Automation is changing the way we work, and we need to be aware of this now. Automation books simplify what's happening as software, robots, and AI take over various repetitive tasks, and what this means for your job, your industry, and the economy as a whole.
Whether you're looking to automate some part of your work so you can be more efficient, trying to figure out what skills will still matter in ten years, or just wondering what's with all the hysteria about AI, these types of books will give you the context.
Automation books: Understanding the technology
Automation books begin with the basics of what it actually means and how we arrived at our current state. It's become more than just robots on the assembly line. It's software automating data entry, AI making decisions that require human judgment, and ML systems, doing the same but improving over time. And they take you through the different kinds of automation. Basic rule-based automation to complex artificial intelligence and machine learning systems.
It is important to understand technology in these terms – when you discover what automation can do and can't do, you will start to see where the real transformation is happening. The books on automation are excellent at explaining automation concepts, such as robotic process automation (RPA), which automates repetitive digital tasks, and intelligent automation, which combines RPA with AI to tackle more complex tasks.
These books will explain why some jobs are more susceptible to automation than others. If a job is routine and rule-based, it is at risk of being eliminated by automation. If the work involves creativity, emotional intelligence, or complex problem-solving, it is much more difficult to automate. They also discuss platforms, software, and tools that everyday people are actually using to automate stuff.
Automation books: Preparing for the future
Automation books also tackle the big questions that everyone will be asking at the time – what happens to the displaced worker when a job is replaced with automation? The answers will be nuanced and probably depend on the different jobs. Yes, automation will eliminate a number of jobs, but it will also create new jobs — there are still people who have to build, manage, and improve the automated systems! The dilemma then is whether the (probably) displaced worker is in a position to transition to that new job or is left behind.
The best books on automation aren't overly optimistic about the associated challenges; nor, on the other hand, do they play into doom-and-gloom takes. They guide you on adaptation: which skills to develop, how to position yourself in an automated reality, and what opportunities exist.
Reading about automation is more than just understanding technology; it's about understanding the rapidly shifting landscape of work, whether you're automating your own work, helping coordinate teams amid transitions, or simply trying to remain relevant in an evolving work context.
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