I recall being on my phone with a 2.5-inch screen (the year was 2009) and seeing this quote.

Automation Manager

This is on the internet, so it must be true.

As a teenager who didn’t like doing household chores (and loved playing computer games), this quote caught my attention. It’s not because of Bill Gates’ contribution to the tech industry, but because I wanted an easier life. I want to spend more time doing fun stuff. Who doesn’t, right?

At a young age, I imagined many ways to automate every household chore, so I’d be able to play more video games. Those were simpler times.

Now, if you’re a grown-up IT professional – the same principal still applies. I’m sure you’d be keen to automate your daily tasks, and make life less complicated and repetitive. This gives you more time to do other things.

If you’re using SolarWinds RMM, you’re most likely already aware that you can automate tasks.

However, not many people have capitalised on automation. One of the main reasons that I’ve heard from partners, is that they aren’t skilled at building scripts.

Fair enough.

The good news is that SolarWinds has a tool called Automation Manager.

This tool has a drag-and-drop editor, letting you set up sophisticated, automated tasks without having to learn complicated scripting languages.

Here’s how you can download Automation Manager and a sample task you can automate.

1. Go to Settings > Script Manager

Automation Manager

2. Click the Automation Manager button above the main window

Automation Manager

3. Choose Download Automation Manager

Automation Manager

4. Run the downloaded executable to install.

Once installed, the Automation Manager launches from its desktop shortcut

Now, you can create a New Policy. Policies are a collection of tasks that run in sequence.

  1. To create the policy:
    • a. Click New Policy in the north pane, or
    • b. Click the plus button in the menu bar, or
    • c. Go to File > New
  2. Enter a descriptive Name
  3. Provide information on its usage, parameter requirements… in the Description
  4. OK to proceed

To add an Automated Task – for a Single Device

  1. Highlight the device in the north pane
  2. Go to Tasks
  3. Click Add Automated Tasks

You can configure the Frequency Method and select if you want to run it Once Per Day, Once Per Month, On Check – Failure or Manually.

If it’s a task that is boring and repetitive, invest in automation to make your life easier. It’ll save you time and money (and it also sounds cool to add “Automation” to your list of offerings!).

I’d love to hear what you’d like to automate in your day-to-day operations, or even in your life.

Shoot me an email at keenan@sofsol.co.nz.