Think of IT Automation like growing a garden. You don’t just toss seeds in the dirt and hope for the best. You cultivate, nurture, and create the right conditions for long-term growth.
The same applies to MSP Automation. It’s not just about adopting tools; it’s about fostering a mindset where automation becomes second nature.
Maybe you’ve already dabbled in Service Automation because it’s the “next big thing” in IT. But the reality is that many Managed Services providers start strong and fizzle out because they lack the right foundation.
To truly succeed, automation needs more than just workflows. It needs a company-wide culture shift. So, how do you make MSP Automation a core part of your business?
Let’s dig in.
1. Get Your Team on Board
Your IT Automation strategy is only as strong as your team’s willingness to use it. If your team doesn’t see the value, they won’t engage. Instead, make them part of the process from the start.
Survey your team about their biggest Workflow Automation pain points. Involve different departments to ensure Service Automation aligns with their needs. Most importantly, be transparent. Explain that automation removes repetitive tasks, not jobs.
When people feel included in decisions, they’re more open to change. It’s like adding a fancy new tool in the office; if no one knows how it helps, they won’t use it. But if they see it making work easier, they’ll be the first to get on board.
2. “Your Job Is Safe, Your Tedious Tasks Aren’t”
Let’s cut to the chase. Nobody wants to do repetitive and tedious tasks all day. Yet, when MSP Automation comes up, the immediate reaction is often like, “Will I still have a job?” Yes, you will.
So, what will change? The answer is you’ll just have fewer headaches after IT Automation kicks in.
Imagine a technician onboarding a new employee manually by creating user accounts, setting permissions, provisioning software, updating documentation, and more. This entire process can take nearly 60 minutes or more per hire.
Now, with Service Automation, the system can generate accounts, assign permissions based on predefined roles, and even send a welcome email. This all can happen within 10 minutes and with minimal human input. It’s not a job lost.
It’s nearly 80 minutes saved, which can now be used to tackle complex IT issues, improve security measures, or anything that matters more.
Reframing MSP Automation as a productivity booster instead of a job threat makes all the difference. Once employees realize it’s their secret weapon, not their competition, they’ll be the first to push for more Workflow Automation, not fight against it.
3. Set Realistic Expectations for a Smooth Automation Rollout
When Managed Services providers dive into MSP Automation, they often aim too high, too fast. The result? A patchwork of incomplete automation, overwhelmed employees, and frustration when things don’t work as expected. The smarter approach is to start small and let Service Automation build momentum over time.
Instead of overhauling everything at once, MSPs should begin with simple, repetitive tasks that take up a lot of technician time, such as:
These processes are easy to implement and instantly improve efficiency.
Over time, you can move on to bigger processes like RMM alerts, billing reconciliation, or customer reporting.
Like a snowball rolling downhill, MSP Automation picks up speed, growing stronger with each successful implementation. The key is patience. Get the small wins first, and soon enough, automation will be an integral part of your MSP Automation Culture.
4. Give Your Team the Mic and Let Them Lead Automation
Think of rolling out some fancy new Workflow Automation only to find your team barely using it. That’s what happens when IT Automation is built without technician input. The best way to ensure adoption? Let them help shape it.
Set up a structured way for your team to propose MSP Automation ideas. Whether it’s a simple Google Form, a PSA ticket category, or a “Wish List” board in Teams, the goal is to capture real frustrations that Service Automation can solve. Ask for details like:
Besides generating ideas, this process makes technicians feel heard and involved. This collective mindset turns IT Automation into an MSP Automation Culture movement, not just a leadership-driven initiative.
5. Consistently Share Wins
MSP Automation isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. To keep your team engaged, you need to celebrate and communicate successes.
If a Service Automation process shaves hours off ticket resolution time, share it. If a new Workflow Automation eliminates a common frustration, let the team know.
A great way to do this? Set up a dedicated Slack or Teams channel where IT Automation updates get posted. Every month, highlight:
Leadership needs to see the ROI, and technicians need to know their ideas are making a difference. The more visibility IT Automation gets, the more your team will want to be part of it.
Wrapping It Up
To truly maximize its benefits, MSP Automation should be treated as a continuous improvement cycle. Regularly assess what’s working, refine processes, and explore new Service Automation opportunities.
With solutions streamlining integrations, your team can stay engaged and ensure IT Automation remains an asset rather than an underutilized tool. The more ingrained it becomes in daily operations, the more seamless and efficient your Managed Services business will be.
Successful MSPs don’t just automate a few tasks and call it a day. They track results, adjust workflows, and expand Workflow Automation efforts as their business evolves.
Whether it’s saving time, improving accuracy, or boosting client satisfaction, measuring impact keeps leadership invested in MSP Automation initiatives. A culture that embraces automation as an evolving process ensures long-term growth.