How Wei Lai won the IBM Build-A-Bot Social Challenge

How Wei Lai won the IBM Build-A-Bot Social Challenge

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. IBM Communities
   • Virtual communities
   • IBM Automation
   • Websphere users community
   • Business automation community
   • Interacting with peers
   • Staying up to date on new releases
   • Joining user groups
   • Becoming a thought leader
3. Business Automation Community
   • Number of blogs and discussions
   • Community rock stars
   • Topic groups
4. Introduction to RPA
   • IBM's acquisition of WDG Automation
   • Capabilities of RPA
   • Low code editors and ease of use
5. The RPA Challenge
   • Two categories of the challenge
   • Best workplace improvement
   • Best automation for a social challenge
6. Winner of the Social Challenge
   • Wei, his background, and his day job
   • Learning about RPA through the competition
   • The idea behind the survey bot
   • Involving his kids in the project
   • The concept of the survey bot
   • Guiding the bot's responses Based on the folder chosen
   • Possibilities for further development
7. Conclusion

IBM Communities and the Rise of Virtual Interaction

IBM Communities offer virtual spaces for professionals to connect, collaborate, and stay updated on the latest developments in the industry. Under the IBM Automation group, several communities cater to different user groups. The Websphere users community, in particular, boasts thousands of members.

In the absence of physical events and user groups, IBM Communities have played a crucial role in bringing professionals together. These communities serve as platforms for Peer interaction, seeking advice, and staying informed about new releases. Whether professionals are looking to join user groups or showcase their expertise through blogging, IBM Communities offer the space to do so.

The Business Automation Community, part of the IBM Automation group, thrives with vibrant discussions and an average of 30 to 35 blogs each month. This community focuses on addressing technical challenges and answering questions related to business process automation. Community rock stars, such as Matt Cassini, contribute to this thriving environment and co-preside over user group events.

To help users navigate the vast landscape of IBM offerings, topic groups Align with specific components like cloud pack and cover areas like decisions and process mining. Additionally, there are user groups organized based on regional or product-centric interests.

Embracing the Power of Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has gained significant traction over the years. IBM's acquisition of WDG Automation demonstrates a commitment to automation that goes beyond just business processes. RPA allows users to capture actions performed on a computer screen and automate them through a recorder. From logging into systems to data manipulation, RPA simplifies complex tasks by connecting disparate systems seamlessly.

One of the unique aspects of IBM's RPA offering is the inclusion of low code editors, making it more accessible to users. The ease of use and comprehensive capabilities of the tool led IBM to contemplate a challenge that would test participants' skills and creativity. With a prize pool of $20,000, IBM launched the RPA challenge in two distinct categories: best workplace improvement and the best automation for a social challenge.

Championing Automation for Social Good – The Winning Solution

Wei, a consultant at Proficient, participated in the RPA challenge with an inspiring solution. Drawing from his wife's experiences as an inner-city teacher, Wei aimed to revolutionize the traditional food drive. His goal was to address the shortcomings of existing food drives and ensure more efficient distribution to those in need.

Wei's survey bot emerged as the winning solution for the social challenge. The survey bot Simplified the process of capturing opportunities from retail stores' survey incentives. By taking a picture of the receipt, the bot completed surveys and collected incentives, which can then be given directly to those in need or exchanged with bargain hunters for cash donations. Wei's solution empowered both givers and recipients, creating a more personalized and efficient system.

The process of developing the survey bot was a true family affair. Wei's children actively contributed to the project, creating images and assisting with video production. Their involvement showcased the ability of automation to bring families together and inspire the next generation.

While Wei's solution was a resounding success, he acknowledged that there is room for further improvement. By incorporating AI for Context recognition, the survey bot could provide even more accurate and appropriate responses. Wei's achievement in a mere eight hours exemplifies the accessibility and potential of IBM's RPA tool.

Conclusion

IBM Communities have become essential platforms for professionals to connect and stay informed in the absence of physical gatherings. The Business Automation Community, in particular, offers a wealth of resources, including blogs, discussions, and user groups. IBM's foray into RPA through the acquisition of WDG Automation has opened new avenues for automation across various domains.

The RPA challenge presented an opportunity for participants worldwide to showcase their skills and creativity. Wei's winning solution, the survey bot, revolutionizes traditional food drives and creates a more efficient system. With the involvement of his children, Wei demonstrates the power of automation to bridge gaps and address social issues.

As IBM continues to foster innovation and collaboration, the future looks promising for automation enthusiasts seeking to make a positive impact on both workplaces and society as a whole.