How can entry-level professionals build their Process Automation skills?

Speaking your customer language is one of the most powerful skills you want to learn before starting your career in process automation field. Every customer has unique requirements and expectations. By speaking their language, automation professionals can better understand their needs and develop customized solutions. This tailored approach ensures that the automation solution aligns with the customer’s specific objectives, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and achieving the customer intimacy.

Learning process automation is important for job success. Start by understanding the basics, like what it is and why it matters. Know different tools and principles, such as workflow design and data integration. Take online courses or learn from experienced colleagues to build these skills and stand out in the job market.

There is a lot of technology out there. Start by understanding the area of process automation you would like to understand. Attending tradeshows such as MODEX or PROMAT can be a great way to see a lot of automation opportunities in one venue. You can also find consulting support at these shows as well. Organizations that have high exposure to various applications and implementations could guide you in the right direction.

Before thinking about automation, spend time to know the business process and the challenges. Automating a bad process is even worse than status quo.

Entry-Level (0-3 years): Learn Core Skills: Focus on Python for Linux automation and PowerShell for Windows. Understand basic scripting and automation tasks. Practical Projects: Apply skills in real-world scenarios, like automating file management, system updates, or basic network tasks. Mid-Level (3-10 years): Advanced Automation and DevOps: Embrace DevOps practices, understanding their role in automation and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. Project Management and Communication: Enhance project management abilities. Advanced Level (10+ years): Specialization in Hyperautomation Strategic Leadership and Innovation Industry Contribution

Picking the right tool is crucial for learning process automation skills. Research and understand different tools available, considering cost, ease of use, and compatibility. Seek advice from experienced professionals and try free trials or demos to find the best fit. Stay updated on new tools by exploring online resources and tutorials for effective skill development.

Selecting the appropriate tool for automation can be a three-pronged approach. First, determine if there is an existing tool or technology within the existing org framework that can support the process automation. Second, research to determine what existing solutions or technologies vendors can provide, and send an RFI (request for information) or demo request. Third, weigh the options, determine which provide the best functionality and cost benefits to bring forth the business case for the selection.

Choosing the right tool plays an important role in creating a tone of interest in you, otherwise, you may end up getting frustrated. Nowadays, RPA tools are user-friendly, with dedicated training available across the board. So choose the one that sparks more curiosity in you when you are automating!

Utilization of proper tools like six sigma, Fishbone, RPA, FMEA etc. gives us a very convenient and readymade way to analyze a problem and derive solutions to it rather than finding the solutions in a hapazard and time/Energy consuming manner without reaching to Right conclusions...I like to use right tools for Concerning Issues...

For entry-level process automation, consider starting with tools like UiPath or Automation Anywhere. These are user-friendly Robotic Process Automation (RPA) platforms that allow you to automate repetitive tasks without extensive programming knowledge. They offer beginner-friendly interfaces and extensive community support to help you get started.

I always emphasize a lot about hands-on experience during all my training and courses cause that is one thing which helped me a lot. Hands-on experience allows individuals to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This practical application helps in reinforcing concepts and understanding how automation works in different scenarios. Building real projects provides value to one's resume. This can be valuable when applying for jobs or internships, as it demonstrates practical skills and an ability to deliver promising results. Automation often involves solving complex problems. By working on real projects, entry-level professionals can enhance their problem-solving skills.

Do commissioning, you will learn faster compare to doing project from scratch. Find a field services job. Suffer first at site.

Automating the routine jobs and processes can give you additional time for critical thinking and expanding your work profile....For example There are many weekly, monthly or monthly reports and processes which are done manually can be automated easily to avoid human errors and saving time and other resources

The only way I’m capable of learning is hands on. I’m currently taking a 12 hour online class. I’m 4 hours into the videos and have spent one week on this running through the programming on a VM and virtual controller. Until you do it yourself you will never fully grasp it.

Hands-on experience is the best way to learn. You can read books, manuals, articles, to know the theory, but the real knowledge will only come by doing it, repeatedly. Hands-on experience helps you to lose the fear of the unknown, of something never done by you before, gives you confidence to perform something you will always remember how to do it and will open doors to higher-level complexity tasks.

Feedback is crucial for growth: Emphasize the importance of seeking feedback from colleagues and supervisors to improve skills and performance in process automation.

