People often combine RPA developers and RPA consultants. Both are distinct and serve different functions. To understand how they’re distinct, it is important to understand exactly what we are referring to by RPA Developer and RPA Consultant.
An organization might want to engage an RPA Consultant or Developer for many reasons. Some businesses will engage them to cut costs or to increase productivity. Others may want to increase their efficiency and compliance. Others may also automate their processes to gather more information to enable more effective decision-making and smart analytics.
Large companies have been involved in AI automation, and RPA development for the past 10 years or more. Fortune 1000 companies usually employ their employees with high-end salaries to implement this technology or contract with costly tier-1 outsourcing and consulting companies. Small and medium-sized companies have so far attempted to get into automated processes and RPA, and the adoption rate is much slower. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be the scenario.
Overview of RPA Technology
RPA is a system that allows you to automate business processes and routine tasks essential to keeping the company operating. Furthermore, RPA makes it faster and more efficient to perform routine tasks such as invoicing, data entry, and payroll. Automating these tasks will cut down on the cost of labor and also eliminate mistakes that we often make while performing long or repetitive work.
One of the most common misconceptions regarding RPA technologies is that they are identical to Artificial Intelligence. But RPA uses the benefits of AI to manage cognitive processes, such as screen visualisation, engagement in chats, and data interpretation.
How Does RPA Work?
Let’s say you want to pull data from a variety of invoices, add the financial statements, and send them to the relevant person. This is where the RPA comes into the picture. The RPA automatizes the repetitive actions and replicates them over and over.
It improves business operations and results in improved productivity and engagement of employees, which in turn increases profit. So, instead of focusing on tedious, repetitive tasks, companies can concentrate on more creative tasks that require superior intelligence, such as sales management or even new projects.
Benefits of RPA Technology Implementation for Businesses
Let’s look at why RPA technology is adopted into the business process. The main advantages of implementing RPA are:
Enhanced Flexibility
Robotic systems can adapt to new business strategies. Instead of requesting IT experts to spend the time and resources needed to alter the fundamental business systems, you can modify the RPA software. This is because RPA relies on enterprise systems and is not integrated with these systems. This means that RPA is a low-risk system.
Cost-Saving
RPA results in improved business metrics across a variety of industries worldwide due to efficiency gains and improved customer experience. In fact, about 57% of companies declare that Automation reduces the cost expenses by 10-50 percent of the department’s cost associated with manual processes.
Improved Analytics
The most tangible benefit of RPA is improved analytics. Businesses can gather valuable information by using RPA, which can be utilized to make better-informed choices. The enhanced analytics enable you to promote your services and products to the market you want to target. Additionally, it helps you improve the processes you automate.
With RPA robots collecting and separating data, you can embrace the decision-making process on both macro and micro levels. Furthermore, you can simplify your company’s processes for the most efficient results.
Automated Document Creation
RPA can automate document production and editing tasks by using triggers and procedures. This removes employees from the burden of managing tiny changes and ensures that business processes are completed on time.
Increased Productivity
Have you heard that approximately 78 percent of business owners believe that automating repetitive tasks in the business can boost the productivity of everyone involved? RPA robots allow businesses to complete tasks more quickly and easily than human beings. In the end, businesses can see an increase in productivity without increasing the cost of recruitment.
High Accuracy
Automating tasks reduces human errors because robots perform exactly what they’re programmed to accomplish. They’re not designed to make manual mistakes due to fatigue and inattention. Additionally, RPA submits a comprehensive trial so that companies can easily track their work’s progress.
Increased Security
Because bots are created to complete specific tasks and operate at a level of granularity that reduces the possibility of data leakage from one area to the next, RPA implementation requires a team that can handle and control both the machines and employees.
RPA is Non-Disruptive
The majority of business owners are reluctant to update or upgrade their existing system due to:
- High cost
- Business downtime for a temporary period
- Complex IT infrastructure
The advantage of robots for procedure automation lies in allowing you to automate everyday operations. Bots can interact with the older system right at the UI at the end of a presentation.
