Workflow automation opportunities

Identifying automation opportunities requires analyzing user workflows for repetitive, pattern-based tasks that consume time without adding value. Observe users performing routine activities: sorting information, categorizing content, extracting relevant details, or making rule-based decisions.

Strong automation candidates share these characteristics:

• Users perform them frequently
• Outcomes follow learnable patterns
• Errors have low consequences
• Automation saves significant time

Document each workflow step, noting where users make similar decisions repeatedly or process information mechanically. Email triage, expense categorization, and content tagging represent prime automation targets. However, avoid automating tasks users find satisfying, require nuanced judgment, or carry high stakes. Map the effort users currently expend against the value they receive. Automation should eliminate drudgery while preserving meaningful work. Consider partial automation where AI handles routine cases while users address exceptions.