Class Overview
What will we do?
This class serves two purposes, first is to discuss the trade-offs between enterprise (and desktop) level proprietary software and open source software for automation from the perspective of the accounting and finance function, and to compare with potential open source approaches to agentic automation as well as fully customizable approaches with hardware and open source (free) models. We will undertake a build versus buy investment analysis, using managerial accounting tools to compare the Net Present Value of the two investment options: (1) to invest in hardware and (2) to subscribe to a service provider. The second purpose is to provide in-class time for teams to work on their intelligent automation projects using UiPath's platform.
Materials and Preparation
Class Materials
- Link: Class 6 Template
- Link: Class 6 Spreadsheet Starter File
- Link: A background reading for the final project (this document will be introduced in this class).
- Slides: PowerPoint or PDF
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Suggested Pre-Class Preparation
There is no suggested preparation for this class. -
Class Plan
- We will begin with a brief review with check in questions on the role of agents and RPA in automation workflows.
- Second, a build versus buy analysis will be undertaken to compare investment choices (with hardware and open source software) versus software subscription-based approaches for automation solutions.
- Third, I will introduce some finings from an MIT study regarding the challenges in implementing enterprise level agentic automation solutions, and we will discuss how this can be used to help motivate you final project solutions.
Required Deliverables
| Deliverable | Due Date | Canvas Submission Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Professionalism (individual): Open Source Models Submission | During Class | Upload to Canvas |