Automations

Top 7 IT Automation Tools to Simplify Workflows

Top 7 IT Automation Tools to Simplify Workflows: 1. Level 2. SysAid 3. Puppet 4. Zluri 5. SolarWinds 6. ActiveBatch 7. Jenkins

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Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Top 7 IT Automation Tools to Simplify Workflows

Managing IT operations manually can be a daunting task. The constant need for monitoring, updating, and troubleshooting can overwhelm even the most experienced IT teams.

Fortunately, the right IT automation tool can reduce repetitive and manual tasks. It can simplify tasks, minimize errors, and save valuable time so your team can focus on more strategic initiatives.

In today's article, we'll discuss the top seven automation tools and their key features. We'll also touch on the benefits of these tools for businesses and IT departments.

The Importance of IT Automation Tools

Using IT automation tools can benefit your IT operations in several ways:

Increased Efficiency

IT automation tools can automate repetitive or resource-intensive tasks. For instance, automated patch management software can automatically deploy updates. This keeps your systems up-to-date and minimizes security vulnerabilities.

By reducing manual intervention, IT automation tools can save you and your IT team valuable time. They allow you to focus on more important tasks that drive business growth.

Reduced Errors

Manual processes are prone to errors. Even the most careful IT professionals can make mistakes when they perform repetitive tasks.

Luckily, IT automation tools help minimize these errors by automating processes and maintaining consistency.

For example, automated backup solutions ensure that data is backed up regularly and accurately, which reduces the risk of data loss. 

They improve the reliability of your business operations while building trust with your clients and stakeholders.

Cost Savings

Implementing IT automation tools can lead to significant cost savings for your business. While an initial investment may exist, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs.

Automated processes require less manual intervention, which can reduce labor costs.

Operations automation can also improve IT efficiency and reduce errors, which can prevent costly issues and downtime.

Better Resource Management

IT automation tools help you manage your IT assets more effectively.

They can automatically monitor resource usage and optimize it based on real-time data. This ensures that your resources are being used effectively and not wasted.

Improved Compliance

Many industries have strict compliance requirements. Manually keeping track of these standards can be challenging and time-consuming.

Fortunately, IT automation tools can help your business adhere to these regulations by automating compliance checks and generating necessary reports.

For example, automated security tools can regularly scan your systems for vulnerabilities and apply security updates and patches promptly. 

Thanks to this proactive approach, your business can reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties.

Different Types of Automation Tools

There is no one-size-fits-all automation software on the market today. Often, businesses need to use more than one automation tool to meet their needs.

Below are the common types of IT automation tools that you can consider:

Workflow Automation Tools

Workflow automation tools are designed to simplify business processes. They help automate routine tasks, such as approvals, data entry, and notifications.

These tools also design automated workflows to handle other complex IT processes without extensive manual intervention. 

They make sure tasks are completed promptly and accurately to maintain smooth, uninterrupted systems.

Remote Monitoring and Management Automation Software

Remote monitoring and management (RMM) software lets you monitor clients' networks, endpoints, and systems remotely. It often provides tools to automate the patch management process, reporting and analytics, and security checks, among other tasks.

RMM automation can improve IT efficiency by automatically keeping systems updated and secure. This can also provide instant alerts to issues before they become serious problems.

Script Automation Software

Script automation software allows you to write and execute scripts automatically, performing various functions. For example, it can automate server configurations and software update deployments.

This IT automation tool is useful for tasks that need to be performed regularly or across multiple systems.

Network Automation Tools

Network automation tools are designed to manage and optimize network infrastructure. They can automate tasks such as configuration management, network monitoring, and performance optimization.

These tools improve service quality and reduce downtime by maintaining an efficient network.

Test Automation Tools

As their name suggests, automation testing tools automatically run tests to ensure the quality and reliability of your software applications. They identify bugs and check that new code changes do not break existing functionality.

Automated testing speeds up the software development process. It allows you to determine and fix issues quickly, resulting in faster release cycles.

Top 7 IT Automation Tools

Below are the best IT automation tools that can help simplify your workflows.

1. Level

Level

Level is a modern RMM platform that can save your IT team thousands of hours on countless tasks. It offers automation tools designed to simplify IT operations for businesses.

It lets you establish responsive triggers to automate actions based on specific occurrences. For example, when system health is compromised, the software can automatically deploy the necessary fixes without manual intervention.

This RMM software also offers automated patch management capabilities. It keeps your endpoints secure against cyberattacks through regular and timely updates.

Besides these automated tools, Level provides the following features:

  • Top-notch scripting abilities to customize process automation tasks
  • Proactive endpoint monitoring with real-time alerts
  • Extensive security measures to protect your IT infrastructure
  • Built-in remote management without interrupting users
  • Custom integrations via API to prevent operational disruptions

Pricing: Level only charges $2 per endpoint per month, with a minimum monthly charge of $20. Its pricing model is transparent to help you manage your budget more effectively.

2. SysAid

Source: SysAid

SysAid is an IT Service Management (ITSM) platform packed with powerful features. These include a built-in orchestration platform, an automated ticketing system, a workflow designer, and a self-service portal. 

