Think you need a full-time MSP automation engineer to start? See how small teams win big with low-code, prebuilt workflows—and zero hires.
There’s a common myth floating around the MSP world: “You need to hire a full-time automation engineer to start seeing results with Rewst.”
It makes sense why people might think that. Automation sounds technical. It might even feel like something that requires a software developer.
Here’s the reality: You don’t need a full-time hire. You just need someone on your team who is curious enough to explore what’s possible.
Let’s bust the myth.
Pressed for time? There’s a TL;DR waiting for you at the bottom.
Rewst keeps automation approachable. Its low-code canvas connects your PSA, RMM, documentation tools, and security stack without requiring advanced scripting skills.
Several other features also make it ideal for small teams:
These tools eliminate common barriers that discourage teams from getting started. Rewst encourages experimentation over perfection and gives even junior technicians the confidence to try new things without fear of breaking everything.
That tech who documents everything? The one who notices inefficiencies and tweaks scripts in the RMM? They’re the prime candidate to be your first automator.
Automation engineers often don’t start as coders. They begin as curious problem-solvers who ask, “Why are we doing it this way?” and look for better methods. One small win—like automating a password reset or triaging tickets—often sparks broader momentum.
Think of the old-school pipe-building game Where’s My Water?—except they direct IT workflows instead of water. Ticket routing, onboarding, and escalations—these pipelines flow more smoothly with the right automation in place.
Most MSPs launch automation efforts with people already on the team:
Gareth Smith, a Tier 2 team leader at Your IT Department, explored Rewst incrementally. He built a client-facing portal that automated onboarding, offboarding, and password resets while minimizing technician involvement. His early wins earned him more time for automation, eventually becoming a full professional services offering.
At Network IT Easy, Dustin Lepi began automating repetitive tasks like browser installs and VPN setups. Over time, he expanded into licensing automation, reporting, and ultimately transitioned into a formal automation role.
These small wins led to significant outcomes: less manual work, fewer errors, and more satisfied teams.
Small wins can lead to surprisingly big payoffs when it comes to automation. Many MSPs now automate everything from basic categorization to multi-step processes—even with just part-time effort.
Geekbox IT improved 2FA compliance and eliminated manual Duo log checks using Rewst’s Duo Bypass Alert automation. They also reduced onboarding errors and increased consistency with user provisioning workflows across Microsoft 365 and Duo. By shifting ticket alerts to real-time SMS and Teams notifications, they cut down on response times and improved technician performance—all without a full-time automation hire.
Network IT Easy reclaimed 75–80 hours per week by modifying prebuilt onboarding and offboarding automation to serve over 100 clients. Their team also automated MFA status reporting in Power BI, eliminating technicians needing to manually gather and share compliance reports. Small teams—not full-time hires—built these workflows:
Automation improves more than just IT. Finance, HR, and compliance teams also benefit. For example, the CIS Audit prebuilt automation helps MSPs maintain security standards without relying on manual checks.
Watch the CIS Audit automation in action:
Every small step builds momentum. Whether reducing onboarding friction or tightening compliance, these incremental improvements can deliver compound value across the business.
The myth says you need to start with a full-time hire. The reality? Most MSPs begin with curious, resourceful team members who carve out time to explore automation.
Eventually, hiring a dedicated automation engineer might make sense, once automation becomes a larger strategic focus. If you reach that point, our job description template can help you define the role.
Until then: Start with one process. One curious teammate. One prebuilt automation.