Building an Automation Strategy: First Steps

Not every process should be automated first. Focus on high-volume, rule-based work where errors are costly and the process is stable enough to automate. Map the process end-to-end and identify handoffs and systems involved. Then quantify: time spent, error rates, and cost. Prioritize by impact and feasibility—quick wins build momentum. Avoid automating a broken process; simplify or redesign first where needed. Finally, plan for exceptions and edge cases so the automated flow doesn't break when reality doesn't match the ideal. Start small, measure, then expand.