With the booming of the RPA market the demand for RPA Training offers also boom. Almost every company has manual processes. They are usually inefficient, error-prone and monotonous, leading to employee dissatisfaction. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is one of today's leading automation solutions that uses so-called bots to automate routine tasks in software applications that are normally performed by a company's employees. RPA bots are thus essentially software robots that perform a variety of automatable activities and tasks in the workplace. With the booming of the RPA market the demand for RPA Training offers also boom.
RPA Boom Fuels Demand for Skills
Investment in RPA solutions is growing rapidly: RPA software is one of the fastest growing software sectors in the entire software industry. Total RPA software revenue is expected to grow from approximately $1 billion in 2020 to $2.7 billion in 2023. There are now more than 50 vendors in the RPA playground.
If this is true, companies will need more employees with the necessary skills than are present in the company today to successfully implement their RPA strategy. After all, according to a survey by Deloitte, only 3 percent of companies have scaled their digital workforce accordingly. But what training and certification opportunities are available to employees that could serve as stepping stones on the path to successful automation?
In the future, further training or retraining in RPA will no longer just be an option for employees, but will secure their jobs for the future. We have therefore taken a closer look at the 10 leading providers of RPA tools.
1. RPA Training with UiPath
UiPath offers an RPA tool that implements computer vision capabilities in its robots and can integrate AI technologies to help customers transition from rules-based to cognitive and machine process automation.
UiPath Studio is the workflow designer. The UiPath robot is programmed to execute processes. It works with remote connections via Citrix or any legacy systems.
UiPath offers a variety of training and certification opportunities in its Academy. The courses required to master the UiPath platform are all free of charge. In total, UiPath offers around 80 courses in the areas of New Releases, RPA Starter and Product Training. RPA developers or business analysts can choose from 12 role-based trainings that prepare them for specific roles in a company's Center of Excellence (CoE). A library of RPA training offers in form of video tutorials for beginners is designed to help employees develop skills and the knowledge to successfully co-create their RPA journey. The UiPath Community also provides access to a variety of other learning resources.
2. RPA Training with Automation Anywhere
Automation Anywhere Enterprise (AAE) uses RPA task bots, MetaBots and the Bot Insight analytics tool. AAE uses Computervision to automate processes that involve desktop virtualization solutions such as Citrix. In addition, cognitive IQ bots can be added to the platform, which are designed to process unstructured data. BotFarm offers RPA as a service for scaling on demand. AAE Process inVision provides a graphical interface to document existing processes and operational infrastructure that is automatically fed into the AAE RPA platform.
At the Automation Anywhere University, those willing to learn can acquire new RPA skills and practice existing skills. To do so, an extensive library of online courses, role-based learning paths, and instructor-led training courses leading to industry-recognized RPA certifications is available. 25 specific role-based RPA training courses and 123 online RPA training courses are available for free or by subscription. Virtual classes are offered through Zoom for different time zones and in different languages. Two RPA certifications can be earned at Automation Anywhere University, the Advanced RPA Professional and the Master RPA Professional.
3. RPA Training with Blue Prism
Blue Prism's scalable enterprise RPA platform provides an overview of processes in a Visio-like diagram. Blue Prism robots are designed to automatically discover business processes. A robot runtime control dashboard monitors and schedules process execution on distributed robots and executes processes using automatic runtime distribution. Since version 6.0 (V6), users can detect if a robot has slowed down or stopped and if escalation has occurred. V6 uses machine learning for workload management, computer vision technology, and AI technologies from partners such as Appian, Captricity, Celaton, Expert System, IBM, Minit, CyberArk, TrustPortal, Microsoft.
Blue Prism University offers self-paced, instructor-led training through virtual classrooms and Blue Prism developer certifications. The Blue Prism Academia program enables instructors at academic institutions to deliver authorized Blue Prism courses in a variety of settings. The idea behind it: To provide students with the opportunity to enhance their career opportunities and RPA knowledge through coursework across a global network of colleges and universities, as well as online certification opportunities, hands-on labs and other Blue Prism learning resources. Videos and webinars with case studies and on product resources round out the RPA training offerings.
