Which is the number one motivating factor to use network automation?

The number one motivating factor to use network automation is to reduce the human error factor when creating bulk changes. Network automation will not reduce the number of changes to be made. As an example, an updated ACL on all the routers will still need to be updated on all the routers. Network automation also does not reduce the complications that arise from changes; it actually increases them. Network automation also increases the planning time for changes. A network automation script can change everything rapidly; if it's wrong, it can even lead to an outage of services.