Guide · Checklist · 4 min
10 Questions to Ask Before You Automate a Workflow
Most automation problems start before any software is built. Answer these ten questions about your workflow. Every "no" is something to fix first.
- 01
Can you describe the steps?
If two people would describe it differently, align first.
- 02
Does it repeat often enough to matter?
Rare tasks rarely justify automation.
- 03
What does "done" look like?
If you can't define it, AI can't hit it.
- 04
Where does the information come from?
Name the systems and files.
- 05
Can the system be accessed securely?
Is there an API, export or permitted way in?
- 06
What are the common exceptions?
The messy 20% is where projects get stuck.
- 07
Which steps are risky?
Money, customers, contracts, health, legal. Those need human approval.
- 08
Who owns it?
One named person who can make decisions and give feedback.
- 09
How will you know it worked?
Choose measures before you start (time per task, response time, error rate).
- 10
What happens when it's wrong?
Plan the fallback, the escalation and who gets told.
0 yes · 0 no · 10 to go
- Mostly yes? You're ready to pilot.
- A few no's? Fix those, then pilot.
- Many no's? Start with AI Strategy & Consulting or the AI Readiness Score.