01

What makes a strong automation candidate?

A strong candidate runs regularly, uses sufficiently structured data and has a clear start and outcome. Error cost, hand-offs and time spent moving information are important signals.

If rules change every week and every case requires judgement, improve the process first. Automation cannot repair unclear ownership or contradictory rules.

02

Where do businesses often start?

Look for work that combines simple decisions, data movement and deadline control.

  • moving data from forms, email or spreadsheets into a system;
  • approving documents, requests, costs or changes;
  • deadline, missing-data and status notifications;
  • recurring reports assembled from several sources;
  • data transfers between CRM, ERP, commerce, warehouse and transport systems;
  • simple request handling based on clear rules.

03

What must be designed before delivery?

Map the normal path and the exceptions. Define data sources, ownership, permissions, error detection and the person who takes over when automation cannot complete a case.

Include execution history, useful error messages, retry behaviour and confirmation that data reached the correct system.

04

How should value be measured?

Record the starting point: volume, time, errors, delays and handling cost. Compare the same measures after the pilot and include ongoing maintenance cost.

A good first stage covers one process, a limited user group and a defined test period. Expand only after the result is demonstrated.