In an era when agile network operations should be the norm, many organizations still rely on manual processes that slow down deployments and introduce risk. During our recent BlueAlly webinar, “Simplify Your Network Automation with NetBox & Ansible,” our Network and Infrastructure Automation Lead, Dan Wade, showcased how to bridge this gap using two powerful tools: NetBox and Ansible Automation Platform (AAP). 

If you missed the session, here are five key takeaways and how BlueAlly helps you put them into practice.

1. NetBox + Ansible = A Powerful Network Automation Stack

NetBox serves as a network source of truth, documenting the intended state of your infrastructure. Ansible acts on that intent, automating configuration changes across devices. When combined, they deliver a reliable, scalable automation framework that aligns with real-time network states.

2. Event-Driven Automation Is a Game Changer

Ansible’s Event-Driven Automation (EDA) can listen for changes in NetBox, such as a device status update, and automatically trigger configuration playbooks. This hands-off approach accelerates response times, eliminates manual errors, and streamlines day-to-day operations. 

3. NetBox Integrates Seamlessly with CMDBs and ITSM Platforms

NetBox doesn’t aim to replace your Configuration Management Database and IT Service Management platforms. Instead, it enriches them. The webinar explored how integrations (e.g., with ServiceNow) help synchronize infrastructure data, keeping both systems accurate and up to date without redundant data entry.

4. Open Source and Scalable

NetBox and Ansible are open-source tools with enterprise-ready options. Organizations can get started with the community editions (NetBox OSS and AWX) before moving to commercial support via NetBox Labs and Red Hat. It’s a cost-effective way to build and scale network automation.

5. BlueAlly Provides the Expertise to Operationalize It

The tools are only part of the solution. BlueAlly offers end-to-end consulting and implementation services, helping clients adopt automation workflows, design integrated architectures, and align tooling with broader IT goals. Whether integrating with ServiceNow or customizing Ansible playbooks, we bring the hands-on expertise to accelerate results. 

Ready to See It in Action? 

Visit our Network Automation page to watch the full webinar recording, explore how NetBox and Ansible can transform your operations, and discover how BlueAlly can support your automation journey.