Unlike humans, bots cannot manually input passwords and user IDs. Thus, implementing RPA isn’t required to be complicated or disruptive. It frees employees from performing boring and repetitive tasks and lets them concentrate on more strategic tasks worthy of their time and energy.
Automated Responses and Triggers
Each RPA software has scheduling capabilities that extend beyond the capabilities of the scheduling system. It aids managers in completing semi-automated and automated scheduling. Semi-automated scheduling happens when an event occurs by pressing a button or clicking.
In unattended Automation, the trigger doesn’t need to be a human act. It can instead be something similar to an email or document. Companies can determine which operations areas can be automated.
Why do Companies Hire RPA Developers?
RPA developers are highly sought after. In fact, in certain regions, the demand for their services exceeds the availability of their services.
Not only are tech firms looking for RPA specialists, but companies in the consulting and IT industries are rushing to find them. Here are a few of the most compelling reasons.
Improve Employee Productivity
Implementing RPA can boost the efficiency of your workplace by making the everyday business processes your company depends on more efficient. However, RPA can also boost the efficiency of each employee by improving workflow efficiency and reducing the amount of idle time that is required.
For instance, your accounting department could have gotten accustomed to sitting for hours while your staff finished the invoices. But this kind of inefficiency is now something of the past. RPA accelerates tasks such as entering data or invoicing, which means your employees can proceed to the next stage of the process in a matter of minutes.
Streamline Processes
We’ve seen how RPA can help speed up repetitive, big-scale work, such as logging employees’ hours into Payroll systems.
In addition to speeding up those processes, RPA helps streamline the more extensive processes that keep your business functioning. It decreases the amount of idle time enforced and eliminates the possibility of human error, thus reducing the amount of time you’d spend repairing those mistakes.
Simply stated, RPA allows your employees to perform at their highest by improving workflows and speeding up the processes that support their tasks.
Labor Cost Savings
If implemented correctly, RPA can yield significant reductions in labor costs for your business. RPA can help automate tasks such as recording, invoicing, and even some aspects of customer support. These are all tedious tasks that can consume a lot of your employees’ time.
Transferring these tasks to machines means businesses will not have to pay their workers for the hours of mindless work. In reality, RPA could save companies up to 75 percent of their labor costs.
However, labor cost savings aren’t the only advantage of RPA. Automating certain processes will allow employees to focus on more challenging and important tasks. This could lead to higher satisfaction at work, as your employees will feel more stimulated and engaged in their work.
Minimize Manual Errors
Human error can cause numerous serious issues. In IT, the smallest mistakes could cause gaps in your network that let hackers in. In communication and retail, human error can result in errors in customers’ ordering or inefficiencies in communication.
Even the most trustworthy employees may make errors with data entry or other tasks requiring manual effort. It’s merely a matter of being human. Robots designed to carry out routine tasks don’t make mistakes of the same kind. If they make errors, the reason is usually that they’ve been incorrectly programmed, which you can fix by employing a competent RPA developer.
Roles and Responsibilities of RPA Developers
Generally speaking, “RPA developer” is a broad term used to describe an RPA specialist. The title may be different depending on the developer’s responsibilities and duties. Let’s examine the motivations for each position in various stages of development.
RPA Solution Architect
RPA Solution Architects participate in the design phase. They are responsible for determining and then implementing project requirements. They interview staff members to identify issues and which aspects of the workflow need automation. Then, Solution Architects draw up the Process Definition Document, which outlines the steps for project completion.
RPA Administrator
RPA Administrators are involved in the maintenance phase and are responsible for supporting the system. They also initiate modifications based on client feedback and track the modifications throughout the testing and development phases. Their job is to ensure that the project requirements have not been ignored.
RPA Analyst
RPA Analysts are involved in the planning process and are accountable for analyzing possibilities for process automation. They analyze the company’s operations and find business-critical areas that hinder digital transformation and, therefore, need to be automated. RPA analysts collaborate closely with PRA solution architects to determine the project’s requirements and execute an automated system’s technical and functional development.
RPA Engineer
RPA Engineers design the RPA project using RPA tools in accordance with the guidelines approved. Their primary responsibility is developing the robot that performs the required actions. Depending on the program employed, RPA developers may or might not have a top degree in programming, but they must have prior experience with coding and problem-solving capabilities.
