Often times automation is not even on a client's radar, especially in the early stages of the project lifecycle.  Too often automation is forgotten about due to tight budgets and schedules.  Many clients have end customers enforcing strict timelines.  This can can cause a rushed decision to rely on the traditional brute force approach for design and verification activities.

Automation is not just for industrial controls or only a verification activity.  From requirements definition to verification testing, all stages of a project's lifecycle can benefit from some form of automation.  The goal is to be able to explore all possible options based on your needs.