An Introduction to IT Process Automation
What is IT Process Automation?
Simply defined, a process is a set of activities designed to accomplish an objective by taking one or more inputs and turning them into one or more outputs in a repeatable manner. The intended purpose of implementing process is usually to provide a service in a more consistent and efficient manner, driving quality up and costs down. IT Process Automation (or ITPA) is a technology that models the workflow of an IT process in a visual designer, automates that workflow by orchestrating the activities of other technologies, and provides reporting on their effectiveness. This category of technology is also referred to as Run Book Automation (RBA).
Most IT organizations attempt to implement processes (usually based on ITIL®) by having consultants assist with documenting them and then training their people on how to follow them. The cultural change required to implement process, however, presents a major challenge for most IT organizations. Process can all too easily be interpreted as bureaucracy standing in the way of progress with organized resistance following closely behind. This is why a plan for automating process must be considered from the outset of any process implementation program.
Learn more about the story of NetIQ and IT Process Automation.
