Mike Harrison

Automation is a great way to streamline work, but it’s easy to trip up if you don’t plan properly. Here are five pitfalls I’ve come across and how to avoid them.

1. Overcomplicating Workflows

Automating too much too quickly can get messy. Keep it simple. Focus on solving specific issues first, then build on that foundation once you see what works.

For example, don’t automate every part of your reporting process at once. Start by streamlining data collection, then assess before layering on more steps.

2. Neglecting Human Oversight

Just because something’s automated doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a human touch. Make sure key checkpoints are in place, especially for decisions that require a bit of common sense.

For example, use an automated chatbot for common customer queries, but ensure there’s a handover to a human when the conversation gets tricky.

3. Skipping Proper Testing

Even if an automation seems straightforward, it can go wrong if not tested thoroughly. Don’t just test for what you expect, try out a few ‘what if’ scenarios.

Before automating an email report, test what happens if the data is incomplete or the system is down. A few minutes of testing can save hours of future headaches.

4. Ignoring Data Quality

No matter how clever your automation is, it’s only as good as the data it relies on. Focus on getting the input right before worrying about automating the output.

For example, automating follow-ups in a CRM is great unless the contact info is outdated or wrong. A few bad leads can undermine the whole effort.

5. Forgetting to Document

Automations tend to grow over time. Without documentation, they can quickly become unwieldy or unmanageable, especially if someone else needs to take over.

If you’ve automated part of your workflow, keep a record of how it works. This ensures others can tweak or fix it later without starting from scratch.

Conclusion

Automation is all about working smarter, not harder, but only if you do it right. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll find it saves you time rather than creating more hassle.