According to the IDC study, over 50% of companies have been driven to transform by the topics of network management, automation and security since 2021.
No wonder, after all, according to the “Automation in the workplace” survey by HR service provider Randstad, 77% of employees gained relief in their routine tasks and 63% gained additional time for demanding activities back in 2017. An automated configuration of new (network) devices realizes these advantages to the full 100%.
Currently, up to 95% of grid changes are carried out manually, resulting in operating costs that are 2 to 3 times higher than the cost of the grid. Automated device onboarding effectively counters costs with improved KPIS, such as a 98% reduction in errors.
In this blog post, we will give you an overview of the benefits of automated onboarding of new (network) devices for everyone involved.
The challenge: Manual configuration processes for new devices
Onboarding new (network) devices can be very tedious, especially if most or even all of the steps are done manually. The to-do’s then look like this, for example:
- Connecting the device to the network
- Device configuration: management interface, remote authentication (TACACS, LDAP, AD, etc.), SNMP, NTP, logging (rsyslog), RBAC, security measures
- Configuration of various systems that are to be informed about the new device: Inventory tools (Netbox, AWX, FNT Command, etc.), monitoring/alerting (such as Prometheus, Grafana, Icinga, etc.), backup solution, DNS server
- Create firewall rules for access to new devices or access to other systems from the device
A step may be inadvertently omitted or errors may occur during implementation, for example IP addresses may be quickly mixed up or the names in interfaces or VRFs may be incorrect. Even the best employees can run out of time, resulting in careless mistakes or other important tasks falling by the wayside.
Process-related advantages of automated setup and configuration of new devices
For those responsible, automating the setup and configuration of new devices promises a whole range of benefits and improved KPIs throughout the process. We have compiled an overview of these for you:
Process efficiency – Defined workflows ensure that all necessary steps such as software installation, updates and security guidelines are precisely automated. Even if the entire automated process takes some time, other tasks can be processed during automation. Even better: several devices can be integrated simultaneously or one after the other.
Improved error rate – When processes are standardized and controlled by software, the likelihood of misconfigurations or overlooking important steps is reduced. The secure and efficient setup of all new devices is ensured by automating the manual configuration.
Smooth operation and up-to-dateness – Whether the configuration is working properly can also be checked automatically. To keep the configuration up to date, onboarding can also be carried out at regular intervals and all results can be checked in a report.
Quick configuration change – Some devices require a configuration change? Onboarding can then simply be carried out again with the changed parameters.
Consistent configuration in multi-vendor environments – Even in a multi-vendor environment, the process can be automated to ensure that all different devices are configured in the same way.
Employee satisfaction through less repetitive tasks – Automated onboarding processes for new devices can increase employee satisfaction by eliminating boring, repetitive tasks and freeing up time for important tasks. This ultimately leads to a more positive attitude towards work and leaves more time for challenging activities.
Automations can relieve employees of the work steps involved in onboarding new (network) devices and thus significantly save time and errors overall. But this is not the only area where automation promises benefits for your company.
How your company benefits from automated device configuration
On the other hand, dependent employees can also be provided with devices more quickly. This allows them to work with the devices without delays or problems and ensures a faster time-to-market.
Last but not least, this step can provide the company with easy access to further automation options. The first measures have already been implemented and awareness of automation and its ease of use has been created among employees. If automation is implemented together with IT experts, they can also quickly identify further possibilities and potential.
The implementation - Realize automated device onboarding
So where do you start in order to achieve an automated process of manual configuration and setup? First, an analysis of the status quo should be carried out to determine which process steps are carried out in which way. Based on this, the desired automation and the solutions that can be implemented should be worked out. Both steps are best taken by experts in order to avoid problems afterwards. Once the ideal solution has been found, it needs to be implemented and then put into operation and, if necessary, employees need to be trained in its use.
In order to implement the automation of the process as smoothly as possible and to decide on the right solution that suits the company’s plans and conditions, external support can be helpful. COCUS supports you here. As IT experts with over 20 years of expertise, it is important to us to create tailor-made solutions that are a long-term asset to your company.
