Let’s be real — if you still rely on manual processes to manage IT tasks, you’re already falling behind. Between cybersecurity threats moving faster than ever and leadership demanding more with fewer resources, IT automation isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore — it’s survival. I’ve seen firsthand how even small automation wins can free up teams, reduce mistakes, and turn a chaotic helpdesk into a well-oiled machine. In this post, we’ll break down how you can start automating smartly without blowing up your current workflows.
Why IT Automation Has Become Non-Negotiable
Automation isn’t just about efficiency anymore; it’s about resilience. Here’s why it’s now mission-critical:
- Security demands it: Cyberattacks move at machine speed, and manual patching and incident response just can’t keep up.
- Budgets are tighter: Every CIO I talk to is asked to “do more with less.” Automation is the only realistic path.
- Talent shortages: Good IT talent is hard to find and keep. Freeing your existing staff from drudge work is crucial.
- Expectations are sky-high: Business units expect instant support, constant uptime, and zero mistakes. Automation closes the expectation gap.
In short, without automation, you risk burning out your team, missing key security threats, and falling behind competitors who have already embraced it.
How to Start Your Automation Journey Without the Drama
Trying to “boil the ocean” with automation leads to failed projects and jaded teams. Instead, here’s a smarter path:
1. Start with High-Impact, Low-Risk Tasks
Look for repetitive, rules-based tasks that are:
- Time-consuming but simple (e.g., password resets, user provisioning)
- Prone to human error
- Annoying for your team
Example: One mid-sized financial firm I worked with automated 80% of their password reset tickets within six weeks. Not only did their helpdesk SLA scores jump 20%, but they also freed up two FTEs to work on strategic security projects.
2. Map Processes Before Automating
Don’t assume you know how a process works — document it. Use flowcharts or quick working sessions to map the real steps, decision points, and handoffs. Automation done on top of broken processes only multiplies the chaos.
3. Choose Tools That Play Well With Others
Your automation platform should integrate easily with your existing systems (think Active Directory, ticketing systems, cloud platforms). Bonus points if it has strong API support and doesn’t require a Ph.D. to maintain.
Popular choices include:
- ServiceNow (for ITSM automation)
- Microsoft Power Automate (for Office 365 shops)
- Ansible or Puppet (for infrastructure as code)
4. Pilot, Then Scale
Pick one department or use case. Show success. Gather feedback. THEN scale.
A CIO friend told me his secret to winning executive support was simple: “I automated employee onboarding for HR first. Nothing gets the C-suite on your side like making their new hire process magically smoother.”
5. Communicate and Celebrate Wins
People fear “automation” as code for “job loss.” Instead, frame it as “giving teams time back for real work.” Celebrate small victories, spotlight freed-up time, and highlight upskilling opportunities.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Over-automation: Not everything should be automated. Critical thinking tasks still need humans.
- Ignoring cultural change: Tech is easy. Getting people to trust it is harder.
- Underestimating maintenance: Automation workflows need updating just like any other system.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Think Big
IT automation isn’t a massive, scary leap — it’s a series of smart, incremental steps. You don’t need a “big bang” rollout to start seeing real results. Prioritize one small win. Build momentum. Prove value. Then scale.
The sooner you start, the sooner your team can stop wasting hours on tasks a script could do in seconds — and focus on work that moves your business forward.
If you’re interested in learning more about how CIOs can successfully navigate automation and AI-driven IT transformation, I highly recommend The CIOs Ultimate Guide to AI Transformation. This book offers actionable strategies for aligning automation with business goals and preparing your IT organization for the future.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.