In addition to Bot development, RPA Engineers also create an array of tools to aid in bot management and workforce management. These comprise desktop or web applications, management panel training interfaces, and the physical server used to deploy RPA software. In addition, if your company doesn’t have an in-house testing staff, RPA experts can handle this task.
Production Manager
Once the product is launched and tested, the Product Manager ensures that the processes are executed as planned. If they find any issues, they must make a bug report and send it to an engineer. Product Managers also offer analysis of the solution architect’s review and information on the new business procedures.
What is RPA Consulting?
RPA consulting, also known as RPA execution services, is a service that’s required to implement end-to-end automation for your company’s operations.
RPA consultancy is a process that helps companies identify the need, design, and implement process automation using robots in software. This kind of automation enhances rules-based repetitive tasks, which can reduce manual labor while increasing operational efficiency.
The consulting services are composed of RPA experts who analyze workflows, spot the bottlenecks, and suggest effective automation solutions that can be tailored to each company. So, the RPA consultant aims to offer support throughout all stages of installing RPA software. The phases comprise:
- Process Map: identifying business processes that could be automated
- Tool Selection: The key is to select the most automated tools that are intelligent and meet the needs of your company;
- Implementation: Insuring that automated processes run according to plan;
- Monitoring: Overseeing automations to maintain efficiency over time.
Reasons to Hire RPA Consultants
Many companies are exploring Robotic Process Automation to improve their processes, hoping that it can be a source of efficiency and creativity. It’s not uncommon for companies to believe it’s simply an issue of buying software and jumping right in.
However, the intricate nature of RPA, the integration of existing software, and the decisions made by senior management about the processes that should be automated require an in-depth and thorough understanding of both technology and business.
RPA consulting companies draw on their knowledge to ensure the smoothest transition from manual to automated. Their guidance also focuses on ensuring a positive return on investment.
Customised Solutions
Each business has its own requirements and internal procedures. Most often, solutions are custom. Professionally-trained RPA consultants can offer customized solutions that meet your company’s requirements. In addition, good RPA consulting services can provide:
- Management of projects to ensure the achievement of deadlines and objectives.
- Requires gathering to comprehend the requirements of the company.
- RPA Solution design will meet the needs of users through software.
- Implementation meets the requirements by having an organized strategy.
- Test to verify that the solution will function according to the specifications.
- Support because the software is complicated and the automation process is complex.
Training
Automating the workplace can help shift employees’ duties in various directions. RPA consultants can also train employees to ensure that they’re prepared to operate in conjunction with the automated procedures.
Expertise
Expert RPA consultants can help companies select the appropriate tools. RPA firms also develop automation processes and guarantee seamless integration with existing systems. Highly trained RPA consultants possess deep expertise in RPA implementation.
Risk Reduction
If an RPA implementation is not accompanied by experts, it could result in costly mistakes. Engaging an RPA company to automatize processes means identifying potential problems in advance. Making sure that the process runs smoothly and error-free is a requirement game.
Ongoing Enhancements
RPA Implementation isn’t a one-time event. Processes evolve with the business, requiring change, and software is complicated. Consultants can offer continuous support and improvements to ensure that automated systems remain efficient.
Roles and Responsibilities of RPA Consultants
While RPA Developers focus on implementing the RPA process within a company, RPA consultants design an RPA procedure that benefits their clients. Here are the main responsibilities of the RPA consultant:
Definition of the RPA Strategy
The initial part of an RPA consultant’s role is to establish the strategy for automation in close collaboration with the client or an IT department, using an approach to planning worksites using robotics. The first step is an assessment to determine the possibilities of robotisation and a proof of concept (proof of idea).
Automation Process Implementation
Once the strategy has been established and defined, the RPA Consultant begins configuring the tools and then deploying the automation required for each process. The most important thing here is to devise new rules while considering the limitations of the RPA protocol.
Tests and presentation of the robots
The RPA Consultant handles the unit tests and validates the functional specifications. They also create the user manual to guide the robots’ operation and present them to company team members.
