What do you do if you need to save time as a network engineer?

Bullshit answer: work smart, work once! Seriously, in long term, of course the automation is the ultimate answer. But... If you want to keep costs (for tooling) lower and manageable, I would make an assessment first which tasks take the most of your time. Troubleshooting? --> improve monitoring, pro-active alerting Configuration changes? --> use config management tool, historical backup of configs, massive update on several devices Administration? --> use IPAM, VLAN database, centralize your configuration data, use CMDB if possible And at the end you can integrate these tools with your ticketing system or AIOps platform. You can use Ansible or any other platform to initiate repetitive tasks. But again: assess first!

As a network engineer needing to save time, streamline workflows by automating repetitive tasks using scripting languages like Python or utilizing network automation tools such as Ansible or Puppet. Implement standardized configurations and documentation practices to expedite troubleshooting and deployment processes. Leverage monitoring and management tools like Nagios or SolarWinds to proactively identify and resolve issues before they escalate. Prioritize tasks based on criticality and potential impact on network performance. Continuously invest in professional development to stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices, optimizing efficiency in network management and maintenance.

I completely agree with the emphasis on automation as a crucial tool for efficiency in network management. Leveraging scripts and automation tools allows us to streamline repetitive tasks like network configuration, monitoring, and data collection. This saves valuable time and minimizes the risk of human error. Implementing a Python script to configure multiple devices at once or using automated monitoring tools to detect network issues proactively are practical examples of how automation can enhance our operational effectiveness and reliability.

I fully agree that effective time management is about prioritizing tasks, especially in the fast-paced environment of network engineering. Quickly identifying and tackling the most critical issues first is essential. This requires a clear understanding of the impact of each problem and determining which ones need immediate attention. By establishing a prioritization system, whether through a ticketing system or a personal checklist, you can focus on tasks that significantly affect network performance and efficiency. This approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively, optimizing time and network operations.

Just an advice: 50% of your priorities are defined by the business anyway (you get trouble tickets, phone calls, etc.). Handle them as expected and prioritize the rests for yourself. Do not postpone any task without reason and keep your backlog short! And be friendly...

Network 'blueprinting' and design cannot usually be automated. This activity requires a thoughtful approach to capacity and application performance requirements. Blueprint of a new designed needs human review to ensure it aligns with expected performance commitment to user constituencies. However, for performance and availability management several good tools are available to monitor traffic flow, and raise alerts, make intelligent decisions, and automate routing changes or activate redundant path in order to maintain committed service levels. For a network engineering team, any task that is repeatable, rules based, and has an array of predictable outcomes can be automated with #RPA. Let's help demystify digital automation. Get in touch.

I completely agree that choosing the right tools is vital for efficiency in network engineering. Selecting tools specifically tailored to your needs for network analysis, troubleshooting, or documentation can save you hours of work. It's also crucial to understand the full capabilities of each tool you use and to keep them updated to leverage the latest features and improvements. This approach not only enhances productivity but also ensures that you are working as effectively as possible, allowing you to address issues more swiftly and accurately.

I wholeheartedly agree that collaboration with colleagues is essential for efficiency, especially when dealing with complex tasks. Sharing knowledge and collectively addressing problems can lead to quicker and more effective solutions. Unfortunately, I've encountered many who hesitate to share their knowledge, which hinders personal growth and team success. Establishing clear communication channels and documenting processes are crucial to ensure everyone is aligned and informed. This collaborative approach streamlines problem-solving and fosters innovation, allowing for various perspectives that might not emerge when working alone.

Continous learning is a must. You cannot avoid. If you are coming from the classic switching/routing world, keep yourself up-to-date with Sofware Defined and Virtualized solutions!

I cannot stress enough how critical it is to keep your skills and knowledge up to date in the rapidly evolving network engineering field. Staying educated about the latest technologies and methodologies is not just important; it's essential for working efficiently and effectively. As new technologies emerge and industry best practices evolve, being proactive in your learning through courses, workshops, and active participation in professional communities enables you to handle tasks more adeptly and anticipate potential issues before they arise. Continuous education is the cornerstone of a successful career in network engineering, ensuring you remain a valuable asset to any team.

- Make an assessment (analyze gaps, identify problems) - Search for solutions (compare products) - Select tools which fit into your strategy (you have to have a strategy too) - Integrate and automate as much as you can

One thing I have found helpful if you are coming from legacy routing and switching is to learn how to automate. I disagree with traditional way to troubleshoot the problem. I actually encourage engineers to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and software solutions.