Choose the right first workflow to automate.

The best starting point is often a small, repeatable process that everyone already understands.

Map the work as it happens

Write down the trigger, inputs, steps, people and final outcome. Include the informal handoffs and exceptions. This often reveals opportunities to simplify the process before automating anything.

Look for clear rules

A good first candidate has consistent inputs and predictable decisions. Routing a request based on a selected category is easier to automate than resolving a complicated disagreement that requires judgement.

Make exceptions explicit

Decide what should happen when information is missing, an integration is unavailable or a request does not match any rule. Send uncertain cases to a person rather than forcing an automated decision.

Test before expanding

Use sample cases and review the results with the team. Check that retries do not create duplicate records or repeated notifications. Start with a limited rollout and keep a way to pause the workflow.

Assign ownership

Someone should monitor errors, maintain connections and review changes to the process. Measure whether the automation reduces repetition and improves reliability, then use what you learn to choose the next workflow.