Automation has many levels. The most common is having lights dim when turning on the TV system. Very inexpensive and convenient. when you start getting to bigger systems they are programmed to make things more automatic for you, opening the garage door then opening a coat closet within a certain time can disarm your alarm and start your favorite music playing through the house and light a pathway to the kitchen. Having an all off  button by the master bed can shut off everything in the house. They garage doors can close automatically at a certain time of night if they are still open. Fountains turn off when it gets windy. Lots of these are really convenient but also they can save on energy if that’s a criteria.