Before you automate, map one journey
A practical starting point for choosing a useful, testable workflow.
01. Choose a specific trigger
Start with a repeated event: an enquiry arrives, a form is completed or a document needs sorting. Define what begins the process and what must be true when it finishes.
02. Map the handoffs
List the tools, required information and person responsible for each step. Look for duplicate entry and the places where context gets lost. A clear map is more useful than a long list of automation tools.
03. Plan for exceptions
What happens when information is missing, an integration fails or a request is sensitive? Define an alert, a safe stopping point and a human owner. Do this before allowing external actions.
04. Test before expanding
Use test data to check normal paths and failures. Compare the time and rework with the current process before adding more complexity. A small dependable workflow is a useful foundation.