Harnessing the power of extensibility in end-to-end automation solutions

Automation solutions have become a strategic imperative, and it’s no surprise: They streamline disparate systems and processes to make enterprise operations far more efficient than when driven by manual work. However, merely deploying an automation platform won’t suffice to sustain results. Choosing a platform that lacks extensibility is a sure way to stifle innovation and growth.

To ensure your infrastructure can evolve is to empower your people and operations. A solution that’s capable of such evolution is one that easily integrates with other essential tools and supports the creation of an automation fabric. 

Together, we’ll explore the features of an extensible automation solution, its benefits over disjointed integrations and how to apply its power to gain a competitive edge.  

What makes an automation solution extensible?

In an automation platform, extensibility refers to the ability to expand its capabilities without the need for excess coding or fundamental changes to existing architecture. Extensible technology maintains relevance longer than restricted software.

Three main elements indicate a platform is extensible.

No-code or low-code environment 

A cornerstone of extensibility is a no-code or low-code setup. Users with varying skill levels should be able to easily design, implement and modify workflows. If anyone can create extensible components, they can get actively involved in the creation of automated processes. This approach also doesn’t rely heavily on specialized IT skills for everyday tasks, so deployment and modification are much easier. 

Code-heavy workflows should be the exception to the rule in design to empower superusers of a platform or language.

Built-in connectors

An extensible automation platform offers pre-designed connectors that make for simple and reliable integration with a wide array of applications, databases and IT systems. Whether you need to pull data from a CRM, integrate with an ERP or connect to a cloud service, connectors eliminate the need for custom code and integration maintenance. Vital to the success of these integrations are strong support and quality assurance, regular updates and minimal to no dependencies; setup should be as simple as a click.

⇨ Learn more about how to elevate your automation experience with connectors.

Open API

Finally, an open API is instrumental in extending an automation platform’s functionality. It enables developers to tailor automations to their industry’s and organization’s requirements. Fine-tuning is often essential for supporting unique business processes. Whether you’re automating business processes and their associated applications or building your automation platform into your existing CI/CD builds, API flexibility is key to ensuring interoperability in the future.

Benefits of an extensible automation platform 

While your organization could gain many advantages from adopting an automation platform with robust extensibility, a few stand out. 

Visibility: Centralizing automation management

One of the primary benefits of having an extensible automation solution is the enhanced visibility it offers across all automated processes. By centralizing the control and monitoring of different automation tasks, you can see them all through a “single pane of glass.” Consolidating helps to identify bottlenecks, streamline operations and improve decision-making efficacy.

Agility: Evolving with new demands

An extensible platform is inherently agile. It can adapt to changing business needs over time without any significant overhauls or replacements. In today’s dynamic markets and technology stacks, agility is crucial. Armed with nimble automation capabilities, you can pivot quickly and integrate new technologies without extensive downtime or resource expenditure.

Scalability: Supporting growth with minimal overhead

Being able to increase the amount of work or number of jobs your automation platform handles is key, as new growth opportunities are not always predictable. Innate extensibility makes a platform less of a burden for your IT department and decreases your reliance on third-party vendors — and, in turn, the time it takes to scale.

Inherent extensibility vs. disjointed integrations

Still tempted to use point solutions that rely on various third parties? Let’s compare true extensibility to a piecemeal approach. 

Gain a competitive advantage with extensible automation

Leveraging the right automation tool that aligns with your larger automation strategy can mean the difference between achieving successful business outcomes and falling behind. As we’ve discussed, extensible automation can equip your organization with plenty of benefits — a collective threat to your competitors.

Benefit: Extensible automation platforms streamline operations and reduce mundane work, which significantly reduces the need for manual intervention, increasing efficiency and lowering costs.
Outcome: The immediate impact is a leaner operation. You’ll be able to reallocate resources from routine tasks to more strategic initiatives, making it faster and easier to go to market with new products and services.

Benefit: Automated customer support processes, such as ticket sorting and basic query responses, enhance the quality and consistency of your customer service. 
Outcome: Consistently excellent service improves customer satisfaction and loyalty, which are key differentiators in a competitive market. It’s also likely to contribute to better customer retention rates and a solid reputation.

Benefit: Precise data handling and integration improve data accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
Outcome: Reliably managing data reduces the incidence of costly errors and non-compliance penalties. It also builds a foundation of trust with stakeholders, who value data security and ethical management.

Benefit: With robust data integration and analytics, you can consolidate real-time data from multiple sources to generate actionable insights into your operations.
Outcome: Armed with deep insights, your team can react to market conditions and anticipate future trends to position your business ahead of the competition.

Benefit: Rapid implementation of new automations gives you the flexibility to explore and innovate within new segments without significant upfront investment.
Outcome: Moving quickly without the drag of large-scale IT infrastructure changes offers a major edge. It’s possible to create niches that competitors without end-to-end automation find difficult to challenge.

When the above elements combine, the result is seamless end-to-end automation that runs across multiple business processes and improves various facets of operations, from customer relationships to decision-making to market innovation. Automation, wisely applied, can be a key factor in sustained success and leadership in any industry.

What extensibility looks like in Redwood Software products

• Connector catalog simplifies integration selection • Native API integrations support a clean core for SAP users • Connector Wizard facilitates integration building Most common integrations: SAP, ServiceNow, Databricks and Snowflake	• Job steps library enables workflow orchestration • Super REST adapter allows for rapid API creation • Self-service portal frees up time for your IT team Most common integrations: Informatica, ServiceNow, Azure and SharePoint
• Catalog of pre-built, ready-to-run integrations for both legacy and modern solutions Most common integration: Oracle JD Edwards	• REST API prevents the need for complex workarounds • Cloud connectors and architecture support scalability • Easy integration to partner workload automation solutions drives efficiency Most common integrations: RunMyJobs, ActiveBatch and Tidal

Reap maximum value from an end-to-end automation solution

As has been more evident than ever in the past several years, it’s vital to be poised for market changes and ready to engage in rapid innovation. Automation can serve both purposes, but not all automation solutions are created equal. 

We’ve covered just some of the grounds for using an extensible, end-to-end automation solution. There’s even more latent potential for shifting your organization into the ultimate efficiency and growth mode. Demo Redwood’s solutions to find out how.