Course Outline
Transitioning from Manual Reports to Automated Processes
- Mapping existing manual report workflows
- Identifying candidates based on frequency, effort, and risk
Configuring the Automation Environment
- Setting up Python, code editors, and virtual environments
- Installing pandas, openpyxl, and Selenium
Python Fundamentals and Reusable Scripts
- Understanding variables, conditions, loops, and lists
- Creating small functions and sequential script steps
- Interpreting and acting on error messages
Files, Paths, and Data Formats
- Reading and writing CSV and Excel files
- Standardizing naming conventions, archiving, and date-stamping outputs
Data Preparation Using pandas
- Loading data sources into dataframes
- Filtering, joining, and aggregating data sets
- Cleaning dates, numerical amounts, and duplicates
Generating Reports with openpyxl
- Writing results into Excel workbooks
- Applying formatting, formulas, and charts
- Using Excel templates to drive output generation
Validating and Reconciling Results
- Implementing control totals and row count verifications
- Identifying duplicates and outliers
- Establishing quality gates prior to release
Using Claude for Scripting and Reusable Skills
- Prompting Claude to generate automation code
- Auditing and refining generated code
- Packaging reusable skills for team distribution
Web Automation via Selenium and Chrome
- Locating elements, managing waits, and navigating interfaces
- Safely authenticating to internal portals
- Handling pagination, downloads, and file management
Integrating Power BI and Excel Internal Sources
- Accessing published reports and data exports
- Managing shared folders and file lock conflicts
- Adapting to changes in layouts and columns
Distributing Reports via Email and WhatsApp
- Sending emails through Gmail using application passwords
- Managing attachments, summaries, and recipient lists
- Setting up business messaging templates and opt-in preferences
Orchestrating Workflows with PowerShell
- Executing scripts and capturing output logs
- Handling parameters, logging, and exit codes
- Chaining multiple steps into a single pipeline
Unattended Scheduling via Task Scheduler
- Creating and configuring scheduled tasks
- Managing service accounts and run-as permissions
- Monitoring executions and configuring retry mechanisms
Troubleshooting, Logging, and Security
- Implementing structured logs and error tracking
- Secure credential storage and least privilege principles
- Handling personal and regulated data responsibly
Documentation, Handover, and the Automation Capstone
- Creating process documentation and operational runbooks
- Capstone project: Developing a departmental report
- Executing the first scheduled run and conducting a review
Requirements
- No previous programming knowledge is necessary.
- Proficiency in using Windows, Microsoft Excel, and web browsers.
- A solid understanding of the specific report or process intended for automation.
Target Audience
- Staff in business, operations, finance, and administration roles responsible for regular reporting.
- Team leaders and supervisors looking to impart these skills to their teams.
- Analysts transitioning from manual reporting to automated data pipelines.
Testimonials (3)
I understand the basic flow of building a bot from start to finish
Dita Aura Febrian - PT Glostar Indonesia
Course - Integrated RPA for SAP Automation
the template provided. they will come in handy on my day to day duties
Lineo Nchaba - Revenue Services Lesotho
Course - UiPath for Business Analysts
He is very competent, organized, and he loves his job.
