We’re already four months into the New Year, and things are moving fast. Every day, a new company implements RPA and presets all their internal and external processes. Up until last year, RPA was considered a viable alternative, just a path chosen by some. However, by this year RPA has become a necessity for the businesses to remain competitive. RPA is undoubtedly an up-and-coming technology that will soon take over every organization and industry. Matter of fact, a study by Information Services Group (ISG) pointed out McKinsey’s prediction, “that over the next 10 years the work of up to 140 million knowledge workers may be handled by cognitive robotic process automation systems”
The expert of leadership and digital innovation at Imperial College Business School, Professor Nelson Phillips claimed that all industries will be transformed by four main technologies; big data, blockchain, AI and robotics.
These predictions sure are scary in and of itself, however where technology had displaced jobs in the past, it has also created many. The same stands true for RPA. This new tech is introducing and will introduce all kinds of new jobs in the future. Let’s have a look at them to prepare better for the future.
Project Manager/Business Analyst:
The jobs for project manager already exists, however in the future, these managers would also require to have a basic understanding of how RPA works. In order to ensure the smooth running of projects, they’d need to tap into the data available, and also keep an eye on the RPA tools and bots. Businesses can either train their current employees or they can open job position for project managers with the skills of an analyst.
Data Analyst
Where project managers would require some basic RPA skills, it would become necessary for every business to have an in-house data analyst available. The cultural shift with RPA, data analytics, and AI has led to increased predictions, assessments, and tracking with the data available. In order to stay ahead of the competition, businesses would have to conduct ongoing analytics of the data and make decisions. The data analyst will be responsible for the collection of the data and keep a strict eye on the dots, patterns, and trends and report it to the decision makers
Machine Learning Engineers
As the industries would deploy a number of RPA software and bots into their workspace, they would also need someone who’d update and modify the software to make them do their job better. In other words, machine learning engineers would keep tweaking and modifying the software to make it more suitable for the business.
Operational Technologist
This position might end up opening sooner rather than later. The job of this person would be to review the company’s performance and then coordinate with the tech, sales, and development team to make sure the automation processes are all aligning with the company’s objectives. This person doesn’t necessarily need to be an expert in RPA, yet they should be pro at gauging the company’s performance. An operational technologist would be a go-to person for both, the higher-ups, and the frontline employees when they believe the RPA is not doing what it was expected to do.
RPA Developers
As the demands for RPA will surge in the upcoming years, new solutions would be needed from it. New software houses will take birth and RPA developers would be MVP by the next decade. An RPA developer is a software developer who can incorporate their understanding of RPA in its development. Any software developer can become RPA developer by taking RPA courses and training. These developers will also be contracted by organizations in the future to make sure that the RPA system is properly integrated into their work stream.
Tech Ethicist
The job for tech ethicist would open somewhere in the far future, but the possibility is definitely there. As humans, we all have that underlying fear that robotics will take over our lives. Well, the job of tech ethicist is to make sure that never happens and the technology never crosses that line. These ethicists would be responsible for making some hard decisions. For instance, how much should we strive to advance robotics? Should we give them the intelligence we possess? Would it be right to create designer babies? How much information should the robots have? Should they be given authority? Etc.
Complex Problem Solving
This is not a job, but a skill that would be much needed in the future. Any employee with this skill can expect good job offers and high demand. As RPA will become more common and solve many problems, it will also create many. There will be problems in the future that we cannot predict at the moment and would require people with mental flexibility who can think way outside the box, apply critical thinking to come up with solutions. Again, this is a skill that just anyone can develop by challenging their mind, practicing by looking at complex problems and coming up with a way out. The more you practice, the more bendy your brain will become.
It’s true that by 2030, the majority of the tasks would be automated. However, we would encourage you to be excited about it, rather than being scared. You already have the insight, you know what is going to happen, and you still have some time. This the moment to take a decision and to secure your future earnings by preparing yourself for what is to come.
Take this article as a caveat or a helpful guide for all those who fear that their jobs and roles are at the risk of being stolen by technology. Industries too can start training their employees beforehand or they’d have to spend a large number of resources on recruitment in the future.
The best part is, many people can just update their position and their skills by taking additional training and courses. People who are involved with data entry and other repetitive tasks should pay attention to this even more since their jobs are most likely to be replaced by automation.
Interestingly, the above-mentioned jobs are only a small percentage of what could be predicted in the future. You can use that critical thinking of yours and predict your own list of future jobs and start training now.
Omnisys Solutions has a well-developed practice in RPA, which supports both data analytics initiatives as well as carry out automation driven initiatives. With a focus on business value, Omnisys leverages RPA to deliver tangible dollar benefits to its customers.