Automated Networking: Better Connectivity, Better Business

For the modern organisation, reliable connectivity is essential for any industry to work efficiently and safely. To have the most impactful and consistent networking, many companies are turning to automation to streamline their operations. By using automated networking processes, companies can improve their solutions and allow their IT teams to work to their full potential by using software to perform repetitive, manual tasks.

Fewer Errors, Better Service

By integrating automated software, network providers can guarantee a higher level of service for their customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Automation in networking can detect and resolve a flaw in the service even before a human has been notified. This improved level of service also leads to less calls to support lines and engineer visits. As internet connection is vital to the everyday running of a business, automation, and the use of machine learning to resolve issues guarantees a better service.

Automated software can aid engineers in their work by processing huge amounts of data accurately and in a short space of time. By automating these processes, human error is removed and can allow for better connection to the network. Errors are also further reduced as automated software only follows rules that are set by a human operator, stopping the system from making rogue or interpretive decisions without prior instruction. This reduces customers’ frustration with the network and makes them less likely to look to another provider. Many businesses now rely on high bandwidth, low latency connectivity in their everyday operations. To deliver this, automated processes provide better accuracy, reliability, and productivity. Ultimately, automation allows providers to supply an enhanced service package which is unrivalled by companies who don’t utilise automation.

Enhanced Security

Automated networking can provide a higher level of security as human error is reduced in the

application of policies. As processes are repeated, this guarantees a better level of security as there is greater consistency in the network’s own defences. Moreover, by identifying and resolving threats using automated tools, automation can help to mitigate risk by deflecting before an engineer has even been notified. As threats to networks are constant and evolving, automation provides a solid first defence, reducing potential issues.

Using Automation to Improve Job Satisfaction

By incorporating automation into networking processes, companies can ensure that their IT teams are feeling more fulfilled, focusing them on more interesting, creative jobs, as opposed to mundane tasks. Rather than spending hours repeating processes and trawling through data to look for anomalies, IT teams can better utilise their skills and ultimately complete the tasks that bring them greater job satisfaction. Over-stressed or uninspired staff are more likely to become demotivated and make mistakes as they have less interest in their role. Automated processes can carry out these repetitive tasks more quickly and thoroughly, giving IT teams time to make higher level decisions. This is important as 87% of companies worldwide are aware that they have a skills gap or will have one in the next few years. If IT teams are more fulfilled, staff retention is likely to be higher, and they will tend to provide a better service for the company. Putting experienced employees in more interesting roles is a more cost-effective method than hiring and training new staff. Over the longer term, IT roles should see an improvement in terms of retention and better recruitment of new talent.

Cost Cutting on Operations

As many companies are looking for ways to improve the cost-effectiveness of operations, many IT teams are looking to automation as a safe investment which will further improve as technology becomes more capable and readily available at a reasonable cost. Because automated networking reduces the number of trouble tickets and callouts, this ultimately leads to better profit margins for enterprises. As many companies rely on connectivity to generate profit, any inefficiencies in the network could ultimately impact the bottom line and drive clients into the arms of better-prepared competitors.

Rather than allocating resources to resolving issues and callouts, enterprises can be more involved in network design, outage planning and infrastructure improvement. This is a better return on investment for employers as their staff are no longer wasting resources and are instead using their time and skills to enhance the service and business offerings. Ultimately, this will go a long way to improve customer retention as well as attract new prospects.

Through automation, IT teams now have more consistency and insights into the network, monitoring its health and being able to mitigate issues before they happen. With a strong foundation of automation in place across networks, engineers can feel empowered to innovate and determine ways that networks can add further value to end users.

Jamie Pitchforth, Head of Education Practice, EMEA, Juniper