The Digital Automation Professional: Insights from UiPath’s 2023 Report

As a UiPath professional services partner, Smartbridge has been closely following the rapid growth of the automation industry. With the release of UiPath’s new report, our insights have been corroborated, and we’re sharing our perspective on the findings.

The automation world is evolving at a breakneck pace, and the role of the digital automation professional is becoming increasingly significant. UiPath, a leading provider of robotic process automation (RPA) software, recently published their 2023 ‘State of the Automation Professional‘ report. The study provides crucial insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities in the automation industry. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings.

Rapid Growth in the Digital Automation Industry

The report indicates a strong growth trajectory for the automation industry. The increasing demand for digital automation professionals is due to businesses’ realization of the transformative potential of automation. Companies are leveraging automation to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer experiences. This trend is fueling the demand for skilled automation professionals capable of designing, implementing, and managing automation solutions.

The Smartbridge TakeThe swift expansion of the digital/software automation industry is a trend we’ve been witnessing at Smartbridge. We have seen firsthand how businesses are increasingly adopting automation tools and solutions to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. In fact, the evolving landscape of digital process automation has moved us from RPA to intelligent automation, inviting AI and Machine Learning into the fold (see more on that below).

85% of automation professionals surveyed think the industry has a high potential for growth over the next 3 years.

Digital Automation Industry Growth Potential

The Rising Importance of Digital Automation Certification and Training

The study found that certification and training are becoming more critical in the automation industry. As the technology becomes more complex, a deep understanding of automation tools and principles is crucial. Professionals who invest in continuous learning and certification are more likely to advance in their careers. UiPath, for instance, offers comprehensive training and certification programs that equip professionals with the necessary skills to thrive in the automation industry.

The Smartbridge TakeUiPath’s report underlines the escalating importance of certification and training within the automation industry. We couldn’t agree more. We believe it’s crucial for automation professionals to possess relevant skills and certifications to excel in their roles. That’s why we offer comprehensive training programs and encourage our team to pursue professional certifications, ensuring they stay abreast of industry trends.

Need your own team trained? We offer train-the-trainer services and internal resource guidance.

UiPath Digital Automation
Courtesy of UiPath State of the Automation Professional 2023 Report

Challenges Faced by Automation Professionals

Despite the promising growth, automation professionals face several challenges. The report highlights a skills gap, with many professionals struggling to keep up with the rapid advancements in the industry. Also, there’s a need for better collaboration between IT and business teams to ensure successful automation implementation.

Another common challenge is the lack of strategic vision in many organizations, which hinders the full realization of automation benefits. Professionals need to play a more strategic role, helping organizations understand how automation aligns with their broader business objectives.

The Smartbridge TakeThe report also highlights the challenges faced by automation professionals, which resonates with our experience at Smartbridge. We understand that adapting to the fast-paced nature of this field can be daunting, and keeping up with the latest technologies is a constant struggle. To overcome these challenges, we emphasize continuous learning and innovation within our teams.

The top 4 frustrations as reported by the respondents. 

0%
Documentation is incomplete or inaccurate
0%
I get asked to automate processes that aren’t optimized or suitable for automation
0%
Its difficult to get what I need from business owners
0%
There are too many variations of the process

The Future of Automation

The future of automation is exciting, according to the UiPath report. The rise of intelligent automation, combining RPA with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), is a key trend to watch. This shift will demand a new set of skills from automation professionals, including data analysis, AI programming, and strategic thinking.

The report also predicts an increased emphasis on ethics and governance as automation becomes more pervasive. Professionals will need to navigate complex ethical and regulatory landscapes, ensuring automation initiatives align with legal requirements and societal values.

The Smartbridge TakeUiPath’s report paints a promising picture for the future of automation. Smartbridge shares this optimism. We believe that automation will continue to revolutionize businesses, driving efficiency and productivity. As a UiPath consulting partner, we are excited to play a pivotal role in shaping this future by providing our clients with innovative, tailor-made automation solutions.

The Importance of AI in Careers

From the report:

In the last year, automation professionals have prepared for advances in AI, and now they are actively adopting it and seeing its impact on their work. 96% of developers believe AI will be important for their careers and are open to adopting it more extensively. 80% of professionals are thinking about incorporating AI capabilities into their automated processes.

Seize the Opportunity!

The UiPath 2023 report paints a picture of a dynamic and rapidly evolving automation industry. As the demand for digital automation professionals grows, so does the need for continuous learning, certification and strategic thinking. Despite the challenges, the future of automation is promising, with exciting developments in intelligent automation and an increased focus on ethics and governance. For those willing to adapt and evolve, the opportunities are vast and rewarding.

The report also confirms what we at Smartbridge have known for some time: the future is digital, and automation professionals are leading the charge. As we continue to evolve with the industry, we look forward to partnering with our clients to leverage the power of automation and unlock their full potential.

The opportunities in the automation field are ever-expanding, and at Smartbridge, we aim to seize them. We continue to expand our services and adapt to the changing needs of businesses. With a keen eye on the future, we are committed to helping our clients navigate their digital transformation journeys successfully!

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