RESOURCES
AUTOMATION AND WORKFLOW GUIDES
Start with a repeated process, not a tool. The best early candidates happen often, follow recognisable rules and take time away from work that needs a person.
A useful workflow map shows what happens now, including the messy exceptions. Keep it simple enough that the people doing the work can correct it.
Use ordinary automation for exact rules and AI where the input varies or judgement is needed. Many reliable systems combine both.
Automation should make work more dependable, not hide what happened. Define ownership, access and recovery before a workflow goes live.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
BEFORE
A website enquiry sits in an inbox until someone notices it, copies it into a spreadsheet and remembers to reply.
AFTER
The enquiry is captured, checked for the right details, assigned to the right person and followed by a timed reminder if no action is recorded.
BEFORE
Staff read every message, work out what it is about and forward it to another person, often without a clear status.
AFTER
Incoming messages are categorised, urgent cases are flagged, routine details are collected and the customer receives a prompt acknowledgement.
BEFORE
Information is retyped between forms, email, calendars and documents, creating delays and inconsistent records.
AFTER
One confirmed record updates the connected systems, creates the required documents and notifies the people responsible for the next step.
BEFORE
Someone exports data from several systems at month-end and spends hours combining it before anyone can review results.
AFTER
Defined figures are collected on a schedule, checked for missing data and presented in a current report, with exceptions highlighted for review.
Read our articles on AI automation, business workflows and reducing repetitive admin.
