As automation and AI continue to evolve, companies face a common challenge: what to automate first. Choosing the right processes can make the difference between measurable ROI and wasted effort.

1. The 80/20 rule of automation

In most enterprises, 20% of processes generate 80% of the operational cost. Targeting those with high repetition, manual effort, and measurable business impact is where automation delivers real value.

2. The signs of a process ready for automation

• Repetitive tasks: High-volume, low-variation activities.
• Stable rules: Clear logic that doesn’t change frequently.
• Data-driven steps: Processes relying on structured inputs and outputs.
• Quantifiable impact: Clear metrics tied to time, cost, or error reduction.

3. What not to automate (yet)

Processes with subjective decision-making or undefined workflows can generate more friction than efficiency. Start small, learn fast, and expand based on data—not hype.

4. Use data, not intuition

Mapping your processes before automating ensures alignment between technology and business goals. Tools like process mining and task discovery provide the clarity needed for scaling automation successfully.

Conclusion

Automation succeeds when it starts with strategy, not software. The goal isn’t to automate everything, but to automate what truly matters.

Want to know where to start?

At AF Robotics, we offer free 20-minute discovery sessions to help organizations identify which processes can deliver real ROI through automation. Would you like to schedule one?

Book a free discovery session