BPA

Mastering the Art of Business Process Automation: Why knowing computer programming is required for automation engineers

For automation engineers who are keen to thrive in BPA and RPA domains, possessing a strong grasp of computer programming is no longer optional—it's a necessity. Below you will also find free and paid resources to learn computer programming.

Tigran

• 3 min read
Mastering the Art of Business Process Automation: Why knowing computer programming is required for automation engineers
Photo by Irvan Smith / Unsplash

Introduction

In the fast-evolving digital landscape, Business Process Automation (BPA) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) have emerged as game changers. They are increasingly becoming key components of a business's operational efficiency. However, for automation engineers who are keen to thrive in this domain, possessing a strong grasp of computer programming is no longer optional—it's a necessity.

At a basic level, Business Process Automation (BPA) aims to automate complex business processes and functions to improve operational efficiency. It involves the use of various methods to streamline the business process without requiring human intervention.

On the other hand, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) employs software robots or 'bots' to perform tasks that were traditionally executed by humans. These bots are designed to interact with software applications just like a human would, but with impeccable speed and zero errors.

Real-world Case Studies

  • Inventory Management: A major retail chain implemented a Python-based BPA solution that intelligently managed stock levels across multiple locations, reducing overhead costs by 30%.
  • HR Onboarding: A global enterprise adopted RPA bots programmed in JavaScript to automate the employee onboarding process. This resulted in faster onboarding and a significant reduction in human errors.

Why Programming is an Essential Skill

Customization is Key

The business landscape is incredibly diverse. Pre-built automation solutions are often inadequate to meet specific organizational needs. Knowledge of programming allows automation engineers to create custom solutions tailored to their company's unique requirements.

Data Manipulation and Transformation

Automations often require engineers to manipulate data, perform complex calculations, or execute logical operations. These tasks aren't possible without a thorough understanding of programming.

Scalability Matters

As businesses grow, so do their automation requirements. Custom-built programming solutions are more amenable to alterations and can be scaled more easily compared to off-the-shelf solutions.

Programming Languages to Consider

  • Python: Highly versatile and widely used for quick scripting as well as complex task automation.
  • JavaScript: Particularly useful when your automation tasks are related to web applications.
  • SQL: A must-know for database interactions, as much of the data businesses use is stored in relational databases.

Conclusion

The world of Business Process Automation and Robotic Process Automation is rich with possibilities. However, to unlock these possibilities, automation engineers need to understand programming. It provides the flexibility to create custom solutions and the capability to handle complex data manipulations—things that pre-built tools just can't offer.

If your goal is to excel in the rapidly growing fields of BPA and RPA, mastering one or more programming languages is not just an asset—it's a necessity. Start your journey today to build a future-proof skill set that will set you apart from the crowd.

Bonus - Resources to Learn Programming

Embarking on a programming journey? Below are some valuable resources to get you started. These range from online courses to in-person schools, catering to various needs and locations.

Online Programming Courses

  1. Become a Python Developer: 100 Days of Python offers an excellent, structured path to mastering Python.
  2. Web Development: The Odin Project provides a comprehensive curriculum covering everything you need to become a web developer.
  3. Multi-Language Guides: Roadmap.sh offers roadmaps for learning Python, JavaScript, SQL, and more.

In-Person Schools and Courses

  1. 42.fr offers a network of campuses in multiple countries including Armenia, Brazil, and Canada. For example, 42 Yerevan offers free coding education in Armenia.
  2. BloomTech adopts an interesting approach tailored mostly for U.S.-based students.
  3. Holberton School offers Income Sharing Agreements, making it easier for students to afford their education.
  4. It's also a good idea to research local programs that offer ISA or even free options to help you get started on your programming journey.

Note: An Income Sharing Agreement (ISA) is a financial arrangement where individuals receive education or training without upfront costs. In exchange, they agree to pay back a percentage of their future income for a specified period once they're employed.