14 Best IT Automation Software & Tools for 2023 (Paid & Free)

Workload automation and job scheduling assist IT departments to achieve a high volume of work. IT automation spreads efficiency to all departments of an organization and takes care of the tedious tasks that no one wants to do.

IT automation is a wide field and it ranges from small-batch files that any savvy IT worker puts together to speed up system investigation routines and regular admin tasks. The IT automation software field also includes some very comprehensive system management tools and office data processing software.

Here is our list of the best IT automation software & tools:

Automated IT processes

Many tools can be set up to run on a timed schedule. Running standard reports overnight saves having to sit and wait for the output and also reduces the load on the system during working hours. Job schedules are usually very easy to set up and just involve giving a batch job an execution start time.

A lot of data processing tasks, such as importing, indexing, and sorting can only be carried out effectively by computers. However, these data processing tasks usually need a human to launch them. Consider the process of loading data into a database from a text file. The job requires several different processes to be launched in series, with the human operator having to wait for each stage to complete before running the next.

Getting an IT technician to sit in front of a computer waiting for each phase to complete is a waste of resources. It is just better to put those commands in a batch file and then let that file wait for each process to complete before moving on to execute the next command in the file.

Automated business processes

Business processes interconnect. The Accounts Receivable department needs to know if a job has been signed off before issuing an invoice; the Accounts Payable section needs to see goods received notes and purchase orders before paying incoming bills. Automating the data flows between departments cuts out time-consuming data entry tasks that can end up introducing human error into data transfers.

Moving repetitive, boring jobs over to automated processing frees up expensive human resources for more profitable work.

IT automation strategies

The concept of IT automation varies from simple batch jobs and technician tools to timed job scheduling and on to complete business ERP systems. Because, to some degree, all software represents an automation software package, this report will focus on just one niche in the IT automation field: that of system administration tools.

IT automation software exists in all corners of the IT department. The department has a deep pool of technical knowledge and usually, if the boss won’t supply the IT automation software that each technician wants, he’s likely to just write it himself. So, you probably have a lot more automation software running in your business than you know about.

If you provide professional IT automation software, your technicians will be less likely to go rogue and write their own.

Looking at the field of automation for IT departments, the market is still very wide. However, we have investigated the options available and identified some real time-savers that are well worth paying for. This list includes complete IT system automation systems and smaller task automation tools.

Our methodology for selecting an IT automation system

We reviewed the market for IT automation tools and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:

• An easy-to-use interface that assembles a workflow
• The ability to link together software from different providers
• A method to pass data between software
• Logging for errors and step completion statuses
• The option to launch workflows on a schedule
• A free trial or a demo system that provides an opportunity to assess the package without paying
• Value for money provided by an automation system that is effective and is priced at a fair level

Using this set of criteria, we looked for IT automation software that can interact with file transfer systems and execute code on different devices as well as systems that are intended for use on one server.

JAMS Enterprise Job Scheduler from Fortra (formerly HelpSystems) is able to launch scripts on a range of platforms and can even execute jobs that require lines to be run on different hosts.

Key Features:

• Natural language scripting language
• Notification log
• Scheduled
• Runs PowerShell
• Cloud-based

The interface for JAMS is very easy to use. It employs natural language commands and conditions, so even non-technical staff could use the tool to launch batch scripts. The job launcher is also able to execute PowerShell scripts.

The system records metrics about the execution of each script and alerts an operator by leaving a message in the interface if processes don’t complete normally. A JAMS process is able to string jobs together, making each dependent on the completion of other jobs, or launching jobs that can run in parallel. All notifications that arise during the execution of a process get written to a log, together with operational details such as the start and end times of each job in the batch, and each script in the job.

Pros:

• Highly detailed and customizable
• Can string series of automated tasks together (ideal for complex workflows)
• Uses natural language commands (a good fit for non-technical staff)

Cons:

• Would like to see more data visualization features

JAMS is more focused on job scheduling and doesn’t have the extensive monitoring and remediation functions that some of the other tools on this list can perform. You can trial the software free for 14-days.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Fortra’s JAMS Enterprise Job Scheduler is our top pick for IT automation software because it enables you to create automated workflows with a natural language rule definition system. Generate scripts for process stages and then join them together to create workflows that can cross devices and include file transfers. Use this service to save time with mundane maintenance tasks, enforce data security, or implement a development pipeline. Set up tasks to run unattended overnight when system resources are available and check on completion statuses by looking through logs and alerts in the morning.

