for one month, so you can use it to run your payloads or proof of concept. After that, you can pay for the license on a monthly or annual basis."

More IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) pricing and cost advice

"The initial cost might seem higher, but over time, with continued use over five or ten years, the cost tends to decrease, making it a more economical choice."

"This is not a tool or software with a license as others are. The SaaS model is based on the usage of the tool."

"It all comes with a bundle right now. Having advanced features, it is competitively priced."

"The pricing is not that expensive. It is manageable."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

13%

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

Educational Organization

Computer Software Company

19%

Financial Services Firm

17%

Insurance Company

Government

Manufacturing Company

12%

Computer Software Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

Energy/Utilities Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about HelpSystems AutoMate?

We use it for specific cases, mainly secure file transfers, which are vital for us. And it works for us.

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What is your primary use case for HelpSystems AutoMate?

The main purpose is for automation. That has been the purpose why I have been using it so far.

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortra Automate?

Regarding pricing, it is very friendly. I would not say that it is really cheap or very expensive, but it fits within...

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What do you like most about IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

Integrating the tool with SAP, EBS, or other ERPs is easy.

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What needs improvement with IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

To improve IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for the next release, there should be more integration with external ...

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What is your primary use case for IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

My customers' main use cases for IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are especially in the banking industry, particu...

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What do you like most about SAP Contextor?

The standout features of SAP Intelligent RPA are its flexibility and integration capabilities.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SAP Contextor?

The pricing for SAP Intelligent RPA operates on a model that considers power usage and transactions per job. It is ad...

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What needs improvement with SAP Contextor?

The tool's licensing has been kind of a challenge. If the tool can bring up a usage-based licensing model, it would b...

See all answers

Comparisons

UiPath Platform vs Automate

Compared 32% of the time

Microsoft Power Automate vs Automate

Compared 30% of the time

Blue Prism vs Automate

Compared 9% of the time

Automation Anywhere vs Automate

Compared 8% of the time

VisualCron vs Automate

Compared 6% of the time

More Automate Competitors

Microsoft Power Automate vs IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Compared 74% of the time

UiPath Platform vs IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Compared 9% of the time

Automation Anywhere vs IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Compared 7% of the time

Blue Prism vs IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Compared 6% of the time

Nintex RPA vs IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Compared 3% of the time

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UiPath Platform vs SAP Intelligent RPA

Compared 33% of the time

Automation Anywhere vs SAP Intelligent RPA

Compared 16% of the time

Microsoft Power Automate vs SAP Intelligent RPA

Compared 13% of the time

SAP Build Process Automation vs SAP Intelligent RPA

Compared 13% of the time

Blue Prism Cloud vs SAP Intelligent RPA

Compared 7% of the time

More SAP Intelligent RPA Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Automate

July 2025

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Buyer's Guide

IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

July 2025

IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) report

Download IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) product report

Buyer's Guide

SAP Intelligent RPA

June 2025

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Also Known As

HelpSystems Automate, Automate

IBM RPA

SAP Contextor, Contextor

Overview

Automate offers a user-friendly solution with a drag-and-drop interface for efficient task automation and integration with major platforms like SAP and Azure, making it ideal for quick deployment with minimal coding and training.

Automate provides powerful features for businesses seeking efficient automation, offering compatibility with databases, email integration, and cloud platforms. Its simple interface supports both beginners and experienced users, simplifying tasks like invoice processing, HR automation, and data transformation. Cost-effective pricing and flexible licensing enhance its appeal while integration capabilities and scheduling tools ensure smooth workflow automation.

What are Automate's Key Features?

Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplifies automation with intuitive design.
Integration Capabilities: Connects with platforms like SAP and Azure for seamless data flow.
Database and FTP Triggers: Enhances automation potential through direct data interaction.
Efficient Scheduling: Automates tasks with precise timing and control.
Web Scraping: Automates data extraction for quick analysis and reporting.

What Benefits and ROI Should Users Expect?

Rapid Deployment: Minimizes coding efforts for quick implementation.
Cost-Effectiveness: Offers flexible pricing models to suit budget constraints.
Operational Efficiency: Reduces manual workloads and enhances productivity.
Comprehensive Integration: Facilitates improved data management across systems.
Scalability: Adapts to growing business needs with ease.

In industries such as healthcare, banking, and logistics, Automate is used for tasks like invoice payment automation, data transformation, and task automation. This leads to streamlined processes and reduced manual workload, illustrating its value in enhancing operational efficiency through diversified workflows.

Fortra

IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a technology that encompasses the use of smart robots in any process requiring efficiency, consistency and speed, with no risk of mistakes. In a nutshell, RPA simulates a human user working.

Today, it is possible to automate processes through the use of digital robots, or bots, which execute pre-programed, repetitive tasks in a safe and mistake free manner. There are literally thousands of opportunities for Robotic Process Automation to make an impact on your organization today, including: automatic invoice emission, system integration, information reconciliation, report generation, intelligent email management to lead generation, and many others.

IBM

SAP Intelligent Robotic Process Automation lets you automate enterprise business processes. Design process automations within the Cloud Studio by creating end-to-end workflows. Generate packages from these automations into the Cloud Factory powered by SAP BTP to configure and execute these packages with Agents. Agents running on workstations can work as a digital assistant (attended automation) or as a digital worker (unattended automation).

SAP Intelligent RPA enables business users and technologists to become citizen developers. With powerful yet intuitive low-code and no-code capabilities, the solution supports you in driving automation by tapping into the expertise of citizen developers.

SAP

Sample Customers

Aldergrove Financial Group, Preferred Health Professionals, Mindbeam Technologies, First Credit Union in British Columbia, Vestcom International, Prime Liberty Benefits, University of Tampa, CNLBancshares, World Precision Instruments, BJ's Restaurants, Globe Pequot Press, Accudata Technologies, Norton Healthcare, Pacific Toxicology Laboratories

The Hanover Insurance Group

BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, Kabel Deutschland, Orange, Carrefour

Buyer's Guide

IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) vs. SAP Intelligent RPA

June 2025

Free Report: IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA) vs. SAP Intelligent RPA

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