Robotics Process Automation, or RPA, is a technology that uses software configuration to mimic humans in digital systems. In other words, it’s a “bot” that can automate tasks, such as downloading files, scraping the web for data, logging in to apps, and so on.
Even though the word “robotics” is in the name, there is no physical mechanics involved — besides the computer. While iRobot might not be available in the near future, RPA is certainly going to become more and more common in the coming years. Keep reading to learn five reasons why RPA is the tech of the 2020s and why you should learn more about it.
1. Businesses Are Racing Towards Digitalization
Long gone are the days of printers and file cabinets. These days, business is conducted digitally, using cloud-based storage systems, word processors, and the Internet. This process has been happening steadily for the last thirty years, but COVID-19 sped up digital transformation more than before. According to The Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum, 84% of organizations are pushing to accelerate digitalization.
Once businesses have gone fully digital, RPA can step in to automate repetitive tasks, freeing up workers to focus on more complex work.
2. More Companies Are Investing In Automation
COVID-19 changed many things about the world, including the way businesses operate. Many are finding ways to stay open while allowing people to work from home and are focusing on being more efficient with their practices. According to The Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum, 50% of companies have been accelerating automation practices since March 2020.
RPA is a key way that many businesses will accelerate their automation. Not only can Robotics Process Automation be done without PhD-level computer scientists, but it’s also affordable and easy-to-implement. By hiring RPA developers, many menial tasks can be taken over by computers.
3. Automation Allows Employees to Focus on High-Level Work
When work is repetitive, monotonous, and tedious, people tend to become unhappy at work. Most people are fulfilled by their jobs when they’re able to think creatively to problem solve. As time goes on, more and more people will choose jobs that enable them to work in this way, instead of being stuck at a tedious office job.
RPA is a great way to help make jobs more fulfilling, in particular work in sectors such as supply chain, human resources, and finance. By removing slow and tedious tasks, work can be done much quicker and workers can focus their efforts on big picture problems that make a meaningful impact.
4. RPA Can Lead to 30% in Cost Savings
Using RPA to automate easy tasks frees up workers to focus on more complex and productive work. According to PwC, using RPA can take processes that used to take minutes to complete down to only taking seconds to complete. Over time, this increase in speed can save companies up to 30% in their first year after implementation.
A great way for businesses to increase value to shareholders is by thinning the margins. In other words, increasing the amount of productivity within a span of time without hiring more people. In the long run, companies will choose this strategy to save money.
5. The Demand for RPA Developers Has Grown by 40%
There’s never been a better time to become an RPA developer. According to LinkedIn’s 2020 Emerging Jobs Report, the demand for RPA developers has grown by 40% since 2016. Plus, RPA developers make a great salary — over $115,000 on average according to ZipRecruiter.
Become an RPA Developer
Many businesses have found that their workers are happiest when they’re continually learning. It keeps them motivated and interested in their work — especially when they can find ways to use what they’ve learned to be better at their jobs. According to The Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum, 50% of employees will need to be upskilled by 2025.
With RPA, a computer takes up mundane tasks, freeing up employees to learn new things and think outside the box.
Check out Udacity’s RPA Developer Nanodegree Program
If you’re interested in becoming a Robotics Process Automation developer, check out Udacity’s RPA Developer Nanodegree program today to get started.
