QuestionImplementationAI GovernanceSMEs

How do I know which AI process to automate first?

29 July 2026
Answered by Rohit Parmar-Mistry

Short answer

Start with repeated work that has clear inputs, visible handoffs, measurable pain and low ambiguity. Avoid automating judgement-heavy work before controls exist.

Detailed answer

Short answer

The first AI process should be important enough to matter but narrow enough to map honestly. Good candidates are repeated admin, reporting preparation, document triage, intake handling, chasing, or quality checks where people already follow a rough pattern.

Use this filter

  • Is the work repeated often enough to measure?
  • Are the inputs and outputs visible?
  • Can a human review the result before it matters?
  • Would better ownership, evidence or routing help even without AI?

Best next step

Use the AI Readiness Assessment or an AI Risk and Efficiency Audit to rank the work by value, risk, effort and control.

Discuss your next step

Talk through your situation with Rohit, or take the assessment if you need a first read.