These automation tools can transform IT processes and improve operational efficiency.

SysAid also uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on more important activities that require a human touch.

Pricing: Pricing is hidden. You must request a quote by submitting your email.

3. Puppet

Puppet
Source: Puppet

Puppet offers three products: Open-Source Puppet, Puppet Enterprise, and Puppet Enterprise Advanced. Each automation software solution helps you manage your IT infrastructure with ease.

Puppet can automate repetitive tasks, ensure consistent configurations, and improve security compliance. 

It also has infrastructure-as-code capabilities to expand automation across your on-premise data center, cloud, or hybrid environments.

Pricing: Puppet offers various pricing plans depending on the product you choose. The Open-Source Puppet product is free to use, while the pricing for Enterprise and Enterprise Advanced isn't shown on the website. You must request a quote.

4. Zluri

Zluri
Source: Zluri

Zluri's SaaS management platform can help you discover, manage, and optimize your software applications. 

It offers features like software license management, cost optimization, and automated onboarding and offboarding.

Zluri also boasts more than 800 built-in integrations that enable automation across various tools and systems.

Pricing: Zluri offers customized pricing plans based on your business's specific needs and size. To get detailed information, you must request a quote.

5. SolarWinds

Source: SolarWinds

SolarWinds is an advanced ITSM software that combines multiple functions into a single platform. It features network performance monitoring, configuration management, automated switch management, and analytics, among others.

These automation tools from SolarWinds can ensure optimal performance and uptime with minimal human intervention.

Pricing: SolarWinds has different pricing plans, depending on your chosen software product. You must request a quote from the website.

6. ActiveBatch

ActiveBatch
Source: ActiveBatch

ActiveBatch by Redwood is a workload automation and job scheduling tool designed to simplify IT operations. IT teams can automate complex workflows with a low-code, drag-and-drop interface.

It also offers extensive integrations with various systems and applications for seamless orchestration across your tech stack.

Pricing: ActiveBatch's pricing is hidden. You must request a quote.

7. Jenkins

Jenkins
Source: Jenkins

Jenkins is a leading open-source automation server widely used for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). 

It automates the building, testing, and deployment of software, which helps your team deliver high-quality applications in no time.

It also supports hundreds of plugins that integrate with various tools. This allows infinite customization possibilities.

Pricing: Jenkins is open-source and free to use.

Criteria for Choosing the Right Automation Tool

If you're still unsure which IT automation tool to choose, consider the criteria below. These factors will help you select the tool that best suits your needs.

Ease of Use

Check if the tool is simple to adopt and implement into your existing workflows.

Is it easy for IT teams to learn and use? Or does it require extensive training? If it's the latter, does the software vendor provide training documentation or videos to help your team get up to speed quickly?

Consider using automation tools with an intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionalities. These make it simple to create and manage workflows without extensive coding knowledge.

Flexibility

You must evaluate the flexibility of the automation tool by examining the number of use cases it supports. Choose a versatile tool that lets you handle various tasks, from simple scripts to complex workflows.

Scalability

You must select an automation tool to handle increasing workloads as your business grows. Check if it can support more endpoints, users, or additional functionalities.

By using a scalable tool, you can ensure that your investment remains viable and beneficial in the long run.

Integrations

Integration capabilities enable your automation tool to work seamlessly with your existing systems.

Check if the tool can integrate with current software, platforms, and applications that your business uses.

You must also verify if it offers API integrations which allow you to connect and automate workflows across specialized systems.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support can make a significant difference. It helps you resolve issues with the tool quickly, which prevents downtime.

This is why it's important to choose a vendor that offers dependable support services. Check if you can reach them through multiple channels, such as live chat, email, and phone support.

You must also consider if they provide additional resources that help you maximize the tool's benefits. These may include webinars, documentation, and community forums.

Successful IT Automation with Level

Level automation tool

Level allows you to take advantage of modernized remote access, enhanced automation, and a suite of tools to elevate your service capabilities. 

Whether you're looking to improve IT efficiency, strengthen security, or expand your company's devices and service offerings, Level provides the technology to make it happen.

Book a demo or try Level free for 14 days right now!

FAQs About IT Automation Tools

What are IT automation tools?

IT automation tools are software solutions that automate repetitive IT tasks, such as software updates, system monitoring, and managing data pipelines.

How can IT automation tools benefit my business?

IT automation tools can help you save time, reduce operational costs, and increase efficiency by automating routine tasks. They also ensure smooth and accurate data flow across systems.

How do I choose the right IT automation tool for my business?

To choose the right IT automation tool, you must consider factors like ease of use, scalability, integration capabilities, and customer support. You should also evaluate if the tool can handle different tasks to meet your specific needs.

Level: Simplify IT Management

At Level, we understand the modern challenges faced by IT professionals. That's why we've crafted a robust, browser-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that's as flexible as it is secure. Whether your team operates on Windows, Mac, or Linux, Level equips you with the tools to manage, monitor, and control your company's devices seamlessly from anywhere.

Ready to revolutionize how your IT team works? Experience the power of managing a thousand devices as effortlessly as one. Start with Level today—sign up for a free trial or book a demo to see Level in action.