Exploring the Power of Robotic Process Automation and Low Code Development: My Spring Semester Learning Journey

At JSOM, The University of Texas at Dallas, the Robotic Process Automation course is designed to center on two key concepts: Low-Code Development and Process Automation. Low code is a software development method that reduces the need for manual coding by using visual interfaces and drag-and-drop capabilities to abstract and automate every step of the application lifecycle. This approach enables more efficient development and has become increasingly popular as a faster and more straightforward alternative to traditional software development. According to Gartner, the low-code development market is expected to reach $26.9 billion in 2023. Additionally, by 2026, at least 80% of low-code development tool users are predicted to be developers outside formal IT departments, up from 60% in 2021.

My perspective on consulting and its role in the industry was limited before taking this course, and I had little understanding of low code development platforms and their applications. However, as I progressed through the curriculum, I realized the significant value consulting can bring to businesses by providing expert guidance on RPA implementation through low code applications and process optimization. It was fascinating to witness how consulting firms leverage RPA and Low Code to drive digital transformation and improve their clients' financial performance. By utilizing low-code platforms like Appian, consultants can build applications and generate reports for end-users in a fraction of the time it would typically take. The industry is quickly adopting Low Code development because it offers significant advantages, such as faster development cycles, improved agility, and reduced costs. Low Code platforms empower non-technical users to build and deploy applications with little or no coding knowledge, enabling organizations to meet evolving business needs with greater flexibility. Low Code development has also become a crucial component in digital transformation initiatives, streamlining processes, automating workflows, and enhancing customer experiences. Consequently, the Low Code market is projected to witness significant growth in the coming years, with a market size of over $65 billion by 2027.

My main goal in enrolling in this course was to expand my skill set. What impressed me the most was the curriculum's unique mix of tools, including Appian, UiPath, ACCELQ, and Alteryx, all of which are relatively rare in the job market. As a result, the course provided me with a highly sought-after expertise. Rather than focusing solely on the basics, we spent most of the course building complete prototype applications and bots to automate repetitive tasks. Each class began with a brief theoretical discussion, which was particularly beneficial to me as a novice in RPA and Low-code. The hands-on projects and assignments were excellent, enabling us to apply what we learned in real-world situations and receive feedback from both instructors and peers. The Hackathons with AccelQ and KPMG were also a significant highlight, allowing us to develop bots and applications using AccelQ and Appian, which gave us an insight into RPA's potential to streamline business processes by automating repetitive tasks. Additionally, the class's collaborative atmosphere and constructive feedback from classmates and the instructor created a valuable learning experience.

Since completing this course, I have earned several key certifications, including ACCELQ Automation Expert and Engineer, Appian Certified Associate Developer, Alteryx Designer Core and Micro Credential, Google Data Analytics Professional Certification, and UiPath RPA Business Analyst Foundation.

I would like to extend my gratitude to my classmates, group members, and Professor Gaurav Shekhar for making this course both enjoyable and rewarding. I strongly recommend Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to all future students and believe that the skills I acquired in this course will be valuable in my future endeavors. I am grateful for this learning opportunity and hope to apply these skills as a tribute to the course.

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