PowerShell Scripts are essential to automate Azure tasks and improve efficiency. This step-by-step guide will help develop and maintain PowerShell-based scripts for Azure automation.

1. Setup your environment: Install Azure PowerShell module using InstallModule –Name Az –AllowClobber by running a PowerShell elevated prompt.
2. Azure Authentication. Login using ConnectAzAccount. It will ask you for your Azure credentials.
3. Identifying Automated Tasks. Identify tasks which require automation. For example, scaling resources, virtual machines or configuring networks.
4. Write Scripts. Use Azure cmdlets to write scripts, such as create virtual machines or manage resource groups.
5. Run Test Scripts : Test your scripts on a test system to ensure their functionality and error-free performance.
6. Implement logging. Add logging command to track execution and error for easier troubleshooting.
7. Schedule Automation. Use Azure Automation (or Task Scheduler) to run scripts on a schedule that suits your needs.
8. Maintain: Update your scripts frequently to keep up with changes in Azure services.