Dhcp could well be described as network automation. Same as LLDP and arp.
Once you move beyond simple deployment and break/fix theres a huge step function in the change count as well. Networking is far behind on concepts like “continuous deployment” or software updates its not funny. And unlike everyones favorite stateless container of the day networks take coordination to perform intrusive maintenance.
However there are definitely business in the managed service provider, ISP and obviously anyone with a large growing data centre environment where consistency and accuracy in large-scale deployemnts are important.