Automation Post Go-Live: What to Expect and How to Manage It
Introduction: Congratulations! You have successfully launched an automation process, and you're eager to reap the benefits. However, it's essential to understand that launching an automation process is just the beginning. The post go-live phase is equally crucial to ensure that your automated process runs smoothly and continues to deliver the desired results.
In this blog article, we'll explore the time and effort required to manage an automation post go-live, the importance of monitoring, and the steps to take when something stops working.
The Myth of "Set It and Forget It"
Although automation is designed to reduce manual work and streamline processes, it doesn't mean you can "set it and forget it." Automation systems are complex and can be impacted by changes in the software, business environment, or data that it interacts with.
These factors necessitate the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Monitoring: An Ongoing Responsibility
To ensure your automation process is running smoothly, you'll need to establish a monitoring system. This system should provide you with real-time insights into the performance of your automation process and help you identify any issues that may arise.
You'll want to: a. Monitor system logs for errors or anomalies
b. Track performance metrics, such as processing time and success rates
c. Keep an eye on resource utilization, such as CPU, memory, and storage
d. Ensure data integrity and check for any discrepancies in the input and output data
Time and Effort Commitment
The amount of time and effort needed to manage an automation post go-live can vary depending on the complexity and scale of the process. In general, you should expect to allocate some resources, such as a dedicated team or individual, to manage the automation system.
This commitment includes: a. Regularly reviewing the monitoring data to identify trends or issues
b. Troubleshooting any issues that arise and implementing corrective measures
c. Ensuring the automation process is kept up-to-date with any changes in the business environment or software dependencies
d. Conducting periodic reviews and optimization exercises to improve efficiency and effectiveness
When Things Go Wrong: Troubleshooting and Recovery
Even with diligent monitoring, issues can still arise in your automation process. When something stops working, it's essential to:
a. Investigate the root cause of the problem: Review logs, error messages, and monitoring data to identify what went wrong.
b. Implement corrective measures: Once the root cause is identified, take the necessary steps to resolve the issue and prevent it from reoccurring. This may involve updating the automation script, addressing software or hardware issues, or refining the process itself.
c. Test and validate the solution: Before restoring the automation process to full operation, test the implemented solution to ensure it resolves the issue and does not introduce new problems.
d. Review and learn from the experience: Analyse what happened and identify any lessons that can be applied to improve your monitoring, maintenance, or troubleshooting processes.
Conclusion: Managing an automation post go-live is an ongoing responsibility that requires time and effort. However, with diligent monitoring, maintenance, and a proactive approach to troubleshooting, you can ensure that your automated process continues to deliver the desired results. Remember that the key to successful automation is not just implementing the process but also managing it effectively in the long run.