Download: Access 14-day FREE Trial

Official Site: https://www.jamsscheduler.com/product-download/

OS: Cloud-based

ActiveBatch was originally called Batch Queue Management System, which was a job scheduler. The developer of ActiveBatch, Advanced Systems Concepts, developed the software further, adding cross-platform capabilities, the ability to schedule tasks in distributed environments, and a graphical user interface.

Key Features:

• Workflow created as a list
• System generates scripts
• Can run a batch across devices

The front end enables the administrator to create a workflow. The ActiveBatch software interprets that workflow into command-line instructions for each of the applications involved in the workflow. This batch script is then available to implement the workflow and the administrator can specify a time and date for execution and whether the workflow should be executed periodically or one time only.

One of the main advantages that ActiveBatch has is its ease of use. The software is also able to operate on cloud servers and can optimize virtualization VM to server allocations dynamically. A reporting feature in the interface lets you see how many resources each batch run required, letting you know the load that each of your automated processes put on your server processors and network devices.

Pros:

• Centralized automation for all your tools in one place
• Uses a simple drag-and-drop interface to build workflows
• Highly customizable automation, workflows, and scheduling options
• Scales well with enterprises and with growing organizations

Cons:

• Although ActiveBatch is easy to use, the platform has many features that require time to fully explore

You can start a demo to learn more.

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Redwood Workload Automation is a cloud-based service that can automate workflows across platforms and also run jobs on cloud servers. The tool is able to interface with ERP systems to automate many of the manual data management tasks that their data flow processes leave out.

Key Features:

• Graphical workflow assembler
• Generates step launch scripts
• Runs tasks on multiple devices
• Cloud-based

RunMyJobs is also a useful tool to assist with migration projects. The transfer of data from one system to another can be particularly human resource-intensive, even though the process requires very few skills. RunMyJobs is an ideal tool for automating such tasks.

Other tasks that RunMyJobs frequently performs include regular file transfers for applications such as Syslog server and infrastructure optimization to improve the supporting infrastructure that delivers software and services to endpoints. It is also able to implement traffic shaping to prioritize applications on the network, such as VoIP, which requires extra speed.

In short, Redwood RunMyJobs is delivered as a SaaS platform, which takes care of software maintenance. This system is able to generate automation scripts in 25 programming script languages and it can manage the exchange of data between software packages from different providers. The purpose of this tool is to eliminate human intervention as much as possible, so you should be able to run all of your services like a closed-loop ERP. The Redwood system also monitors automation scripts as they run and will alert an administrator if a stage fails.

Pros:

• Simple easy to use interface
• Integrates with a wide variety of applications, including ERP systems
• Can implement traffic shaping rules to the job (great for high-priority tasks)
• Consumption-based pricing makes RunMyJobs accessible to any size business

Cons:

• Designed for IT professionals, not the best fit for non-technical users

Rather than charging a monthly subscription, Redwood operates a consumption-based pricing model, much like AWS. You can sign up for a free demo.

Redwood Workload Automation
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Tidal Workload Automation is an orchestration platform. It provides integrations with other software packages that enable it to run through procedures within the system. Other software that is not on the integrations list can be launched and fed data and set up to save outputs to files. By several methods, the Tidal system creates a production line of software components that can process data without human involvement.

Key Features:

• Links third-party software
• Moves data
• Conditional branching

In order to set up a process in Tidal Workload Automation, you need to analyze which software package your data needs to pass through for one specific task. An example could be invoice reconciliation. Look at each step and see what data goes into it, which software package runs it, and what output you need from it. Each step will be dependent on the output of the previous step.

You then construct a workload in the Tidal system. The links between steps can be conditional and rely on the completion status of one process. This is useful for scenarios such as the creation of a CI/CD pipeline in a DevOps environment. If an automated application test fails, the work needs to be routed back to the development team with notes logged in a bug tracker; if the test succeeds, the package needs to be stored in a repository and release processes need to be initiated.

