IT decision-makers are embracing automation at an unprecedented rate. According to a recent survey by Digitate, 90% of IT leaders plan to deploy more automation, including artificial intelligence (AI), in the next 12 months. This surge in automation efforts is driven by the need to address growing IT complexity due to cloud migration and mounting cybersecurity concerns. In this article, we explore the survey’s key findings, the impact of automation on the workforce, and the pressing issue of cybersecurity.
The survey conducted by Digitate reveals a clear shift towards automation in the IT landscape. A staggering 90% of IT decision-makers intend to deploy more automation tools and solutions in the coming year. This includes significantly emphasizing AI-powered automation, signaling a strategic move towards efficiency and productivity.
Addressing IT complexity through automation
One of the primary drivers of automation adoption is the escalating IT complexity stemming from cloud migration and adoption. Nearly half of the respondents (44%) identified this challenge as their biggest internal obstacle. With 92% of organizations already having a multi-vendor cloud strategy or planning to implement one, it’s evident that automation is seen as a solution to streamline and simplify operations in this complex environment.
While IT departments remain at the forefront of automation efforts, finance (89%) and customer support (89%) are also keenly looking to automate processes in the near future. This broadening scope of automation suggests that organizations recognize its potential to improve IT operations and overall business functions.
Organizations are not limiting themselves to a single approach. The survey highlights that 74% of organizations have experimented with generative AI, 68% have explored workflow automation, and 65% have ventured into AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations). This diversification indicates a willingness to explore various avenues of automation to find the best fit for their specific needs.
Workforce implications
The rapid pace of automation implementation raises concerns about the future of the workforce. Approximately 26% of IT leaders expressed apprehension about the perception of workplace insecurity and job redundancy for employees. This paradoxical sentiment is worth noting, as 60% of IT decision-makers reported that automation had improved employee satisfaction and increased productivity within their organizations.
While automation solves many challenges, cybersecurity remains a top concern for IT decision-makers. 54% of respondents identified cybersecurity as the most significant external risk for their organizations over the next 12 months, surpassing concerns about a potential recession (36%). However, only 38% of organizations have deployed automation to address cybersecurity risks. This glaring gap between awareness and action underscores the urgency of addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Future automation plans
Despite the current gap in cybersecurity through automation, 49% of respondents plan to implement some form of automation to bolster their cybersecurity measures within the next six months. This proactive approach indicates that organizations align their automation strategies with cybersecurity needs.
In conclusion, IT decision-makers are fast-tracking automation adoption to tackle IT complexity arising from cloud migration and to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. While concerns about job redundancy persist, most respondents believe that automation can potentially enhance employee satisfaction and productivity. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, organizations are poised to embrace automation as a strategic imperative for survival and success in the modern business landscape.