Feedback keeps you grounded and humble, why because it means someone has taken their time to look at your work. Always listen, because that is the best support you can get and don't be afraid to ask the stupid questions.

Feedback is like a close loop process where we can understand the corrective actions required to fine tune the process...Very important for retaining the current customers and attracting new..

In every automation project, you'll learn something new! Whether it's about text manipulations, data conversions, or other coding artifacts, make sure to view your skill set as a toolbox that you continually fill with each automation project. Strive to create synergies and share your knowledge with those who appreciate it!

Feedback is important, no matter the experience level you are at. Everybody needs to know how people around are assessing the job quality, where there’s room for improvement and where there’s a good practice that must be kept. And along with the feedback is also crucial, the support you get from your company, either if it’s a positive or negative feedback, it’s important to know that people around you trusts in your work and have your back.

- Acquire a grasp of basic programming concepts. - Familiarize yourself with programming languages such as C#, JAVA, or Python (Python is recommended). - Gain insights into process automation through online resources. - Begin with one RPA tool and later explore additional tools. - Obtain certification in a chosen RPA tool. - Develop a basic understanding of API and JSON. - Cultivate an automation mindset. - Actively engage in community events. - Continuously update and apply your knowledge in your work. - Demonstrate a consistent learning attitude.

Stay ahead of the curve in process automation by embracing continuous learning. Explore emerging technologies like AI-powered automation and intelligent process mining. For eg, UiPath. Consider pursuing industry-recognized certifications to validate your skills and boost your career prospects. Share your knowledge through articles, presentations, or online discussions.

It's crucial to stay updated in the fast-changing IT world. Check out important blogs and websites for the latest industry news. Make sure to try out new tools and features to stay updated. Join communities, collaborate, and network.

Technologies keep on changing very fast since a lot of work is going on across the world and world has become small with the advent of available Fast communication plateforms and alliances...Hence It is very essential for individuals and Businesses to keep updated to keep relevant in this fast changing competitive world..

Adopt a continuous learning attitude. It is so easy to get overwhelmed with ALL the new tech updates. Stay curious, stay positive. Make learning a daily habit. Set aside 30 minutes a day (or whatever works for you) and chip away on a topic you are interested in. Leverage free content from vendors. I find setting a certification goal can help me follow a learning path and motivation to achieve a learning milestone. Following MVPs, thought and community leaders will provide inspiration on topics. Use GenAI to create learning plans, study guides, quizzes, etc to help you create personalized learning to help support your efforts. Keep plugging, share what you learn, it is a continuous journey!

Be customer centric, focus on actual interest/need to create better customer experience while designing the process or automating the solution.

In addition to process automation understanding of Buisness Domain in which you are working is equally important..Some knowledge on other branches will complement and strengthen your Solutions and efforts...

1. Importance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of process automation 2. The benefits of seeking out mentorship or guidance from experienced professionals in the industry 3. Utilizing online resources and courses to enhance knowledge and skills in process automation 4. Hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work to gain practical skills 5. Networking opportunities through conferences, workshops, and professional organizations for exposure to new ideas and techniques

Independiente de las tecnologías o herramientas que utilices para "automatizar" un proceso, primero debes empoderarte del proceso: conocerlo (su valor, sus limitaciones, su relación con otros procesos, etc). Esto permitirá que lo puedas ordenar, no puede existir una automatización sin orden. Una vez que reestructures (de tal manera que lo entiendas), puedes utilizar cualquier tecnología o herramienta que te ayude a incrementar el valor de un proceso. Optimizar un proceso no es digitalizarlo, debe existir un incremento de valor y ahorro de recursos para que sea considerado una automatización. Y por supuesto que pueda utilizarse.

Imagine working late due to a the volume of work which is repetitive in nature. You forgot your Wedding Anniversary on that specific day and your wife was waiting for you to come home for a surprise. Unfortunately, you have to render overtime and came home late, you noticed the preparation done by your wife then you suddenly remember this special day. By experiencing this and the consequences of not being able to innovate might be able to motivate you how to be better in what you do, consistently trying to question the status quo. Igniting that "FIRE" or passion is really what I could say is the most fundamental thing anyone should try to uncover to start anything, bring it to completion and repeat the cycle - better than the last time.