Pros:

• Useful for validating data entry and extracting ERP data
• Refits data to be suitable for software inputs
• Cross-platform execution on premises and on the cloud
• Event or time launch triggers

Cons:

• No free trial

You can access a demo of Tidal Workload Automation.

Tidal Workload Automation
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SuperOps is a SaaS platform that provides professional services automation (PSA) and remote monitoring and management (RMM) packages for managed service providers. IT departments can also use the RMM for in-house asset management. The package includes a high degree of automation in both its PSA and RMM bundles.

Key Features:

• SaaS package
• Suitable for MSPs
• Management and technician automation

The PSA system provides a ticketing system, which automates the routing of tasks to support technicians. Each task is tracked with goal timings tuned to service level agreements. This tracking also provides automatic time-sheet generation. PSA  automation also provides auto-responses to user emails, letting them know that their query has been received.

The RMM  system includes automated monitoring with alerts for discovered problems. This enables each technician to support many devices because they only have to pay attention when something has gone wrong. Endpoint management automation includes software license management and patching.

Pros:

• Tools for MSP management and billing
• A ticketing system with automated routing and task tracking
• Automated endpoint management with patching

Cons:

• No on-premises version

The SuperOps platform offers four plans. The first two are PSA-only and RMM-only while the other two plans include both modules. You can access the SuperOps system with a 21-day free trial.

SuperOps
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Atera is another cloud-based system automation service that is aimed at MSPs. This is the complete suite of software that any MSP would need, including an RMM suite and also the professional services automation (PSA) software that MSP management needs to monitor staff performance and run the business.

Key Features:

• Built for MSPs
• Technician task automation
• Patch management

As a closed-loop system, Atera includes a lot of data flow automation. However, it also includes specific system investigation and task automation. The system starts up with its monitoring service when a new client is signed up by scanning that client’s system with a network discovery procedure. This automatically logs all equipment and generates a network map.

The network mapping processes continue to operate throughout Atera’s service life monitoring a remote client site. This notices when any equipment is added, removed, or moved.

Pros:

• Lightweight cloud-based tool
• Built with MSPs in mind, and includes RMM and PSA tools built-in
• Can carry out automation as a service for clients (multi-tenant)
• Comes with a library of scripts making it easy to get started right away

Cons:

• MSP focused – smaller organizations may not use multi-tenant features

The RMM package includes a library of scripts. These scripts perform the routine and mundane tasks of system management, freeing up human resources for more complicated tasks. Atera offers a free trial of the full RMM and PSA bundle.

Atera
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NinjaOne is a remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform that is delivered from the cloud. The service offers a multi-tenanted account structure, which is ideal for managed service providers (MSPs). This package is designed to save money on expensive IT technicians and so it includes a great deal of process automation.

Key Features:

• Automated monitoring
• Patch management
• Alerts for system errors

Remote system monitoring is automated through an alerting system. The NinjaOne platform will keep scanning endpoints and network devices to track performance and statuses. If performance standards drop below a threshold or as system resources approach full capacity, the service generates an alert. With this strategy, MSPs can leave the NinjaOne system to implement monitoring because they know that technicians will be drawn to the account of a specific client when their input is needed.

Pros:

• A cloud platform that can manage any site through a local agent
• Multi-tenanted architecture to store the data of many clients without the danger of mixing
• Time-saving automation that can be tied to service level agreement (SLA) goals

Cons:

• No published price list, need a tailored quote

NinjaOne is a SaaS package that can be accessed through a cloud-based console. You can examine the NinjaOne system by accessing a 14-day free trial.

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ManageEngine Endpoint Central is a management package that takes care of workstations and servers running Windows, macOS, and Linux. A higher plan of the system includes mobile device management as well, covering smartphones and tablets running Android and iOS. This system provides a great deal of automated administration, such as a vulnerability scanner that automatically launches a patch manager when necessary.

Key Features:

• Software patching automation
• Automated remediation for security breaches
• Device onboarding

There is a high degree of automation in many of the features of the Endpoint Central package. For example, the security systems in the bundle can be set up to automatically block data movements and there are remediation processes that can be set to run automatically on detection of an intrusion.

The UEM package includes the ability to set up an application profile for each device. This enables desktops and mobile devices to be set up with an entire menu of software at the press of a button.

