Automation in high demand but not enough humans to do it: UiPath

Automation refers to the use of technology and systems to perform tasks or processes with minimal human intervention.

With the growing importance of efficiency, error-free delivery, and doing more in less time, automation is currently in high demand in India, according to Arun Balasubramanian, VP and MD for India and South Asia at robotic process automation (RPA) software firm UiPath. However, there is an increasing shortage of people with automation skills.

Automation refers to the use of technology and systems to perform tasks or processes with minimal human intervention. The primary goal of automation is to increase efficiency, accuracy, and productivity by utilising machines, software, or other technologies to carry out repetitive or complex tasks.

Core automation job roles include automation engineer, robotics engineer, business process analyst, cloud automation engineer etc.

Before the pandemic, Balasubramanian said automation was often confined to smaller departments, showcasing benefits in isolated instances. However, the current trend in the post-pandemic world is the adoption of enterprise-wide end-to-end automation.

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The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP) has enhanced the appeal for companies, elevating the conversation from departmental to boardroom levels.

“In industries facing complex challenges, such as finance and healthcare, automation is proving to be a valuable solution. Automation emerges as a compelling use case, enhancing readiness for regulatory compliance and expediting processes. This efficiency extends across diverse departments, including finance, HR, and invoice processing within production environments,” Balasubramanian said.

Healthcare, particularly in the context of invoice processing, demonstrates the need for streamlined procedures, as lengthy delays and intricate coordination contribute to the challenges faced by patients during billing processes.

According to Sector Skills Council (SSC) Nasscom, the national standard-setting body for IT Skills, the robotic process automation skill gap is 25-28 percent, with demand ranging between 1.4 lakh and  2 lakh and supply at 1.1-1.6 lakh.

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Having represented various technologies, including Salesforce and ServiceNow, Balasubramanian said he has observed the widening of skill gaps, especially with the emergence of new technologies like AI and automation.

“Enterprises are increasingly recognising the urgency of closing the skill gap within the workforce. They are no longer willing to invest time in extensive training programmes for their employees and are seeking job-ready individuals. This skills gap is a persistent challenge that continues to expand, irrespective of the technology in focus,” he added.

Bridging the gap 

Last month, UiPath announced the expansion of its partnership with FutureSkills Prime, A MeitY Nasscom initiative, and plans to introduce two new learning plans for business analysts and test automation professionals.

The learning plans shall be aligned with National Occupational Standards (NOS). This builds off the existing UiPath RPA Developer Foundation course launched on FutureSkills Prime in July 2023. These new course maps aim to meet the increasing demand for skilled automation professionals in India and create equitable and accessible pathways for individuals to take up emerging jobs.

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The UiPath Academic Alliance programme is already working with FutureSkills Prime, other partners, and UiPath customers to drive these initiatives, which aim to equip 5 lakh Indians with AI and automation skills by 2027. The programme has trained 3.5 lakh candidates in the last five years.

UiPath will also provide 100 scholarships every year over the next three years for economically disadvantaged individuals to pursue UiPath certifications. UiPath is currently working with its ecosystem to implement automatic interview opportunities for individuals graduating from UiPath Academic Alliance partner institutions. Both internships and full-time roles will be available on this platform.

“The value of certifications has changed over time. Earlier, it was about being able to authenticate that you have studied what you’ve studied. Now, as recruiters look for skills, it is about what you can do. The more the certificate reflects your ability to apply a skill, the more valuable it is,” said Kirti Seth, CEO of IT-ITeS SSC Nasscom.

“That’s why you will see the value of certificates like Red Hat, AWS, Salesforce, ServiceNow and UiPath increasing, because the path to getting these certificates ensures that you can use the tools and technologies. As recruitment becomes more and more skill-based, these certifications will become more and more important,” she added.