What are the best practices for using automation and AI in IT operations?

4 Implement your automation and AI solutions

Once you have chosen your automation and AI tools, you need to implement your automation and AI solutions in a systematic and iterative way. You need to follow the best practices of software development, such as agile methodology, DevOps principles, testing, documentation, and version control. You also need to ensure that your automation and AI solutions are aligned with your IT governance policies, standards, and procedures. You should also monitor and measure the performance, efficiency, and quality of your automation and AI solutions, and make adjustments as needed.

5 Train and upskill your IT staff

Automation and AI are not meant to replace your IT staff, but to augment and empower them. However, your IT staff may need to acquire new skills and competencies to work effectively with automation and AI tools and solutions. You need to train and upskill your IT staff on the basics of automation and AI, such as concepts, terminology, methods, and applications. You also need to provide them with opportunities to learn and practice the specific automation and AI tools and solutions that you use in your IT operations. You should also foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and innovation among your IT staff.

6 Manage the ethical and social implications of automation and AI

Automation and AI can have significant ethical and social implications for your IT operations, such as privacy, security, accountability, transparency, fairness, and trust. You need to manage these implications proactively and responsibly, by following the ethical principles and guidelines of your organization, industry, and society. You also need to communicate and engage with your stakeholders, such as customers, employees, partners, and regulators, about the benefits, risks, and expectations of automation and AI in your IT operations. You should also seek feedback and input from them to improve your automation and AI solutions and practices.