Introduction
Automation is wonderful, but it's not a hammer that sees everything as a nail. Here are 5 processes where automation isn't worth it.
1. Processes that change frequently
- If process changes >2 times/year, automation updates cost more
- Better: train people, make it repeatable
2. Strategic decisions (>10% impact)
- Automation can't replace human judgment
- Automated reports OK, automated decisions = risk
- Ex: hire/fire decisions, partnership approvals
3. Processes with humans in the loop (relationship)
- Customer onboarding calls
- Sales discovery
- Team feedback sessions
- Automation here = lose trust
4. Processes with very low volume
- <2 times/month
- Setup cost > annual savings
- Stick with manual
5. Processes requiring context/empathy
- HR conflict resolution
- Customer complaints
- Refund decisions
- Humans first, automation second
The Moral of the Story
Automation ROI = (Time saved × Cost/hr) - Implementation cost
Not all processes satisfy the equation.
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