Before you automate a workflow, make the workflow visible

Automation is often framed as a software selection problem. In practice, the first challenge is understanding what work actually happens: who starts it, what information is needed, where decisions are made, and what happens when something does not fit the happy path.

Start by mapping one recurring workflow from beginning to end. Mark the repeated steps, the delays, and the moments where a person needs to use judgment. That picture helps separate tasks that are ready to automate from the ones that need a better process first.

Then choose one measurable improvement and build a small, observable version. A useful first release should make it easy to see what ran, what needs attention, and how a person can step in. That is how automation earns trust and expands safely.