Network automation will enable greater agility in network services, increased operational efficiency and improved network availability. However, due to inconsistent data sources and different processes between operators, it is difficult to accurately quantify the possible end-to-end benefits. At Analysys Mason, we surveyed operators about their network automation strategies and results, collecting over 60 data points. This information was analyzed and used to model the potential benefits for a large regional operator. This blog is the first of three we publish on the topic of automation, which can be read in conjunction with the webinar and published report where the research and ideas mentioned are explored in more detail.
Operators can expect a cost reduction of up to 65% after implementing automation in all categories of operations.
Our model estimates that a large regional operator can avoid up to 65% of costs at the domain controller layer for service delivery, network lifecycle management, and network assurance processes. and services.
Source: Analysys Mason, 2021
Execution of services includes the lifecycle management of IP services (e.g. E-LAN, Layer 3 VPN services) at the domain controller level throughout the provisioning and removal of services, as well as any changes during the service. service life. Quality service is essential for maintaining good relationships with customers, but many operators are limited in the speed and accuracy of the experience they can provide due to too much reliance on work. human for routine processes. Not only can operators improve the speed and quality of service for their customers, but we also expect network automation to save up to 86% of the cost of running the service.
Network lifecycle management covers provisioning, configuration, and domain controller-level maintenance of network equipment, primarily edge routers. Network automation of these processes will dramatically reduce current manual workloads, especially equipment provisioning. At the same time, our study revealed that many operators have already automated extremely regular backup functions. Here, our model indicates a cost avoidance potential of 65%, a major gain for the management and operation of operator networks.
Network and service assurance includes processes to identify and correlate outages and alarms to a common network problem, and the efforts required to identify and resolve the root cause of a service outage or degradation in performance, including truck trips . Automation will dramatically reduce the time required for manual ticket correlation, contributing to the average time to repair benefits. We expect operators to see cost savings on network and service assurance processes of up to 50%.
We analyzed cost avoidance, including operational costs such as labor costs, equipment audits and truck trips, as the main benefit for operators. However, it is important to reframe the conversation around the considerable benefits it offers, primarily those of reducing errors and improving business agility, leading to the potential for redeployment of employees on tasks at hand. highest added value.
This blog has focused on the cost avoidance that can be achieved through the automation of network operations. Our comprehensive report also explores how automation can also improve time to value (TTR), mean time to repair (MTTR), and total error volume, as business issues that operators can consider addressing with the ‘automating.
Larry Goldman
In his role as Chief Analyst, Larry coordinates Analysis Mason’s work on cutting-edge TMT topics. He also leads research on networks and software. Over the past 20 years, he has provided analysis and forecasting on the rapidly evolving role of software in telecommunications and, more recently, in the cloud. Prior to working in telecommunications research, Larry held technology management positions with telecommunications operators and providers.
Andrew Killeen
Andrew is a consultant based in the London office of Analysis Mason. As a Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) consultant, Andrew has worked with a wide range of clients around the world, including network operators, vendors and industry organizations. His work focuses on using market analysis, sizing, forecasting, and competitive benchmarking to inform client planning and strategy. His project experience ranges from 5G and the Internet of Things to virtualization, cloud technologies and machine learning. Much of Andrew’s work has used original international research, including interviews with experts and surveys of consumers and businesses.
