How do you go about identifying AI automation opportunities? - Question of the month

Arno Nel

Hi all!

We all know automation can transform businesses, but finding the right opportunities isn't always obvious. 

This month we want to hear about your approach:

How do you go about identifying AI automation opportunities?

• How do you know a cumbersome process needs automating vs. just fixing?
• Do you focus on high-volume tasks or high-value outcomes first?
• What's your approach when people say "but we've always done it this way"?
• Do you have a systematic method or is it more opportunistic?
• What tools or techniques help you spot the best candidates?
• How do you involve your team in the discovery process?
• Any unexpected places you've found great opportunities?

Wherever you are on your AI automation journey, we'd love to learn from your experience. Share what's worked (and what hasn't!)

Drop your answer in the comments below to enter this month’s draw - Terms & Conditions apply

timjeens

I look for automation by asking if the problem is people, policy, or process. If it’s a broken rule, don’t automate it. If it’s a repeatable task, that’s a candidate.

I start with small, high-volume jobs that waste time. They build trust and free people up, then I move toward higher-value work.

When I hear “we’ve always done it this way,” I show how automation cuts the boring stuff so people can focus on the useful parts.

I use a simple lens of frequency, effort, and impact. That helps me choose what’s worth doing. I also listen to the team’s complaints those are often the best leads.

Some wins have come from tiny things, like five-minute approvals that happen hundreds of times a week. Those “invisible leaks” often matter more than the obvious bottlenecks.