Attended automation is a software automation approach that runs alongside a user and requires human input, supervision, or approval. It typically helps complete repetitive steps in a live desktop or web workflow. Unlike fully autonomous automation, it is designed for moments where context, judgment, credentials, or a final decision must remain with the user.
Attended Automation
What Is Attended Automation?
Attended automation is software that works alongside a user and needs their input, supervision, or approval. Often delivered through robotic process automation, browser tools, or workflow software, it handles repeatable interface steps while the user retains judgment.
How Attended Automation Works
It supports a live task rather than running independently in the background.
- The user starts the automation from an app, button, or shortcut.
- The software reads permitted workflow context.
- It completes repeatable actions, such as copying approved data into a form.
- It asks for missing input or confirmation when needed.
- It records the result and returns control to the user.
Attended vs. Unattended RPA
The key difference is whether a person is present during execution.
| Area | Attended | Unattended |
|---|---|---|
| Human role | Starts, guides, or approves | Not required during run |
| Best for | Interactive, variable tasks | Stable, high-volume workflows |
| Credentials | Active user's authorized access | Managed service identity |
| Example | Guided record lookup | Nightly data reconciliation |
Benefits of Attended Automation
It can make live software work easier without removing user control.
- Reduces repetitive clicking and copy-and-paste errors.
- Applies consistent steps during customer-facing work.
- Provides real-time help while preserving human review.
Practical Limits and Security Considerations
Reliable design matters because the automation shares a user's working environment.
- UI changes, browser interruptions, and unexpected inputs can break scripts.
- Test exceptions and keep clear audit logs.
- Use only the active user's authorized permissions, and require approval for consequential actions.
When to Use Attended Automation
Use it for short, interactive tasks with variable inputs or required approvals, such as guided form completion, document review, or record lookup. Use unattended automation for predictable workflows that can run safely without a person. It is one form of business process automation.
Building Human-Guided Workflows with Emergent
Emergent helps teams describe and build custom web or mobile workflows that automate repeatable steps while keeping approvals, exceptions, and user decisions in the product experience. Build human-guided automations with Emergent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
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What is the difference between attended and unattended RPA?
Attended RPA runs with a user present to supply context or approve actions. Unattended RPA runs independently after a schedule, event, or system trigger.
When should you use attended automation?
Use it when a task is interactive, needs judgment, relies on a user's current session, or has variable information that software cannot safely resolve alone.
Does attended automation require a human to start it?
Often, yes. It can also begin from a user action inside an application, but a user remains available to supervise or respond during the workflow.
How should attended automation handle user permissions and approvals?
It should act only within the active user's authorized access, request explicit approval for important actions, and log key inputs, decisions, and outcomes.
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