Automation
Benefits of Automation
To automate a process is to take a defined manual process and make it an automated one that is controlled, monitored and predictable. Automating a process makes it :
free of human error
repeatable on demand
independent of humans and schedulable
Deterministic
Improves Security
Increases Efficiency
, Here are some of the more typical issues that can be addressed using Automation.
Repetitive Tasks and Time Waste
Some tasks that Administrators have to do are repetitive and are time wasters. Such tasks take away time that could be used to learn new skills, improve existing processes or write/update documentation. In addition to this, repetitive tasks have a higher level of failure as they are prone to human error.
Automation can replace this task by either fully automating it and presenting the Admin with an interface to start the task or exposing the task directly to the ticketing system, thus allowing for more productivity.
Streamline Services
Automation is a valuable tool for enhancing service delivery by minimizing waiting times and introducing customer self-service options.
However, effective self-service hinges on clear communication. Often, customers and administrators use different terminology, which can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
Automation can play a pivotal role in presenting tasks using a language and context that both parties can easily understand, thereby ensuring smoother interactions.
Improvement to Security
Especially after Log4J and Corvid, we know that defending against attacks is vital.
Automation can be used to reduce the exposure of Business-critical Applications and Infrastructure. An Automation layer can be used to expose only required functions to ticketing and front-end systems. The exposure includes Access levels as well as Open Ports. If a front-end system is compromised, a Hacker would gain admin-level access as well as Network access to intrude into business-critical systems.
An Automation level between the front-end and the business-critical systems would introduce an additional layer for a hacker to overcome. In addition, logging and auditing can be compressed and optimized.