CNWR Blog

Co-Managed IT and Automation: Reducing Manual Effort with IT Process Automation

Written by Brett Chittum | Feb 20, 2025 6:00:00 PM

Technology is reshaping the way businesses run, but with opportunity comes complexity. IT teams today face increasing demands to keep systems operational, secure, and scalable. For many small- and medium-sized businesses, this has resulted in overburdened IT departments, slow processes, and a constant struggle to keep up. The good news? IT process automation, paired with co-managed IT services, is transforming the game by reducing manual effort, increasing productivity, and enhancing operational efficiency.

This blog explores the concept of co-managed IT and how automation can empower businesses to optimize their IT processes. Whether you're a business owner looking to scale or simply interested in simplifying operations, read on to learn how these strategies can save you time, resources, and headaches.

Understanding Co-Managed IT

Co-managed IT is a collaborative IT management model where your business’s internal IT team works in coordination with an external managed services provider (MSP). Think of it as a support system for your IT department. Instead of replacing your in-house team, a co-managed IT provider acts as a partner, filling gaps in areas such as expertise, capacity, or tools.

How Does Co-Managed IT Work?

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Internal IT Team: Handles the core, day-to-day IT tasks they’re already familiar with (e.g., hardware maintenance, network support).
  • External Provider: Assists with specialized services such as cloud management, cybersecurity, compliance, or—most importantly for this blog—automation efforts.

The beauty of co-managed IT is its flexibility. Businesses can scale services based on immediate needs while gaining access to advanced tools and specialists without increasing headcount or costs.

Why is it Valuable? 

Co-managed IT ensures that your business gets the best of both worlds—dedicated internal oversight, paired with external expertise. This means seamless operations and the ability to stay competitive, all without stretching your IT team too thin.

The Benefits of Co-Managed IT

The value of combining co-managed IT with automation goes beyond convenience. These are the benefits your business can immediately see by adopting this approach:

1. Reduction in Manual Tasks

Manual IT processes—such as patch management or onboarding employees—are not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. IT process automation allows your team to delegate these repetitive tasks to software tools, freeing them up to focus on more strategic activities.

Example Scenario:

Your IT team spends hours managing helpdesk tickets. With automation, incoming tickets are categorized and routed to the appropriate resource, improving response time while allowing your team to prioritize critical issues.

2. Enhanced Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks occur every 39 seconds, and your business can’t rely on manual monitoring to stay ahead. Co-managed IT introduces automated tools that detect and respond to threats in real time.

For example, automated security updates and penetration testing can be handled faster and more effectively by leveraging the expertise of your co-managed IT partner.

3. Improved Efficiency and Scalability

Automation is the perfect solution for growing businesses that need to scale operations. For instance, businesses that automate roles such as employee onboarding find that new hires are equipped with system access and training resources within minutes. Co-managed IT ensures that these systems run smoothly by implementing the right platforms tailored to your company’s needs.

4. Cost Savings

Hiring and training additional IT staff is expensive. By automating your IT processes and partnering with a co-managed IT provider, you avoid unnecessary operational overhead while enjoying cost-effective solutions for peak efficiency.

5. Proactive Maintenance

Automated tools can monitor system performance 24/7, flagging potential downtime risks before they escalate. Paired with co-managed IT’s expertise, businesses can prevent issues rather than react to them. This proactive approach saves both time and money.

Did You Know? Gartner predicts that IT process automation can reduce downtime by up to 50%. This level of service ensures your operations remain uninterrupted while keeping your team stress-free.

Implementing IT Process Automation in Your Business

Getting started with IT process automation might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a practical step-by-step roadmap for introducing automation into your business:

Step 1: Evaluate Your Processes

Start by identifying pain points. Which processes consume the most time for your IT team? Common areas for automation include:

  • Helpdesk ticketing
  • Network monitoring
  • Patch management
  • Data backups

Step 2: Partner with a Co-Managed IT Provider

A knowledgeable co-managed IT provider will help you implement automation tools that align with your goals. More importantly, they’ll provide the expertise your team needs to adopt these tools effectively.

Step 3: Select the Right Tools

Not all automation tools are built the same. Consult with your co-managed IT provider to ensure your chosen software meets the unique needs of your business. Options to consider include:

  • Automation Anywhere for workflow optimization
  • SolarWinds for proactive monitoring
  • ServiceNow for IT support ticketing automation

Step 4: Invest in Employee Training

It’s not enough to lean on software. Train your IT staff on how to properly use and manage these tools. Regular training ensures your team stays agile and continues to drive value from automation.

Step 5: Monitor and Optimize

Once your automation tools are in place, continuously evaluate their performance. Look for ways to further refine processes to save even more time and resources.

Why Your Business Needs Co-Managed IT and Automation

If you’re still relying solely on manual IT processes, your business risks falling behind. Co-managed IT and automation aren't just advancements—they’re essentials for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s business world.

By reducing manual effort in repetitive tasks, enhancing security, and improving overall efficiency, businesses adopting these strategies have reported significant improvements in both team productivity and customer satisfaction. And with a co-managed IT partner, you gain access to specialized knowledge without the burden of hiring in-house.

To stay ahead, seize the tools that amplify your team’s capabilities and unlock your company’s full potential.

Unlock Your Potential with CNWR

Looking to integrate IT process automation into your operations but not sure where to start? At CNWR, our co-managed IT services are designed to help your business thrive by leveraging cutting-edge automation tools.

Get in touch with our team today to see how we can streamline your IT operations and set you up for success. Explore your options and start transforming your IT processes now!