A network controller automatically adjusts a computer network based on the operational information of an industrial device. The network controller receives a notification from a network element in the computer network that the industrial device attached to the network element has an administrative shell. The administrative shell includes operational information describing the operation of the industrial device. The network controller retrieves the administrative shell from the industrial device. The network controller parses the operational information in the administrative shell to determine an intent for the industrial device, and adjusts the computer network based on the intent of the industrial device.