Save Time by Automating These 8 IT Tasks

One way computer techs can improve their job satisfaction is by automating repetitive tasks. Doing so can lead to increased productivity and efficiency at work while freeing up time to tackle more demanding jobs.

Here are 8 mundane tech tasks you need to start automating:

1. Creating accounts

Hiring new employees involves creating company accounts from scratch. With automated account setups, workers can access all the required web pages and systems from the moment they’re hired. This is good news for employers because it means they don’t have to pay someone to spend a whole day trying to log in for the first time — new hires can get straight to work.

2. Backing up files

Automatic backups don’t just save time — they can also save files from accidental deletion in the case of a power outage, data breach or company error. Automation backs systems up on a scheduled basis, ensuring team members don’t have to worry about performing backups themselves or fearing a potential cybersecurity breach. Backup plans can also use alerts and automatically retry a failed backup without direct human intervention. This is vital for protecting the company and client data.

Learn more: Virtual Server Data Backup: 5 Questions CIOs Shouldn't Ignore

3. Requesting hardware

IT departments commonly deal with requests for hardware such as USB keys, laptop battery replacements or headsets. Rather than having to call a computer tech to bring the required hardware, automated systems let staff streamline the process and order parts or repairs as soon as necessary from their computer. This frees up the phone lines and employees’ valuable time.

4. Requesting software

Automating software requests can be a real boon to the IT department. A request system ensures all the software on a network is required and meant to be used. It creates continuity between the systems in different departments and saves a workplace time and money because it won’t deploy unnecessary software.

5. Strengthening security

In 2021, the U.S. experienced more cybercrime than ever before, seeing a 68% increase in data breaches compared to the previous year. Automating cybersecurity gives companies better visibility and control over security-related issues.

An automated system can catch more threats than conventional security measures. It allows for better decision-making, reduces human error, saves money and lets security techs focus on more meaningful work as it performs redundant tasks. It can help workplaces react faster to cyberattacks because it provides critical security metrics in real-time. It also makes reporting breaches easy and minimizes false cyberattack alerts.

Companies can bolster their cybersecurity by creating policies that automatically deploy endpoint security measures at target devices. They can set alerts for ransomware and virus detection, then quarantine potentially infected endpoints.

Learn more: 4 Ways to Strengthen Your Cloud Security

6. Reporting

It can be time-consuming to write and distribute reports, but consistent reporting demonstrates value to an organization and its clients. An endpoint management solution allows the company to automate the preparation and delivery of reports internally and to other organizations. Automated reports also enable the business to quickly gain insight into how productive they are and which areas they could improve.

7. Shutting down remote computers

Shutting down computers is simple, but automation makes it even easier. IT workers can program systems to shut down any or all computers on a network at a specific time and place. This is easy to do remotely without even having to press a button, allowing IT professionals to control thousands of computers simultaneously.

8. Resetting passwords

If there’s one thing computer techs have to do over and over, it’s reset people’s login credentials. While not technically challenging, it is a time-consuming process, so it’s best to automate it when possible. Luckily, there are many digital tools that allow people to reset their passwords without the help of a third party.

Learn more: How to Stop Employees using Passw0rd as their Password

Saving time without cutting corners

Automating repetitive tasks allows IT professionals to spend more time on high-value activities and boosts workplace security. This, in turn, increases productivity and job satisfaction. It also saves money by allowing companies to accomplish more in a single day than they usually could. Although many jobs are best left to professionals, others can be handed off to robots.