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February 27, 2025
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Automated Scripts: 8 Practical Examples to Optimize IT in Companies

Automated scripts are a key tool for streamlining tasks, enhancing operational efficiency, and reinforcing security in distributed teams.

Automated Scripts: 8 Practical Examples to Optimize IT in Companies

Managing an IT environment with hundreds or thousands of devices is a constant challenge. Technical incidents, updates, and repetitive tasks consume valuable time and resources, limiting the team's ability to focus on strategic projects, innovation, and user and customer support. This is where automated scripts become a key tool.

As Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, once said:

In the technological field, innovation is not only about creating new products but also about optimizing processes and improving resource management. Automation, through scripts, is a clear example of how companies can lead change, increasing efficiency and reducing repetitive tasks that consume time and resources.

These scripts execute actions without manual intervention, or with minimal involvement, optimizing processes and improving operational efficiency. Automation not only frees up time for higher-value tasks but also reduces errors, speeds up execution, and enhances work quality.

According to a study by the McKinsey Global Institute, automation not only optimizes performance but, in some cases, achieves results beyond human capabilities. Additionally, research from the University of Lima demonstrates that automation can be a significant competitive advantage, helping to reduce costs, streamline operations, and lower labor expenses.

Despite its benefits, many companies are still unaware of the potential of automation and the real impact that scripts can have on their daily operations. In this article, we will explore what automated scripts are, how they can improve efficiency, and why implementing them in IT environments can be a strategic game-changer for any company.

FlexxClient provides your employees with technology experiences that ensure business continuity securely and generate measurable results for your company. Book a demo

Contents

  • What is an automated script?
  • How are automated scripts configured?
  • What are the types of automated scripts?
  • What are the advantages of Flexxible?

What is an automated script?

An automated script is a set of instructions or commands written in a scripting language that executes automatically to perform specific tasks without manual intervention or the need to understand how to write the code. These scripts streamline repetitive processes, minimize errors, and improve operational efficiency and user experience, especially in IT environments such as system administration, software development, and business service automation.

Automated scripts can run automatically through automation platforms or scheduled configurations. For example, a disk cleanup script can be executed on-demand, on a scheduled basis, or automatically if configured to activate when disk usage reaches a certain percentage. This saves time and optimizes productivity by automating tasks without manual intervention.

Impact of Automation on Support and Operations

Source: Flexxible

Microservices Consumption Methods

Microservices, by themselves, are simple scripts or pieces of code. Flexxible unlocks the full potential of these scripts by enabling multiple consumption methods, allowing manual, automatic, conditional, and scheduled execution:

Manual Execution:

  • A support agent can launch the operation unattended, evaluating the result and saving time compared to remote assistance.
  • The end user can execute the microservice from the start menu without calling support or accessing self-service portals.

Automated Execution:

  • Triggers can be defined for automatic execution, such as application errors, system issues, alert activation, or system status changes.

Conditional Execution:

  • Evaluates aspects related to usage, such as disk occupation, resource consumption, application states, and processes.
  • Scheduled Execution: Allows setting specific time frames for execution.

Microservices are, at their core, small scripts or code fragments. However, Flexxible maximizes their potential by offering different consumption methods that allow these microservices to be executed manually, automatically, conditionally, or on a scheduled basis, adapting to the needs of each situation:

  • Manual Execution: Support agents can launch the operation unattended, evaluating the results without requiring remote assistance, saving time. End users have the option to execute the microservice directly from the start menu, without needing to contact support or access self-service portals.
  • Automated Execution: Microservices can be triggered automatically based on specific events, such as an application error, system state, or alert activation, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
  • Conditional Execution: The execution of the microservice can depend on certain factors, such as disk usage, resource consumption, or the state of applications and processes. This ensures that actions are taken only when necessary.
  • Scheduled Execution: Microservices can also be scheduled to run at specific time slots, optimizing resource management.

How Are Automated Scripts Configured?

Automated scripts, also known as microservices, are configured via user interfaces or workflow creation, enabling conditions and scheduling. In a platform like Flexxible, microservices can be set up to activate based on a schedule or system conditions.

For example, instead of scheduling a task at a fixed time each day, it is more efficient to execute it when needed. A case in point is disk cleanup: if a lack of space is detected, the system automatically triggers the microservice to optimize storage. These automation workflows enable more efficient and adaptable management.

What Are the Types of Automated Scripts?

Here are 8 practical examples for IT optimization in businesses and what to consider if using automated scripts for the first time:

  1. Repair Office
  2. Clean Disk
  3. Clear Caches and Reset Browser Settings
  4. Install or Update Browsers
  5. Reboot Triggered by Workflow Design
  6. Force Patch Application
  7. Repair Application Configurations
  8. Repair Mailbox

1. Repair Office

This process detects and resolves common issues in Microsoft Office installations, such as incorrect settings or performance failures, ensuring proper functionality.

How to leverage it in your company:

  • Fix common issues without manual intervention.
  • Ensure continuous, uninterrupted access to productivity tools.
  • Reduce downtime and workflow disruptions caused by software failures.

Self-help solutions from Flexxible enable employees to resolve IT issues on their own, reducing the support workload and increasing productivity. By doing so, problem resolution speed is improved, user satisfaction is optimized, and IT operations are enhanced.

How to leverage it in your company:

  • Ideal for situations where an operator needs to restart a specific machine due to an error or critical update.
  • In some work environments, the operator can manage restarts from a single point without physically interacting with each machine.

