Automation is at an inflection point. It is no longer a future aspiration, it is something that operators have started to implement, both in their new and legacy networks. They see the opportunity for cost savings and increased efficiency, but also the risks and challenges automation brings. In this Sparring Partners, Per Kangru at VIAVI shares how the experience with operators shaped VIAVI’s approach to automation and provides guidance for operators evaluating what are the most fruitful steps in their automation journey.   Is there an inflection point in the adoption of automation? Why now? What are the low-hanging fruits of automation? What have operators done so far to prepare and what should they plan for the future? What bottlenecks do operators face when implementing automation? How can they mitigate them? What role is AI playing in driving automation? What steps and strategies maximize the benefits of automation? How far have operators gone in the path towards zero-touch operations? How does VIAVI help them on this journey?