Course Outline
Transitioning from Manual Reporting to Automated Workflows
- Mapping existing manual report processes
- Evaluating candidates based on frequency, effort, and risk
Establishing the Automation Environment
- Setting up Python, code editors, and virtual environments
- Installing pandas, openpyxl, and Selenium
Python Fundamentals and Reusable Scripting
- Core concepts: variables, conditionals, loops, and lists
- Constructing small functions and sequential script logic
- Interpreting and acting on error messages
Managing Files, Paths, and Data Formats
- Reading from and writing to CSV and Excel files
- Standardizing naming conventions, archiving, and date stamping outputs
Data Manipulation with pandas
- Importing sources into dataframes
- Filtering, merging, and aggregating datasets
- Cleaning dates, numerical values, and duplicates
Generating Reports with openpyxl
- Populating Excel workbooks with results
- Applying formatting, formulas, and charts
- Driving output generation from Excel templates
Validating and Reconciling Outcomes
- Implementing control totals and row count verifications
- Identifying duplicates and statistical outliers
- Establishing quality gates prior to release
Leveraging Claude for Code Generation and Reusable Skills
- Crafting prompts for automation code
- Auditing and refining generated scripts
- Packaging reusable skills for team distribution
Web Automation using Selenium and Chrome
- Element location, wait strategies, and navigation controls
- Securely signing into 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 resolving file lock issues
- Adapting to changes in layouts and column structures
Distributing Reports via Email and WhatsApp
- Sending Gmail notifications using app passwords
- Managing attachments, summaries, and recipient lists
- Utilizing business messaging templates and opt-in protocols
Orchestrating Workflows with PowerShell
- Executing scripts and capturing output logs
- Managing parameters, logging, and exit codes
- Chaining individual steps into a unified pipeline
Automating Schedules with Task Scheduler
- Creating and configuring scheduled tasks
- Managing service accounts and run-as permissions
- Monitoring executions and defining retry behaviors
Troubleshooting, Logging, and Security
- Implementing structured logs and error capture
- Securing credential storage and enforcing least privilege
- Handling personal and regulated data compliantly
Documentation, Handover, and the Automation Capstone
- Drafting process documentation and operational runbooks
- Capstone project: Constructing a departmental report
- Executing the first scheduled run and conducting a review
Requirements
- No previous programming experience is necessary.
- Proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Excel, and web browsers.
- A solid understanding of the specific report or process intended for automation.
Target Audience
- Business, operations, finance, and administrative personnel managing recurring reports.
- Team leaders and supervisors aiming to upskill their respective 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.
