Find the right process to automate
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The idea in everyday life
Select a frequent, stable, measurable workflow where automation will create more value than risk.
Automation lets software repeat a set of steps for you. Start with a task that follows clear rules and happens often enough to be worth setting up.
One step at a time.
Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.
- 1
Use README section 1’s supplied opportunities: booking logging 20/week × 5 minutes, one-off logo choice 1/week × 20 minutes, annual cleanup 1/year × 120 minutes.
- 2
Rank booking logging first using frequency, rule clarity, data consistency and low consequence; explain why the other candidates are weaker.
- 3
Record 100 manual baseline minutes/week and 90 setup minutes separately; the supplied baseline is simulated, not observed.
- 4
Set targets: at least 90% first-try completion, zero duplicate writes and a named owner for every exception.
See how it works.
Booking logging costs 20 × 5 = 100 manual minutes/week. Clear Approved status, stable event IDs and required room/duration fields support repeatable routing. The one-off design choice is judgment-heavy; annual cleanup has low frequency.
Did you cover these?
- Your work includes a ranked automation opportunity table and a baseline for one selected process.
- Check this common mistake: Automating the most annoying task even though it happens rarely or depends on constantly changing judgment.
- The selected process has a repeatable start, known output, measurable baseline, and manageable consequence if it fails.
What to finish
A ranked automation opportunity table and a baseline for one selected process.
Watch for this
Automating the most annoying task even though it happens rarely or depends on constantly changing judgment.
How can I tell I understand it?
The selected process has a repeatable start, known output, measurable baseline, and manageable consequence if it fails.
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