Benefits of ITPA include: reduced human errors, faster response to mission-critical system problems and more efficient allocation of resources. However, achieving these benefits isn’t always trivial. In complex IT environments – particularly when systems are virtualized or cloud-based – implementing IT process automation can be challenging.

ITPA software applications can be programmed to perform any repeatable pattern, task or business workflow that was once handled manually by humans. ITPA is often used interchangeably with the term run book automation (RBA).

IT departments in organizations of every size and industry can leverage ITPA technology to specify certain criteria and outcomes for almost any task or process currently being performed. When a system event occurs, the appropriate workflow is triggered and executed to automatically address and remediate the problem.

Advanced ITPA software is intuitive enough to automate complex processes across multiple systems with or without the need for human input. When desired or necessary, human decision points can also be embedded into the workflow ensuring that the appropriate IT personnel receive alerts and/or escalations and can quickly respond accordingly. Some ITPA software products can be fully and seamlessly integrated with various existing systems, applications and platforms. This may include monitoring, incident response, messaging and notification and much more.