Quick Take
When should you automate a process?
Automate after the steps, ownership, and exceptions are clear.
Start with three questions.
Does this work happen often enough to matter?
Recurring work creates the clearest opportunity to save time and reduce missed steps.
Are the inputs and expected outcomes reasonably consistent?
Automation works best when the normal path is clear, even if exceptions still need a person.
Can the workflow stop safely when something unusual happens?
A good workflow knows when to pause, flag the issue, and hand the decision to someone.
If the process itself is unclear, fix that first. If a person still needs to make the decision, automate the preparation and handoffs around them rather than the judgment itself.
Assess a workflow