Well, really the difference is that you as a human can input the information you believe helpful in the correct fields so that they can map that data against various searches and such. Whereas with an uploaded resume, which is a very free-form thing that is in no way standardized technologically, you can present that information in a way that's formatted best as far as you're concerned, and even hold that information hostage in different file formats like PDF, Word 2010, older Word formats, whatever random Mac formats, plain text, or whatever else. And because they've captured the actual data you entered separately, you're not screwed if they can't read whatever file format you happen to use. Most people wouldn't know a file format from toe jam, so it's a smart step.
On the other hand, when you enter your account number for an automated phone system, enter the last 4 of your social security number, etc, and then the first thing the person that finally answers the phone asks is for your account number and last 4 of your social, I want to murder something.
Eric (the Deacon remix)
The follies which a man regrets the most in his life are those which he didn't commit when he had the opportunity. - Helen Rowland, A Guide to Men, 1922