Must Have Skills for RPA Consultants
The essential skills for an RPA developer are proficiency with RPA platforms such as UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Toca.io, and Blue Prism, coupled with proficiency in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or VBScript for scripting custom to your needs. Solving problems effectively is crucial since developers must create efficient, reliable, and secure automated workflows that frequently integrate with complicated systems.
Strong Knowledge of Software Security
Based on an IT background, the RPA Consultant is passionate about automation, information systems, and robotisation. They are experts in using tools like RPA UI Path, Pega, or Blue Prism.
Mastery of Agile Methodologies
The work of an RPA Consultant requires you to master agile methods of managing projects (Scrum, Kaban) & Cycle in V. This approach suggests setting short-term goals and then splitting the project into multiple sub-projects. When the first goal is completed, the team moves into another until the ultimate goal is reached. This is a flexible method of working.
Rigor and Curiosity
Inquisitiveness and courage are crucial characteristics of the ideal RPA Consultant. As professionals, they need to utilize tools and techniques that allow them to track project development precisely. They also need to exhibit intense enthusiasm for staying up-to-date with their skills and knowledge.
Costs for RPA Developers & Consultants
RPA developers and consultants are in high demand, and the pay rates for these jobs reflect this. The Glassdoor salary page reveals it is estimated that an RPA Consultant makes $101.2K per year in Boston, MA, $102K annually in Denver, CO, and $103.7K a year in Los Angeles, CA. It is also highly competitive in Canada, where Glassdoor has an average wage of 76.5K annually in Toronto.
These are only average, and the top performers are paid more. These salary estimates do not include the cost of benefits, taxes, overhead, or infrastructure. You’ll get the total costs when you put all of those together. Outsourced RPA developer services typically fulfill these functions for 30% of the total costs. If you think about that number and the many advantages RPA and automation could bring to an organization. It’s simple to understand why hiring an outsourcing RPA developer is becoming an appealing option for small businesses.
Major Differences Between RPA Developers and RPA Consultants
Knowing these distinctions can aid businesses in making the right decision when adopting RPA to improve their processes. Below, we’ll look at the main differences between the roles of an RPA Specialist and an RPA Developer.
Primary Focus
The major distinction between the roles of an RPA consultant and an RPA Developer is their respective functions.
- RPA Consultant: An RPA consultant focuses on understanding business processes and identifying areas where automation could greatly benefit. They collaborate with key stakeholders, evaluate workflows, and recommend RPA solutions that meet the requirements of an organization. The consultant’s role is advisory and strategic to ensure that automation is in line with the overall business goals. They are focused on establishing the roadmap to guide RPA implementation, driving change management, and guiding businesses throughout the automation process.
- RPA Developer: An RPA Developer’s main focus is technical. They are accountable for the development of hands-on automation scripts and their execution, utilizing RPA tools such as UiPath Blue Prism and Automation Anywhere. The programmer develops, tests, and maintains automation bots. They ensure that the automated processes are running smoothly and effectively. Although they might work with business teams to discuss needs, their primary responsibility is implementing the technical aspects of the automation process.
Skills and Expertise
- RPA Consultant: RPA Consultants need an understanding of business operations and workflows. They should be adept at finding inefficiencies and determining the areas where RPA has the greatest impact. While technical expertise is beneficial, their focus is on strategic implementation. Consultants must also have excellent communication skills, project management skills, and problem-solving capabilities. They must be aware of both the technical and business aspects of RPA to connect the developers and the stakeholders.
- RPA Developer: RPA Developers, however, require a thorough technical knowledge of RPA tools, programming languages, and automation technology. They must be adept at developing code and troubleshooting automation processes. In addition, they must be current with the latest developments in RPA technology and aware of APIs, databases, and other integration points. A strong analytical skill focuses on detail, and understanding process mapping is crucial for developers to create and implement effective bots.
Project Involvement
- RPA Consultant: Consultants usually get involved early in the phase. Their job begins with an in-depth analysis of the existing processes. This is followed by identifying potential automation opportunities creating KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), and specifying how to implement the RPA solution. They can also aid in developing an argument for business RPA and overseeing the process of change throughout the company. The role of the consultant could be more pronounced in the initial and high-level stages of the RPA project.
