Automation is transforming modern distribution networks to meet the rising demands of e-commerce and faster delivery. This blog highlights the benefits, applications, and future impact of. UNDERLAY NETWORKS. Distribution systems have traditionally not involved much automation. Distribution equipment, once installed on feeders, was expected. Distribution networks have traditionally had low levels of automation and control, primarily centered around the use of SCADA to monitor medium voltage (MV) feeders together with a lower usage of distribution management, voltage control, and automatic reconfiguration systems.