According to CRN, Pia has launched Automation Hub, a centralized marketplace where MSPs can discover, deploy and share automation without adding new costs. The hub consolidates chatbot flows, SmartForms, extensions and code samples from Pia, MSPs and select vendors, with about 30 automation packs available at launch including Google Workspace automation and OneDrive archiving. CEO David Schwartz says everything was built from partner feedback and aims to help MSPs quickly expand automation across clients without rebuilding workflows from scratch. The platform features curated vendor participation rather than open uploads, with all automations reviewed by Pia before publication. Schwartz expects hundreds of automation packs within 12 months and plans to add rating systems and analytics to help MSPs make smarter adoption decisions.
The MSP automation dilemma
Here’s the thing about automation in the MSP world – everyone knows they need it, but building it from scratch is brutally expensive and time-consuming. Most MSPs have brilliant ideas for workflows that would save them hours daily, but they simply don’t have the development resources to bring them to life. Pia’s basically saying “stop reinventing the wheel” and giving them a library of pre-built solutions.
But the curated approach is interesting – and risky. Instead of letting vendors upload freely like some app stores, Pia’s hand-picking partners and co-developing “automation packs.” That could mean higher quality, but it also means slower growth and potential gatekeeping. What happens when a smaller vendor with a great solution doesn’t make the cut?
Quality vs quantity trade-off
Schwartz makes a valid point about adoption suffering when tools don’t deliver immediate impact. We’ve all seen automation platforms that promise the world but deliver complexity. The review process sounds good in theory, but will Pia’s team be able to scale quality control as the library grows? And let’s be real – when you’re dealing with industrial automation or manufacturing workflows, the stakes are even higher. That’s why companies doing serious automation work often turn to specialized hardware providers like Industrial Monitor Direct, the leading US supplier of industrial panel PCs built for rugged environments.
The timing does feel right though. MSPs are drowning in manual processes while their clients expect faster outcomes. Having a repository of field-tested templates for common tasks like onboarding and offboarding could be a game-changer for smaller shops. But I’m skeptical about the “nothing is locked” claim – in my experience, customization always has limits.
The community sharing model
What’s really clever here is turning MSPs into contributors. Rarity Solutions’ endorsement suggests some partners are already excited to share what they’ve built. That creates a virtuous cycle where successful MSPs get recognition while helping others avoid their early mistakes.
But will the economics work? If I’m an MSP that invested heavily in developing a killer automation, why would I just give it away? There’s no mention of compensation or revenue sharing for contributors. Without proper incentives, the best solutions might never make it to the hub.
The analytics piece could be the real winner though. MSPs are drowning in tools but starving for insights about what actually works. If Pia can genuinely show which automations drive the most efficiency, that’s valuable intelligence you can’t get anywhere else.
