Automation Experiences?

[PhilipDAth]

I decided to try using the new Automation feature for a real job, rather than Python.

I have a customer wanting to swap out around 100 MX65s for MX67s (all networks are in a template).  I need the Meraki admin to select the current Meraki network and the new MX67 (in the GUI), have the system copy the device name and physical site address, remove the MX65 from the network, add the new MX67 to the network, and restore the device name and physical site address.

The thinking is that this automation will be retained and used for all future MX swapouts (such as for RMAs).

It's a steep learning curve.  I hope I get faster as I use it more.  I feel like I am wading through mud.

How has others' experience been?

[Chris_H_NZ]

I see there is a new feature in Early Access for AP Deployment and Swap outs - not sure if that will help you AP Zero Touch Deployment - Cisco Meraki Documentation - 

More here - feature transferred over from Catalyst Center.

The End of the "Staging Party": A First Step into AgenticOps - The Meraki Community

[PhilipDAth]

Good thinking, but won't help for MX swapouts unfortunately.  😞

[RWelch]

How has others' experience been?

Still in learning mode....digesting/consuming.  😄

[enovak]

@RWelch 

Have you reviewed the learning resources links in the Getting Started section of the documentation?  The Self-Learning Sample videos are a great place to start. 
The Cisco Workflows Community is the place to ask questions if you are stuck or confused.
This session from Cisco Live in Melbourne is a good intro to Workflows: Simple and Easy Network Automation - with Cisco Workflows - BRKOPS-1156

If you have any suggestions on what can be done to make the learning curve easier, please let me know.

[RWelch]

Thanks @enovak for sharing the BRKOPS-1156 slides.  Yes, I have seen the other references shared.  Still consuming and digesting the materials.  Thanks again!

[enovak]

@PhilipDAth It's completely understandable to feel like you're "wading through mud" when getting started with Cisco Workflows, especially given the power and breadth of its capabilities.  You're definitely not alone in experiencing a learning curve, and we're working hard to eliminate that. Many users find that while automation tools like Cisco Workflows offer immense potential, mastering them takes time and practice.
Have you reviewed the learning resources links in the Getting Started section of the documentation?  The Self-Learning Sample videos are a great place to start. 
The Cisco Workflows Community is the place to ask questions if you are stuck or confused.
This session from Cisco Live in Melbourne is a good intro to Workflows: Simple and Easy Network Automation - with Cisco Workflows - BRKOPS-1156

If you have any suggestions on what can be done to make the learning curve easier, please let me know.

[PhilipDAth]

I found the documentation too sparse to really help.  However, the YouTube series has been excellent.  That spike in watch hours - it's me!

The customer I did this project for has received the new solution well.  I think they much prefer to have it hosted inside the Meraki Dashboard, rather than running separate Python scripts.  So I guess I will be doing a lot more work in this area.

The next thing I need to get my head around is the required Meraki permissions.

The problem with the Cisco Community is finding anything.  Thank you for your link.

For example, I just went back to the home page and couldn't figure out how to navigate to the Cisco Workflows page.

I can't find a search to locate the group; you can only search posts.

It doesn't appear in any group index I can find.

I can only find it again using your link on this page.

[enovak]

@PhilipDAth You can find the Workflows Community under Networking 

I agree that without knowing that or the link, it can be hard to find.