4. RPA Training with EdgeVerve-Systems
The AssistEdge Suite is a scalable RPA platform that helps companies modernize customer service, improve business processes, and increase operational productivity. AssistEdge is an integral part of the Infosys Nia AI platform. Infosys Nia converges AI technologies such as scalable machine learning capabilities, knowledge management, and cognitive automation capabilities.
EdgeVerve offers 12 so-called self-learning video training courses and tutorials to help developers work with the community edition of their tool. With the self-learning videos, EdgeVerve aims to provide the opportunity to learn whenever and wherever the willing learner feels comfortable. Among other things, the videos introduce the use of Automation Studio and the EVABot with use cases for practice.
Since practice makes perfect, EdgeVerve also offers practice exercises to help those who want to learn take the next step in automation.
5. RPA Training with Kofax
Kofax Kapow is an RPA platform with analytics and process information. Kapow Design Studio provides an intuitive, non-programmable robot design environment where designers interact with applications, websites and other data sources to visually map the automation flow. Robot designers are able to integrate business logic to handle exceptions, transform data and send alerts to users as part of overall robot automation. Kapow also includes a feature called "snippets." These are pre-built automation steps that can be reused by multiple robots and maintained separately from the robot.
The Kofax Education Portal recognizes that customers prefer different learning styles. Some learn more from face-to-face classroom training, while others prefer to learn step-by-step when the time is right. For this reason, Kofax Education offers learners a variety of learning approaches:
In the Live/Online Classroom, learners participate in instructor-led training in person or online to learn collaboratively and interactively and share ideas with other like-minded learners. The course duration is 4 days from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. The Kofax Learning Cloud gives learners control over their learning pace. To this end, training is customized and tailored to his specific needs and requirements.
Registered participants have 365 days access to all learning content. Learning paths are linked to corresponding certification opportunities. On-demand training is designed for a single named user only, who has 90 days to complete their on-demand course. Kofax offers about 150 courses, but not all of them address RPA.
6. RPA Training with Kryon-Systems
Kryon uses visual image recognition/OCR technologies for which it holds patents for visual algorithms and deep learning technologies. Kryon's RPA solutions enable automated process recognition and the development, deployment and management of automated processes in any business application without integration.
Kryon's RPA solution Leo can be used for both unattended and attended automation, as well as hybrid automation. Leo Studio enables rapid development of automation scenarios, including a comprehensive set of drag-and-drop UI building blocks to deliver robust automation scenarios.
Kryon's own RPA Academy offers its customers and partners a wide range of RPA training courses, both online and on-site. In the online courses, participants can determine the learning pace themselves. The idea behind the courses is to provide step-by-step instructions with examples of the most common applications using Kryon's RPA solution. There is an official Kryon training certificate for all participants upon completion of the course.
Online RPA training
Introduction to RPA Developer (self-study. 1-2 hours for completion, course completion certificate),
Kryon for Quick Starters (inline module, 5 minutes, course completion certificate),
Use of Advanced Commands (online modules, 2 hours, course completion certificate),
On-site RPA training
RPA Developer (5 days, Kryon RPA Developer certificate)
7. RPA Training with NICE
NICE RPA includes software robots that automatically perform work on a virtual machine or on an employee's desktop, interacting with applications, legacy systems and files.
With NICE Automation Authoring Studio, an administrator can record, configure and test automation scripts. RPA robots are managed, prioritized and scheduled using the Nice Automation Management Console. In addition, Desktop Analytics tracks employee desktop activity and identifies opportunities for process improvement. NICE provides a framework for integration with a third-party AI solution and has an OCR engine embedded in the RPA solution.
NICE's approach to training and certification is to let learners choose their own learning path. The certification program includes a range of materials for learners to engage with or update their skills and knowledge as they work.
The NICE e-learning courses for consultants are designed to teach all important automation topics flexibly and adapted to individual needs. NICE Certification Program includes training for NICE Automation Advisor, NICE Certified Automation Associate, NICE Certified Automation Developer and NICE Certified Implementation & Support Engineer. The programs offer different levels of certification, allowing learners to grow their skills and expertise at their own pace. Each level is a prerequisite for the next higher certification level.
