Various techniques for automatically administering software systems using composites of atomic operations are disclosed. One method, which can be performed by an automation server, involves accessing information representing an activity that includes a first operation and a second operation. The information indicates that the second operation processes a value that is generated by the first operation. The method generates a sequence number as well as an output structure, which associates the sequence number with an output value generated by the first operation, and an input structure, which associates the sequence number with an input value consumed by the second operation. The method sends a message, via a network, to an automation agent implemented on a computing device. The computing device implements a software target of the first operation. The message includes information identifying the first operation as well as the output structure.