Automation pays off fastest on small, repetitive tasks. How to pick the first process worth automating.
Automation does not have to begin with a large transformation project. The most dependable results come from removing small pieces of repetitive work, one at a time.
Look for the right kind of task
Good first candidates share a few traits:
- They happen often, daily or weekly.
- They follow the same steps each time.
- They involve moving information from one place to another.
- Mistakes in them are annoying but common.
Typical examples include copying form submissions into a spreadsheet, sending order confirmations, preparing a weekly report, or reminding customers about appointments.
Map it before you automate it
Write the process down step by step, including the exceptions. Automating a confusing process only produces confusion faster. Simplify first, then automate.
Connect what you already use
Many gains come from integrating existing tools through their APIs rather than replacing them. Your website, CRM, accounting software and messaging tools can often pass data to each other directly.
Where AI fits
AI is useful for tasks that involve language or judgement: drafting replies, summarising documents, sorting inquiries. It works best with a person reviewing the output, especially at the start.
Measure the result
Note how long the task took before, and compare afterwards. A clear before-and-after makes the next automation decision easier.
If you have a process in mind, share it with us and we will tell you what is practical to automate.