How can SMEs Identify Processes for Automation? : A Practical Approach

Convincing your team or leadership to invest in automation can be challenging, especially when abstract concepts like process improvement are hard to visualise. Research has shown that not everyone can picture ideas in their head — it’s actually a skill that varies from person to person., which can create communication barriers when pitching ideas.

When presenting an automation opportunity, one effective approach is to use task analysis. This method, often employed by interaction designers, breaks down a process into its individual steps, making inefficiencies and potential improvements more tangible.

Think about the process of ordering food at a restaurant. Mapping out each step might reveal that it takes five minutes to go from placing an order to confirmation. Highlighting this delay—like the time spent waiting for manual input—can open discussions about solutions like AI workflows or digital systems that could speed things up.

Why Task Analysis Works

Task analysis turns abstract ideas into clear visuals. It helps you pinpoint bottlenecks, understand inefficiencies, and identify where automation could make the most impact. This makes it much easier for everyone, from team members to decision-makers, to see the value of change.

With task analysis, you can effectively showcase the potential of automation and build a solid case for investing in it, all while bringing your team along for the journey.