An automation controller is disclosed which provides central management of an upgrade process in an IT infrastructure. An example automation controller includes a control module configured to execute an automation code script and a corresponding automation input file. An index module is configured to index data from the automation input file to identify at least one target node in the IT infrastructure to be upgraded. The index module is further configured to associate a patch firmware bundle with the target node. An execution module is configured to execute the automation code script. A management module is configured to manage the upgrade process through to exception or successful completion of the upgrade process at the target node.