Where to Start with Automation: A Practical Guide for Small Teams

Automation sounds exciting, but getting started confuses a lot of small teams. Here's a practical three-step guide.

Step 1: Track your repetitive tasks for one week

Write down anything you repeat more than twice a week in the same way, from manually copying form data to sending manual reminders.

Step 2: Put a number on the time each task takes

"This is time-consuming" isn't enough. Write "3 hours a week." That number is what makes prioritization possible.

Step 3: Start with the simplest case, not the most complex

A common mistake is starting automation with the most complex, highest-value process. The result is usually a half-finished project. Start with something automatable in a week, even if it only saves 30 minutes a week. That small win builds the confidence needed for bigger processes later.

A worked example

Picture a four-person online shop spending 2 hours a week sending invoices by hand. Automating that one process — usually a few days of work — gives those 2 hours back. The real figure depends on your invoice volume and the tools you already run.

If you don't know where to start, Business Process Automation is a good first step.