With tasks I only perform occasionally, automation becomes my record of how to do those tasks. I find this extremely valuable for complex tasks infrequently performed. Taking the time to write a script ensures that (1) I pay attention to what I'm doing, not just run into a snag->google->get the fix->forget (or never investigate!) what the hell the problem was; and (2) allows me to quickly check that my procedure is repeatable; and (3) gives me a step-by-step record of exactly what needs to be done, with no steps skipped (like when I take notes) because they're "obvious." What is obvious when you've been working a couple of hours to solve a problem is very different than what is obvious when you haven't done something in a couple of months.