Why map processes first
Most failed automations automate the wrong thing. Teams pick the task that annoys them most, not the one that takes the most time or fails most often.
A process map turns an impression into a list. Once it is written down, you can see what repeats, how long it takes and where data is retyped between systems.
The method
You need no diagram and no special software. A table is enough, with one recurring task per row.
- What the task is, in one sentence.
- How often it repeats and how long it takes.
- Which systems it touches and which data it moves.
- Who does it, and who covers during holidays.
- What happens when someone makes a mistake.
What to automate first
A good first task meets three conditions: it repeats often, its rules are clear and its result is easy to check. Leave tasks that need judgement or negotiation for later.
A task that one person does and nobody else understands is a risk with or without automation. Write it down even if it stays manual.
What the map will not tell you
A map does not calculate savings and does not choose a tool. It shows where to start the conversation. Scope and cost are decided only after checking how the chosen task works in detail.