Pros:

• Deployment options include on-premises and on the cloud
• Choice of SaaS package or self hosting
• Security services bundled into the package

Cons:

• Not as many services for macOS as there are for Windows

ManageEngine Endpoint Central is available as a SaaS package, or you can choose to host the software yourself. You can run the package on Windows Server or install it on your cloud account with AWS or Azure. There is a Free edition, which will manage up to 25 endpoints. The three paid editions include the UEM, which offers mobile device management as well as endpoint management. You can get any of the paid plans on a 30-day free trial.

ManageEngine Endpoint Central
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Control-M is a workflow orchestration tool from BMC Software. The administrator builds an automated script by creating a process workflow in the interface of Control-M. The system then interprets those graphical representations of required task steps into a script. That script can then be stored and executed on-demand or scheduled for later execution. The workflow can also be set as a repetitive process to be launched at regular intervals, such as every night at midnight.

Key Features:

• Can create parallel execution
• Runs off a process tree
• Generates execution scripts

Workflows can be executed across operating systems. They can also be applied to remote systems and cloud servers. Two important IT administration tasks that Control-M is suitable for are the automated transfer of files between different resources and the management of virtualizations.

Pros:

• Highly customizable tasks, dashboard, and scheduling features
• Supports cross-platform access
• Uses color well to illustrate automated workflows and their status

Cons:

• Would like to see more workflow visualization options

The software for Control-M installs on Windows and Unix hosts. BMC offers a free trial of Control-M.

Turbonomic is a very good monitor for Cloud-based resources and virtualizations. The tool will track the performance of onsite infrastructure WANs remote sites, and hybrid architectures. Turbonomic is itself is delivered as Cloud-based Software-as-a-Service.

Key Features:

• Can automate virtualization resource allocation
• Will integrate process loops
• Autodiscovery

The monitor uses an autodiscovery process to compile a list of infrastructure, services, and software. it also records all of the resources that support virtualizations and draws up a map of each VM implementation. Turbonomic creates a workflow from the relationship between VM resources and keeps an eye on each, displaying color-coded statuses in the system dashboard.

The monitor is compatible with VMWare, Hyper-V, and XenServer. After assessing the virtualizations, Turbonomic produces a list of configuration recommendations that would better deploy resources to provide those VMs.

Turbonomic keeps monitoring resource statuses and alerts where problems arise. The administrator can set automated remediation actions for Turbonomic to carry out for each potential problem.

Pros:

• Cloud-based tool (Highly flexible)
• Leverages autodiscovery to enroll new devices into automated workflows
• Compatible with major virtualization platforms such as VMWare, Hyper-V, and XenServer

Cons:

• Some features such as automated remediation can be complex for non-technical users
• Would like to see more visualization options

This tool is suitable for use by managed service providers as well as IT departments. Higher plans of the system include self-service templates, which will greatly reduce the number of Help Desk calls from the user community. Turbonomic is available on a 30-day free trial.

Fortra – formerly HelpSystems – produces three editions of its Automate system. These are Automate Desktop, Automate Plus, and Automate Ultimate. All three involve “robotic process automation,” namely, robotic desktop automation (RDA) and robotic process automation (RPA) to business process automation (BPA).

Key Features:

• Records actions and refund them
• Scheduler
• Natural language scripting

Desktop automation includes software set up, data locating, file transfers, and web browser automation. Businesses are more likely to be interested in the Plus and Ultimate versions of Automate. Those versions include security procedures, action logging, and system auditing. They also include the facility to create workflows that string together actions and those get interpreted into automation scripts.

Pros:

• Comes in multiple packages for any size business
• Can automate a wide range of functions including browser-based tasks and user simulation
• Offers auditing and robust reporting capabilities (great for larger networks)
• Includes a basic script library to get started

Cons:

• Not designed for non-technical users

Fortra’s Automate system is easy to use and it uses natural language in its screens rather than technical jargon. This means that the system can be administered by staff who do not have technical expertise. Fortra lets you test-drive Automate on a free trial.

ConnectWise Automate is a support package for managed service providers. The tool is a remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform that, as the name suggests, includes a lot of process automation. The tool starts off with a system sweep to discover and log all equipment on the client’s network.