- RPA Developer: Developers enter their role when the strategy is established. Their job is to oversee the technical implementation of an RPA solution. They develop automation workflows, create bots, and integrate them into existing infrastructure. Developers are crucial in the deployment and testing stages, ensuring the bots function as planned and follow the business requirements. Following deployment, they are responsible for the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the bots.
Deliverables
- RPA Consultant: Deliverables of an RPA Consultant usually comprise process analysis reports, RPA implementation strategies, and project timelines. They can also provide risk assessments, stakeholder alignment plans, and roadmaps to scale RPA across the organization. Their outputs help guide the larger strategy and ensure that the RPA solution aligns with the business’s goals.
- RPA Developer The RPA Developer RPA Developers, the primary deliverables are the automation bots and codebase that goes with them. They are responsible for providing complete RPA solutions that automatize the identified processes. Their responsibilities could include documenting how the process is developed, managing bot deployment, and ensuring that the bots are scalable, updated, and maintained efficiently.
Tech Perspective
- RPA Consultant: Consultants view RPA from a commercial point of view. They are focused on understanding business issues and then finding the most efficient automation solutions that are in line with the company’s objectives. Their work demands an understanding of the business culture, internal processes, and how RPA integrates into that environment.
- RPA Developers: They operate from a technical standpoint. Their primary concern is ensuring that automation scripts are sound, efficient, and adaptable. They collaborate with IT team members to ensure that the RPA solution seamlessly integrates with the organization’s infrastructure.
Communication
- RPA Consultant: The RPA Consultant works extensively with business stakeholders. They are accountable for communicating the advantages associated with RPA in business to executives and leaders. They also identify important areas that need to be automated and align automation goals with business goals. They manage stakeholders’ expectations and ensure that everyone is aware of the suggested RPA strategy.
- RPA Developers: Although they can engage with business stakeholders, generally communicate with technical teams. They work with consultants to learn about the requirements and then work on their own or in a group to implement automated solutions.
Change Management and Training
- RPA Consultant: An RPA Consultant is also accountable for managing the change management process. This involves training employees on how to use automation tools, assisting in the transition of business to an automated system, and ensuring that there isn’t much disruption throughout the RPA implementation. They frequently conduct workshops and training sessions to assist employees in adjusting their workflows to new processes.
- RPA Developers: They can help teach end-users how to use automated processes. However, they are more concerned with the technology aspect of the process. Their main focus is ensuring that the bots work effectively, not managing larger organizational changes.
The Key Takeaway
Both RPA developers and analysts play an integral role in the success of RPA implementation. While the developers concentrate on the technical aspects of developing automation solutions, analysts are responsible for ensuring the solutions meet business objectives and deliver the most value.
In combination, they can help companies streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and realize the possibilities of automation. Whether you’re looking to develop bots or analyze business processes, there’s a role to fit in the booming industry of RPA.
Although both RPA Consultants and developers are essential to an automation system, their roles differ. Consultants are focused on process improvement, strategy, and stakeholder alignment to ensure the RPA initiatives are connected to the business goals.
Developers also bring the technical knowledge needed to design and build automation robots and ensure all technical elements of RPA are in perfect order.
FAQs
How does being an RPA Consultant differ from being an RPA Developer?
An RPA Consultant is focused on process analysis, strategy, and identifying potential automation opportunities, while an RPA Developer manages the technical aspects, including building and deploying automation bots.
Is it necessary to have both an RPA Consultant and an RPA Developer for an RPA project?
Indeed, the advisor creates the strategy and aligns the business while the developer handles the technical execution.
What qualifications are essential for an RPA Consultant?
RPA Consultants need business analysis, project management skills, and a basic understanding of RPA tools.
Which programming languages should an RPA Developer be proficient in?
RPA Developers must be proficient in programming languages such as Python, C#, and VB.NET and should be acquainted with RPA tools such as UiPath and Automation Anywhere.
How does an RPA Consultant assist in scaling RPA solutions?
An RPA Consultant can help you scale by identifying additional ways to automate processes, providing guidance on change management, and integrating RPA with the business objectives.
