Automation.
A word that has opened up conversations across the technology sector, where around 5% of all jobs worldwide are expected to soon be replaced by AI (Source: McKinsey). Even now, we’re starting to see advancing technology automating many processes across the world, where:
Drones deliver packages.
CRM software can assist and execute client onboarding.
Bookkeeping applications are eradicating the need for private accountants.
In 2022, the reality is that 31% of organizations have fully automated at least one area of operations (Source: Oracle Netsuite) - placing huge pressure on available talent in the technology sector while alleviating workloads across thousands of other industries.
Despite huge economic growth stimulated by the ever-increasing adoption of RPA and AI technologies, the future of business automation is threatened by vast labor shortages and out-of-date recruitment practices.
The Future of Business Automation in 2022
Despite competitive hiring conditions, the future of business automation looks promising. Six trends will drive growth across the sector in 2022, largely benefiting automation and process management technology companies.
1. Hyperautomation
The adoption of digitalization and data management tools in 2021 has improved technology infrastructure, allowing businesses to start benefiting from “hyper-automation” (automating already automated processes). For software vendors, this means new opportunities for growth in the market.
2. Smarter AI and Intelligence Learning
There is a limit to what can be automated today. There is a line between human work and machine work. That line is shifting rapidly upward as AI capabilities achieve parity with human capabilities in more areas. The definition of what is automatable and what isn't is constantly changing.” - IFS Assyst
In 2022, the differences between human capabilities and AI operations become ever slimmer, with RPA systems using machine learning to adapt their approach to tasks for maximum efficiency. This year, automation engineers will continue to innovate backend development for these programs - allowing machines to advance themselves.
3. Cybersecurity
In 2021, 83% of critical infrastructure organizations suffered a cyberattack on operational technology (Source: Security Boulevard). Automation developers will have to design new cybersecurity measures to protect AI, or businesses will start to become wary of undergoing digital transformations, ultimately slowing sector growth.
4. Automation Cooperation
Already, we’re starting to see a movement in the beliefs of employees across the world.
Instead of the initial fears that automation would kill our jobs market, digital skills are now becoming required in almost every position, allowing organisations to work alongside automation - cooperation, not competition. This will encourage people-based companies to adopt software that will make them more efficient, ultimately partnering with automation companies and stimulating investment.
5. CIO and CSO Reliance
Leadership roles are advancing. Technology skills are now becoming absolutely essential for the future success of any company in our digital landscapes. Hiring decisions are made based on passion to learn, and passion to innovate. Due to this, we can anticipate higher demand for business automation software in 2022 as CIOs increase awareness of the power of technology.
6. Semantic Automation
In order for automation technologies like chat-bots to see further success in the market, semantic automation will have to humanize AI - allowing them to derive meaning and interact with customers in a helpful, intelligent manner. Currently, User Experiences in this sector of business automation are low, meaning technology companies have an opportunity in 2022 to develop smarter software that can truly aid businesses with customer management.
The Impact of Business Automation in 2022
Global deep-tech investment into technology start-ups has quadrupled from $15 billion in 2016 to $60 billion in 2020 (Source: We Forum), increasing competition in the market.
Without the help of automation software, many businesses would not have survived the hit of the pandemic - where ecommerce spending jumped to $26.7 billion (Source: UNCTAD). If technology and software AI hadn’t risen to the challenge, many organizations would have been forced to close their doors forever.
In fact, as more companies undergo digital transformation, there’s a case to be made that human resources are no longer the world’s most valuable asset, with vast reliance being placed on automated operating systems.
We are now facing a future where RPA is deeply integrated into every business model - largely benefiting automation analysts, engineers, developers, and consultants. As demand for automation technologies increases, our sector has encountered a huge issue that will affect the future of the market: labor shortages.
Across the world, businesses are competing for qualified automation candidates, raising average technology salaries by 6.9% over the course of 2021 (Source: Tech Republic). This will persuade job seekers to carefully consider their options and look for new opportunities in 2022.
This year, we predict that automation talent will soon move to employers who can offer them:
Remote work
Flexible schedules
Top benefits (e.g. health insurance)
Competitive salaries
As a result, many technology employers will have to be smart about talent attraction and talent retention - paying attention to trends in the market and even using AI to analyze what lies ahead.
Jobs in Business Automation 2022
As the automation industry enters a candidate-driven job market, qualified talent has more potential than ever to advance their careers in business automation. Jobs that will be in high demand in 2022 include automation analysts, engineers, developers, and consultants.
Job Title | Average Base Pay (US $) | |
Software Automation Analysts | $79,142 | |
Business Analysts | $77,218 | |
Senior Automation Analysts | $115,435 | |
Robotics Software Engineers | $105,975 | |
Robotics Engineer | $93,364 | |
Process Automation Engineers | $86,125 | |
Network & IT Systems Engineers | $69,025 | |
Senior Automation Engineers | $117,896 | |
RPA Developers | $85,558 | |
Senior Automation Consultants | $110,184 | |
RPA Consultants | $87,434 |
Source: Glassdoor.
In 2022, automation talent should connect with recruiters to find engaging and innovative new job positions, allowing them to clearly communicate salary and benefits expectations. This will allow them to easily “shop around” for suitable openings that align with their career goals and find the workplace of their dreams.
Recruiting with Xcede
If you’re an RPA or Automation company competing for experienced and qualified software developers, analysts, and engineers - put yourself ahead of the competition with Xcede. We are global technology recruitment specialists who source and select top talent for every single one of our clients. Our dedication to finding you experienced Automation candidates with the right skills allows you to concentrate resources in practicing safe data protection while we fill essential gaps in your workforce.
