Why implement automation in a network environment?

Network automation's primary benefit is simplifying the maintenance of consistent configurations across many devices. Manual configuration is prone to errors and inconsistencies, especially in large networks. Automation tools ensure that all devices adhere to desired configurations, reducing human error and improving operational efficiency. Centralizing device information storage is a benefit of network management systems, which can be enhanced by automation but isn't the core reason for automation itself. Centralized user account management is typically handled by AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) systems like TACACS+ or RADIUS, not directly by network automation. Deploying the management plane separately is a network design principle for security and resilience, not a direct outcome or primary goal of implementing automation.