If you think of automated provisioning as a formal written language definition, it does have some value in illuminating issues with partial automation or portions of the overall data center that are not automated.
The path to automation is not a straight one at most organizations. It takes time, it takes resources, and even though there is a definable ROI, the press of business needs wins every time there is a conflict – because meeting business needs is pretty much the purpose of IT.
But taking the staggered approach has costs too, and it’s good on occasion to look at them. I’ve admittedly created this view, but it is a way to consider your automation efforts and how well they’re working with regard to the end goal.