Automation: Where to Start?
Throughout my career, I’ve worked on many automation initiatives. These include automating processes by eliminating manual tasks, introducing machine learning algorithms to replace human involvement, and more. In this article, I’ll dive into what automation is and how product managers (PMs) can get started with automation initiatives.
What is automation?
How to start automation initiatives effectively.
🤖 What is Automation?
First, let’s define automation. Automation is the use of technology to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of business processes by replacing manual steps with automated ones.
🛠️ How to Approach Automation?
1️⃣ Choose What to Automate
Not all automation initiatives will have the same impact on your business and customers, so it’s crucial to prioritize those that will deliver the most value. Here’s how:
🔍 Map and analyze the current flow. Ensure you’ve captured all the steps, people, and systems involved in the process:
Document all steps, people, and systems involved.
Identify manual tasks that could potentially be automated.
💡 Estimate the impact:
Cost Impact:
What is the cost of performing this task manually?
How long does it take?
Is it scalable as your customer base grows?
Customer Impact:
Does this task delay time-to-value for customers?
Does it affect the overall customer experience?
Are there signals (e.g., customer feedback or data insights) indicating its impact?
🔑 Start small (low-hanging fruits):
Begin with tasks that are easy to automate and can quickly demonstrate value.
This helps secure buy-in for larger, more complex initiatives.
2️⃣ Evaluate Technical Feasibility
Partner with technical teams to assess:
Can this task be automated with available resources?
What is the timeline for implementation?
👥 Remember: It's About People Too
Automation can be sensitive for team members whose work may be impacted. To ensure success:
Communicate the value of automation clearly.
Involve the right stakeholders early.
Focus on alignment and support to minimize resistance.
Starting an automation initiative may seem overwhelming, but by focusing on impact, feasibility, and people, you can achieve meaningful results.
Substack: https://substack.com/@khrystynasosiak
WebPage: Learn product with Khrystyna
linkedin: Khrystyna Sosiak
More articles:
Context in Product Management: https://khrystynasosiak.substack.com/p/context-is-everything-in-product
Crucial Role of Focus: https://khrystynasosiak.substack.com/p/the-crucial-role-of-focus-for-product
See you next time,
Khrystyna Sosiak