2. Clean Disk

This script removes temporary files, logs, and other unnecessary data, freeing up disk space and improving overall device performance.

How to leverage it in your company:

  • Increase device speed by removing non-essential files.
  • Improve overall performance, reducing system downtime and boosting employee productivity.

This is an example of the menu used to enable a microservice.

Source: Flexxible

3. Clear caches and reset browser settings

Deletes cached files and resets browser settings to their default values, which can resolve loading or performance issues.
How to leverage it in your company:

  • Optimizes the performance of web applications used by employees, ensuring fast load times.
  • Helps maintain data privacy by removing stored information in browsers.

4. Install or update browsers

This script ensures that browsers are always up to date, which is crucial for security and compatibility with the latest web technologies.
How to leverage it in your company:

  • Ensures that all employees use secure, updated browser versions, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities.
  • Improves compatibility with new platforms or web applications that may be used in the company.

5. Restart triggered by workflow design

The restart is triggered automatically when certain predefined conditions in a workflow are met. For example, every Monday at 8 a.m. if the system is Windows 10 Pro.
Flexxible’s microservices allow scheduled actions through workflows in the portal, ensuring that updates are executed under specific conditions.


This is an example of how to schedule the execution of a microservice:

Source: Flexxible

How to leverage it in your company:

  • Use workflows to automate restarts at specific times, such as during the night or weekends, when users are not working.
  • Allows you to customize restart schedules based on the specific needs of each company or system.

6. Force patch application

Installs critical updates and security patches automatically to ensure systems are protected against vulnerabilities.
How to leverage it in your company:

  • Keeps systems protected against cyber threats by ensuring all security updates are applied without manual intervention.
  • Improves IT system stability, preventing employees from experiencing errors or failures due to missing updates.

7. Repair application configuration

This script fixes any incorrect or damaged settings of installed applications, restoring their functionality.
How to leverage it in your company:

  • Reduces employee downtime by fixing application issues without the need for technical intervention.
  • Ensures that essential productivity applications are working properly, minimizing work interruptions.

8. Repair mailbox

Fixes synchronization issues or incorrect settings in employees' mailboxes, restoring full functionality.
How to leverage it in your company:

  • Ensures employees can access their emails without interruptions, improving internal communication.
  • Quickly resolves email issues that could affect productivity, keeping the workflow smooth.

Flexxible's self-remediation solutions are capable of proactively detecting and resolving common mailbox problems, ensuring that incidents are managed before they impact productivity.

What are the advantages of Flexxible?

One of the main advantages of Flexxible is its RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) system, which ensures that only users with the appropriate access level can trigger remote restarts. This process does not involve private or sensitive data, but all information regarding the execution of the restart is securely stored and available for future audits.
The creation of these access controls is based on values such as security and control of information systems, principles that ensure data protection at all times.

Additionally, Flexxible allows for the customization of the code behind each process, adapting it to the specific needs of the company. This makes automated scripts more efficient and easier to maintain.

As César Cernuda, president of NetApp, points out:


This statement highlights the importance of properly managing data within companies, especially regarding security and accessibility. In this regard, the Flexxible platform reflects that vision, prioritizing security and control in every operation. Automated scripts are a key part of this approach, enhancing efficiency and reducing risks.

Flexxible's advanced, automated support solution redefines IT support as you know it. It improves first-resolution rates, reduces resolution times, and decreases the number of escalated tickets, further streamlining incident management and the end-user experience. With Flexxible, automation not only optimizes tasks but also improves operational efficiency and significantly reduces the burden on your IT team.

Following this, Luís Sánchez, Senior Pre-Sales Engineer at Flexxible, shares five more examples of how the platform compares to other solutions on the market, highlighting its ability to optimize remote restart management and ensure greater IT administration efficiency through automation scripts.

  • Ease of use: Flexxible’s restart solution is directly integrated into the deployed agent, enabling quick and easy execution. This integration ensures that restarts can be initiated with minimal effort, providing a user-friendly experience.
  • Efficiency: Since the restart functionality is built into the agent, it can be executed almost instantly. This efficiency is unmatched by Flexxible’s competitors, who require additional steps or external tools to perform the same task.
  • Mass restart: Flexxible excels at handling large-scale operations. It can execute restarts on a wide range of machines simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for managing extensive networks or device fleets. This capability ensures that maintenance tasks are completed quickly and uniformly.
  • Scheduling with workflows: To enhance flexibility, Flexxible’s restart solution can be scheduled using "workflows." This feature allows administrators to plan restarts at convenient times, minimizing disruption for users and ensuring that maintenance tasks occur outside peak hours.
  • Integration with ticketing systems: For organizations that need it, Flexxible’s solution can be integrated with ticketing systems. This integration ensures that restarts are logged and tracked, providing a complete record of maintenance activities and improving overall IT management.

Ready to optimize your IT operations?

Take the next step towards automation. With FlexxClient, system failures and common errors are fixed automatically, reducing downtime and improving your team’s productivity.

Book a demo or make an inquiry today.

* Gartner®, Magic Quadrant for Digital Employee Experience Management Tools, Dan Wilson, Tom Cipolla, Stuart Downes, Autumn Stanish, Lina Al Dana, 26 August 2024 **Gartner®, Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service, Stuart Downes, Eri Hariu, Mark Margevicius, Craig Fisler, Sunil Kumar, 16 September 2024
GARTNER® is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner® does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner® research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner® disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

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