What is IT automation?

Similar to the above point, even the most detail-oriented human will never be able to match the processing speed of a functioning computer system. Applied correctly, IT automation allows for faster IT operations than would otherwise be possible, noticeably reducing service and delivery timelines.

IT automation, when used correctly, reduces the number of labour hours needed to complete IT tasks. At the same time, it empowers IT staff to use their time and accomplish more, more effectively. Taken together, these two factors result in fewer costs and increased returns for businesses that invest in IT automation.

Highly trained IT experts are worth the investment that organisations make to bring them on. That said, when those experts are then consigned to performing repetitive, manual IT tasks, businesses are not getting the most out of their skilled employees. IT automation takes these tasks off the IT professionals’ plates and gives them more time to spend on their other vital responsibilities.

Despite the many benefits available through IT automation, it does carry with it certain risks. Here are a handful of disadvantages to be aware of:

Automation programs are very unlikely to introduce errors. However, if an IT administrator makes an error in configuration settings, accidentally skips a step when programming automation for a complex task, or otherwise mishandles important foundational information, the IT automation program will proliferate those errors much further and faster than a similar manual error. Fully vetting automations before deploying them can help reduce this risk.

Although automation may benefit from AI and machine learning, it is not, in and of itself, intelligent. Instead, it is designed to follow instructions—in the form of commands and scripts— to the letter. As such, when unexpected deviations occur, new priorities take hold, or emergent events cause even small changes, automated systems will be unable to pivot their functionality on their own to match new demands. Organisations must schedule recurring times to review, reassess and revise existing automations. Otherwise, this automation will simply continue to function as they always have.

Although IT automation can help organisations save money in the long run, there is still the matter of initial costs. Simply put, IT automation can be an expensive investment, and it may take some time before these automation systems pay for themselves. Businesses should carefully evaluate whether their IT automation initiatives will provide enough of an ROI to offset upfront costs.

Getting the most out of IT automation depends on several different factors. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when considering investing in IT automation:

When introducing automation initiatives, it’s not uncommon for businesses to see reluctance from certain managers, departments, teams and individuals. Fully communicating the benefits that IT automation will bring—not only to the organisation, but to the team members as individuals—can help ensure that everyone involved is committed to its success. At the same time, working closely with teams and other stakeholders can provide invaluable insight into what kind of automation solution will be most beneficial.

The right IT automation solution should be capable of handling a range of different use cases. Likewise, it must be simple and usable enough to encourage users to rely on it. Focusing on usability and flexibility when choosing an automation tool helps guarantee increased adoption, and thus quicker returns.

IT automation has the capacity to completely revolutionise even the most complex digital processes, but that doesn’t mean organisations should try to start with the most complex processes first. Instead, start small and plan for the long term. Beginning with simple automation, creates valuable experience and helps uncover other automation opportunities. Businesses can then build on these wins to further implement IT automation in ever-more-complex use cases.

Clear documentation will help prevent overly complex solutions from taking root when simple ones will suffice. Likewise, a paper trail can make it easier to discover where errors may have been introduced if there is a problem with a specific automation.

Left to their own devices, teams may be slow to embrace IT automation. Galvanise them into action and create a champion of automation by selecting an IT automation team lead. The lead will take the responsibility for ensuring that IT automation best practices are being followed, proper documentation is being maintained, and that goals are in place and tracked throughout any areas where IT automation is employed.

IT automation can be employed in nearly any project—but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s always the right fit. Ongoing projects that include many repetitive tasks or that are prone to errors may be a good fit for IT automation. On the other hand, one-time projects or those that require a significant amount of customisation may not benefit nearly as much from automation. Remember: Automation should not be a goal in and of itself; it should be a means to help organisations achieve greater success. If a specific automation project does not support that objective, then leaders should be willing to pass on it.

As previously mentioned, getting buy-in and support from teams, leaders and stakeholders is necessary for a successful automation initiative. Make the case for IT automation by clearly identifying and sharing key benefits and connecting specific automation proposals to established business goals. Be clear about what the plan will entail, and break it up into more manageable pieces, so that decision makers will have an easier time comprehending everything it entails. Then, once the initiative has gotten off the ground, be sure to report back about any successes it produces.