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Where Should You Start with Workflow Automation?

Workflow automationProcess improvementOperations

Workflow automation promises to reduce manual work and improve consistency. But many organisations struggle with where to begin. The answer: start with the workflow that causes the most pain, not the one that sounds most impressive.

Where Should You Start with Workflow Automation?

Find the Repetitive, Manual Bottleneck

Look for workflows that are: • Repeated frequently (daily or weekly) • Involve multiple handover points between people or teams • Currently tracked through email, WhatsApp or spreadsheets • Prone to delays because someone forgets to action their step • Creating visible frustration for the team

Common First Automation Candidates

• Leave and expense approvals • Customer enquiry routing and follow-up • Document submission and review processes • Event or booking registration workflows • Onboarding checklists for new staff

Map Before You Automate

Document the current process exactly as it works today — including the workarounds and shortcuts. Understand why each step exists before deciding which to automate, simplify or remove.

Start Small, Prove Value, Expand

Automate one workflow end-to-end. Measure the time saved, error reduction and team satisfaction. Use these results to build the case for automating the next workflow.

Want help finding the best first automation?

We can map your existing forms, approvals and notifications and suggest a realistic first workflow to automate.

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