In a report, with nine out of ten companies in the U.S. and U.K. facing IT talent gaps, the shortage of skilled technology professionals is a growing concern. But now, it is not being aggravated by wave after wave of big tech layoffs but also by artificial intelligence (AI) breaking into the business world.
In response, organizations are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to fill the gaps, aiming to increase efficiency while reducing the need for large tech teams.
A new report from Auvik, titled 2024 IT Network Management, reveals that nearly all (96%) of IT professionals are using at least one AI or machine learning tool today, indicating that AI adoption is on the rise.
Challenges of Automation Implementation
While automation holds promise, companies face significant challenges in automating processes to mitigate talent shortages. The report highlights that nearly 29% of network and SaaS-related tasks are still performed manually, and 64% of IT teams spend 50% of their working hours resolving end-user requests.Â
Still, all companies are using AI or machine learning, yet only 24% have automation investments planned. Despite these challenges, companies are outsourcing work to external organizations and managed service providers (MSPs) to cope with talent shortages.
Steve Petryschuk, Director and Tech Evangelist at Auvik emphasizes the importance of engaging with IT teams when developing automation plans. Understanding their daily tools and addressing friction points is key to successful automation. This approach helps ensure that automation complements existing workflows without compromising quality.
Navigating Risks and Ethical Concerns
While AI promises to streamline processes and improve outcomes, its adoption also raises ethical concerns about job security and the potential for errors. Chris McClean, Senior Director at Avanade, warns that automation can lead to knowledge gaps and increased risks if not implemented thoughtfully. He points to cases where automated systems caused significant errors, emphasizing the need for human oversight and compliance.
Best Practices for Successful Automation
To make the most of automation, organizations should follow these best practices:
Identify Repetitive Tasks: Focus on automating tasks that are repetitive and time-consuming to free up human resources for strategic work.
Reduce Human Error: Prioritize automation for processes prone to human error, enhancing reliability and reducing downtime.
Manage High-Volume Data: Automate large-scale data management to ensure real-time processing and effective anomaly detection.
Ensure Compliance: Automate tasks critical for regulatory compliance, generate comprehensive audit logs and reduce training time for new team members.
Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between IT operations and management to ensure alignment and effective communication.
Conclusion
AI and automation are reshaping the IT industry in response to talent shortages. By addressing the challenges and risks, companies can harness AI’s potential to drive efficiency and innovation. With proper planning and best practices, businesses can successfully implement automation while safeguarding against potential pitfalls.
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