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Microsoft Azure Automation assets are global resources used by runbooks to assist in common tasks and value-specific operations. Assets can be imported into modules. Types of assets include connections, credentials, schedules, variables, and integration modules. Global connections and credentials help authenticate between the Windows PowerShell workflows and Azure when the Azure Automation scripts are run against a specific Azure subscription. For instance, Microsoft published the Connect-Azure runbook, which can be used globally within an Azure Automation account to encapsulate the connection and login functionality needed to connect to Azure. Schedule assets can be linked to runbooks, allowing them to run at a specific date and time. Variable assets are used to provide runtime values for runbooks to work on specific subscriptions, as well as to control the logic within the Windows PowerShell code.

Azure Automation is incorporated into Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), which allows simpler management of identity and access for users and groups to the Azure Automation accounts and runbooks. Authentication can now be done with an account within Azure AD instead of having to manage and use management certificates. Using Azure AD greatly simplifies the process of authentication over using management certificates. The account in Azure AD can also be reused and leveraged in other Azure services that support the use of Azure AD.

Source of Information : Azure Automation