The Network Automation Blueprint — A Practical Guide to Scalable, Vendor-Neutral Automation
Modern networks are evolving at a pace that leaves little room for manual processes. As infrastructures grow more complex and interdependent, the traditional reliance on command-line interfaces, GUI-based workflows, and a patchwork of isolated tools can no longer keep up with the demands of speed, reliability, and scale. The stakes are high — slow change cycles, human errors, and reactive troubleshooting can translate directly into downtime, revenue loss, and missed opportunities.
At BalticNOG 2025, Basem Al-Sabri, Founder and Network Automation Lead at Netomate, will present “The Network Automation Blueprint” — a structured, vendor-neutral framework designed to help organizations cut through the noise and implement automation that works in the real world.
Why Automation Needs a Blueprint
Automation isn’t just about replacing human effort with scripts or tools — it’s about rethinking how a network operates end to end. Many organizations begin with isolated scripts or ad-hoc tooling, only to hit roadblocks when trying to expand their efforts—the result: fragmented systems, inconsistent processes, and automation projects that never reach their potential.
Basem’s approach emphasizes the importance of a blueprint — a design-driven plan that balances the speed of grassroots innovation with the maintainability of well-architected systems. This methodology ensures that every automation initiative, big or small, fits into a scalable, cohesive framework.
Real-World Impact: From Hours to Minutes
With a track record of helping organizations save thousands of engineering hours, Basem brings practical experience to the stage. He will share real examples where targeted automation — such as automating configuration rollouts, streamlining change validation, or improving compliance reporting — delivered measurable value in efficiency and reliability.
These examples highlight a key insight: the journey doesn’t need to start with massive overhauls. If well-aligned with a broader strategy, incremental automation efforts can deliver immediate wins and lay the foundation for larger transformations.
Laying the Foundations for Scalable Automation
The session will go beyond the “what” and “why” of automation to focus on the critical prerequisites that must be in place before scaling:
- Technical prerequisites like patternization, standardization, and documented workflows ensure automation can be applied consistently and safely.
- Organizational prerequisites include leadership buy-in, skill development programs, and adaptable processes that encourage innovation without introducing chaos.
Basem will also explore the role of process maturity and why defined standards and robust change control mechanisms act as the guardrails for safe and sustainable automation.
Striking the Right Balance
One recurring challenge in automation adoption is the tension between the “just do it” mentality of ad-hoc scripts and the slower, more deliberate pace of architecture-driven design. Basem will share strategies for navigating this trade-off — enabling teams to innovate quickly while converging on a stable, maintainable system.
The Blueprint in Action
Attendees can expect a step-by-step outline of how to apply the Network Automation Blueprint to high-impact areas such as:
- Automated configuration generation and deployment
- IP, BGP, and VLAN allocations
- Fault detection and automated remediation workflows
By the end of the talk, participants will have a clear mental model for structuring their automation journey — from the first pilot project to an organization-wide transformation.
About Basem Al-Sabri
Basem Al-Sabri is the Founder and Network Automation Lead at Netomate, where he helps organizations achieve operational excellence through advanced network-as-code frameworks. A passionate advocate for efficiency and innovation, he designs practical, scalable, and secure automation solutions that deliver tangible business value. His work has guided teams to streamline operations, reduce human error, and reclaim thousands of engineering hours for higher-value tasks.
📅 When: 24 September 2025, 12:30 PM
📍 Where: BalticNOG 2025, Litexpo, Vilnius, Lithuania
