Abstract: An automation controller is disclosed which provides central management of an automated upgrade process in an IT infrastructure. In an example, one or more hardware processors are configured as a central initiation point for the automated upgrade process by machine-readable instructions. The machine-readable instructions are executable to identify, based on at least one automation input file, at least one target node in the at least one IT infrastructure to be upgraded. The machine-readable instructions are also executable to associate at least one patch firmware bundle with the at least one target node in the at least one IT infrastructure. The machine-readable instructions are also executable to execute an automation code script. The machine-readable instructions are also executable to manage the automated upgrade process through to exception or successful completion of the automated upgrade process at the at least one target node in the at least one IT infrastructure.