The biggest mistake companies make with automation is picking the wrong process to automate.
The Automation Scorecard
Rate each process on three dimensions:
Volume x Repetition x Rule-Based = Priority
- Volume: How often does this happen?
- Repetition: Same steps every time?
- Rule-Based: Can you write the exact decision logic?
High on all three = automate immediately. Low on any = leave it alone.
Automate These First
- Email follow-ups and reminders
- Data entry and cross-system syncing
- Appointment scheduling
- Invoice generation
- Status update notifications
Do Not Automate These
- Complex negotiations
- Employee performance conversations
- Customer complaints requiring empathy
- Strategic decisions with incomplete information
The 80/20 Approach
Automate 20% of your processes and free up 80% of wasted time. Start with the top 3. Get those running. Then look at the next three.