Key Features:

• Designed for MSPs
• Automates repetitive admin tasks
• Library of pre-written scripts

The system automates technician action tracking and includes a library of scripts that automate workflows for standard support tasks. These extend to database value updates and also password resets. Monitoring tasks, such as the scanning of statuses on equipment are also automated.

Software updating and patching are also automated with this tool and it is possible to onboard new endpoints with a library of required software automatically. This is followed by an endpoint profile, which enables you to create groups of required software suites by user role.

ConnectWise Automate is a cloud-based package, so you don’t need to install any software to use it – access to the console is through any browser and the dashboard can be customized per technician role. All communication between the MSP offices, the ConnectWise server, and the client site is encrypted for privacy.

Pros:

• Can help NOC teams automate repetitive tasks
• Integrates well into the ConnectWise ecosystem with tools such as ConnectWise Control
• Can be used as an all-in-one tool for RMM, inventory management, and PSA

Cons:

• Designed for larger networks and multi-tenant use – not the best option for small networks

The TrueSight system focuses on server monitoring and maintenance. It can manage servers on-site, at remote sites, and on the cloud. The Server automation tool deploys scripts that run periodically and automatically to gather status information about server attributes. This tool is particularly interested in security vulnerabilities.

Key Features:

• System hardening
• Operates across servers
• Automated scanner

The TrueSight system checks for software and operating system updates and patches and applies them automatically. The tool also includes configuration management that backs up configurations and restores them if any unauthorized changes are detected. The tool also functions as a threat remediation system, identifying vulnerabilities and monitoring them closely for suspicious activity.

TrueSight Automation for Servers will monitor servers, fix problems, prevent tampering and intrusion and restore authorized statuses where necessary without any human intervention. Effectively, this software allows businesses to safely secure and operate their servers without having to hire specialist technicians.

Pros:

• Simple yet intuitive interface
• Can automated security tasks such as vulnerability scans, and automated network probes
• Can automate configuration restoration

Cons:

• Better suited for larger networks, especially those with in-house remediation teams

Ansible is a product of Red Hat, Inc. which is the organization behind Red Hat Enterprises Linux (RHEL). Ansible runs on that operating system. It will also install on CentOS and Ubuntu Linux. The tool is able to automate the monitoring and management of infrastructure, including networks, applications, and servers on-site and on the cloud.

Key Features:

• Manages containers and virtualizations
• Vulnerability scanning
• Runs on Linux

The Ansible automation processes will enforce system security and manage containers and virtualizations. The tool has an attractive dashboard that presents status and performance visualizations. However, the system manager shouldn’t need to spend too much time watching the console because Ansible should automatically fix any problems that it detects.

The tool runs on Linux, but it is able to launch processes on servers with other operating systems. It is a useful tool for optimizing networks and internet connections through traffic shaping measures. It will keep the delivery of software and applications timely and it will monitor and support your firewall and IDS and SIEM security systems. Ansible is available on a free trial.

Pros:

• Simple minimalistic interface – makes it easy to view key metrics
• Leverages playbooks to automate device configuration and deployments
• Supports numerous vendors, with plenty of community built template
• Completely open source and free

Cons:

• Is a full-service monitoring platform that can take time to fully explore all options available
• Open source tool that might not be the best fit for all network environments

Get into IT automation software

Automating routine tasks will free up staff for more important and intelligent work. The everyday tasks of transferring log files, flushing memory and cleaning disks don’t need a human mind to carry out.

Do you use any automation tools for your IT support tasks? Do you use any of the tools on this list? Leave a message in the Comments section below to share your experience.

IT automation software FAQs

What is automation software?

The key characteristic of automation software is that it removes or reduces the need for human intervention in a business process. IT automation specifically relates to the processes that manage IT assets and monitor them to ensure that they operate at optimum performance.

What is an example of IT automation?

An IT automation process is an action that gets triggered by an event. For example, a monitoring system can be set up to implement remediation action if a resource shortage is identified. A check on disk space that identifies demand over time can calculate that space is running short and then automatically launch a routine to clear out temporary files.

What are the benefits of IT automation software?

IT automation provides four main benefits:

1. Consistency of response
2. Immediacy of response
3. Staff cost savings
4. 24-hour attendance, including during unsociable hours