8. RPA Training with Pegasystems
Pega Robotic Automation & Intelligence - Bots are configured in Pega Robotic Automation Studio. It comes with pre-configured connectors for common commercial tools, HTML and mainframes. Pega Robotic Process Automation provides unattended automation and Pega Robotic Desktop Automation provides attended automation. Pega Workforce Intelligence is an application based on machine pattern recognition that helps organizations drive continuous improvement.
All courses are available through Pega Academy, the official training resource of Pegasystems. Pega offers those willing to learn access to more than 200 multi-day training courses in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, mobile, CRM, and no-code application development, which can be conducted under the guidance of instructors in the company, at Pega facilities, or virtually.
Pega Academy takes a fully modular approach to learning with its curriculum and training. Pega offers advanced training to become a Pega Certified Business Architect, Pega Certified System Architect, Pega Certified Senior System Architect, Pega Certified Robotics System Architect, and Pega Certified Data Scientist, among others. As a learning platform, NICE Dojo brings together the online resource for information, activities, products, and services.
9. RPA Training with Softomotive
The Softomotive RPA platform consists of two different tools: ProcessRobot and WinAutomation. ProcessRobot is the enterprise-level environment that supports a distributed architecture and centralized management for implementing an RPA Center of Excellence (COE). WinAutomation is a standalone, self-contained robot aimed at rapid deployment within an organization. The two tools can be used independently or in combination, forming multiple topologies to meet different customer needs.
Softomotive Academy offers online training, live webinar training and on-site training to professionals and developers. Currently, training through Softomotive Academy is free of charge. Live webinar training and on-site training, generally targeted at customers, partners or potential customers, are chargeable. Different learning paths through individual courses or through structured diplomas meet learners' needs and goals. The 18 courses have been prepared in high definition (HD) videos, of which 8 videos deal explicitly with RPA topics. Possible certifications range from the basic Foundation course, which provides a fundamental knowledge base of process automation, to advanced product capabilities.
10. RPA Training with WorkFusion
WorkFusion's Smart Process Automation (SPA) combines RPA, machine learning, AI-based automation, OCR and workflow in an enterprise-focused platform. WorkFusion's product roadmap includes the introduction of a self-service WorkFusion Automation Cloud and further expansion of AI-based analytics capabilities. A control tower dashboard will be used for end-to-end automations that include RPA bots, machine-readable bots and manual tasks, all of which can be orchestrated, monitored and audited.
WorkFusion Express is a relative newcomer as a free RPA solution, but already has a vibrant developer community and digital training academy: the WorkFusion Automation Academy. The online learning platform offers more than 30 training courses created by automation experts, from automation fundamentals to advanced machine learning and robotic process automation technologies. WorkFusion's training offering includes on-demand training for operations managers and forward-thinking team managers in the banking and insurance industries, courses on key WorkFusion software features, to comprehensive training for various deployment roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, Delivery Manager or Data Analyst.
Virtual classroom training combines the convenience of online courses with the individualized quality of face-to-face instruction. As part of the mentored digital training, WorkFusion instructors guide students through Automation Academy courses. Virtual labs provide technical guidance for hands-on exercises inspired by real-world automation use cases. On-demand courses explain automation approaches, best practices and business benefits.
Conclusion on RPA Training Offers
The growing popularity of RPA also increases the demand for employees with RPA know-how. RPA training courses therefore play a crucial role in providing the required knowledge. The RPA training courses offered by vendors provide not only basic but also advanced role-based knowledge. In the vast majority of cases, however, the training offered focuses on monolithic product training - and the vendors cannot be blamed for this. From a business perspective, this view of employee training falls short. Certainly, RPA will continue to play an important role in any automation strategy, but it will only be one of many.
Keywords such as hyperautomation and automation in the cloud point the way of future employee training. A wide range of skills of hybrid automation solutions will become a safe bank for companies. Automation Academies like Bots and People are not only embracing the blended learning approach in response to social and technological change. They are also breaking away from monolithic product training in favor of a training approach that covers the full range of hybrid automation technologies.
This article is part of a three-part series intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the most important education and training opportunities in Process Automation.
