Robotic Process Automation: The Promise, the Patterns, and the Pitfalls

Robotic process automation (RPA) and robotic desktop automation (RDA) are hot topics in IT right now. The latest stage in the evolution of business process automation, RPA tools provide the ability to create artificial workers to handle repetitive or mundane tasks, which can in turn lead to dramatic cost savings.

Description

The demand for content related to RPA is surging, mainly because tactical guides currently do not exist. This field of software is maturing at a rapid pace and is being commoditized to the point where software bots work alongside humans for specific functions within an organization. In Robotic Process Automation LiveLessons Mike Ogrinz and John Checco demonstrate the significant benefits involved in this red-hot topic and how to get the most out of your automation platforms.

Within this growing field are some non-obvious drawbacks and pitfalls. Fragile automations can lead to production failures. Unmonitored usage can have undesirable, out-of-control side effects. And lack of oversight and control can create brittle interdependencies that stifle innovation and create governance challenges. This introductory LiveLessons video covers the basics as well as the gotchas.

Skill Level

Beginning to Intermediate

What You Will Learn

Learn about all the potential benefits of Robotic Process Automation (RPA):

Ease-of-use, allowing normally non-technical end users to create their own automations
Allows developers to crack open previously closed environments and impose their own custom APIs
Machine Learning capabilities allow tools to go beyond simply user mimicry

Who Should Take This Course

IT professionals/practitioners who want to

Research RPA tools that youre considering adopting and separate the hype from the facts
Understand the various ways RPA technology can be applied to save time and money
Make sure the RPA products already in place internally are effectively governed to avoid negative consequences
Hear seasoned RPA practitioners give practical answers to pointed questions

Course Prerequisites

This course assumes basic familiarity with software-development practices, including the concepts of testing, reliability, and scalability.