What is RPA developer, and what are its functions

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We have to start by telling you what RPA is, one of the lesser-known specializations of developers and one of the most useful for companies that need to improve their efficiency. In this article, we will not only tell you what RPA is but also what an RPA developer is and what they do.

What is RPA?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is related to robotics and Artificial Intelligence to implement automated systems that do not require human intervention.

In the first stage, the RPA system observes the user while he performs his tasks and analyzes them in the graphical user interface; then, those tasks are automated by automatic repetition in the same graphical interface. In this way, companies can program a robot to perform everyday tasks with virtually no employee intervention.

The main benefits of using RPA tools are improving business efficiency and reducing error margins on simple tasks. Current employees can be assigned more relevant and challenging tasks to them.

Examples of RPA uses

Today, it is possible to automate processes and tasks in almost every industry, not just robots. Here are some examples:

  • Processing invoices and other business documents.
  • Customer registration and customer service.
  • Price comparison.
  • Data collection and comparison.
  • Analysis of CVs.
  • Trading and market operations.
  • Financial analysis of clients.

What is an RPA developer?

Because it is a relatively new profession, several colleges and corporations have changed the name to Process Designer or Automation Architect. Beyond the name, the RPA developer must analyze and document processes to design the best way to automate them.

To accomplish this task, they must create workflow diagrams and strategically document processes before deciding how to implement them. 

It’s essential to add that the automation process improves every year, but it is still not perfect. For example, creative activities such as creating songs, poems, or writing free essay with this technology are still very far from perfect.

What does an RPA developer do?

In an RPA department, there are usually 3 main roles: Process Designer, Automation Architect, and Production Manager. Depending on the type of company and its size, these roles may be performed by a single person or distributed among several.

The first function of an RPA developer is to analyze the production processes to define which ones are suitable for automation. Once it has been decided that a process can be automated, the tasks to be performed by an RPA programmer are as follows:

  • Analyze and document the process flow.
  • Decide what type of tools and devices will be used to automate.
  • Design and configure the automated workflows, taking into account measures to reduce the risk of error.
  • Monitor the processes after they have been automated and analyze potential problems with those processes.
  • Create documents that allow others to understand the automation system and improve future processes.
  • Implement quality assurance (QA) tools to avoid possible errors.
  • Test the implemented codes.

The RPA programmer’s responsibilities include bot maintenance and a daily evaluation of control panels for alerts on the performance of processes that have previously been automated.

Skills and knowledge required

As with all programming positions, having a college degree related to Computer Science and Computing can go a long way in helping you get the job. But it is not a must. If you have the necessary skills and experience, it is also possible to apply and get the job.

Technical skills to work as an RPA Developer

  • Knowledge of the main automation tools, such as UiPath, Automation Anywhere, BluePrism, and WorkFusion;
  • Advanced programming skills in Java, Python, .NET, C#, and C++ languages;
  • Languages such as JavaScript and HTML are also useful;
  • Experience working with databases.
  • Basic knowledge of AI, Machine Learning, and Automation;
  • Ability to understand and document workflows;

Soft Skills of an RPA Developer

  • Ability to create reports and reports that members of other teams can understand;
  • Communication skills, both written and verbal;
  • Strong interest in observation, understanding processes, and detail to decrease the risk of error in design and implementation;
  • Have patience, as there will be errors in the information provided by internal and external customers that will complicate the completion of your task. Also, because there will be errors, you will have to investigate the causes because it is normal.