Yes, data analysts can automate and optimize processes. Automated data analytics is the practice of using computer systems to perform analytical tasks with little or no human intervention. These mechanisms vary in complexity; they range from simple scripts or lines of code to data analytics tools that perform data modeling, feature discovery, and statistical analysis.
For example, a cybersecurity firm might use automation to gather data from large swathes of web activity, conduct further analysis, and then use data visualization to showcase results and support business decisions.