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QuestionImplementationAI GovernanceSMEs

How do I know which AI process to automate first?

29 July 2026
Answered by Rohit Parmar-Mistry

Short answer

A quick answer first, then the fuller context below.

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

What this points to

This usually points to AI workflow automation

If this question reflects a real workflow, supplier, data or governance decision inside the firm, do not treat the answer as theory. Use it to decide whether you need a light assessment, a deeper audit, a controlled implementation path, governance support or recovery from a genuinely stalled AI attempt.

AI workflow automation supportAudit risk and opportunityTalk through the situation

Detailed answer

The fuller context, trade-offs and practical steps behind the short 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.

Need help implementing this?

If this question points to a live process, policy or supplier decision, the next step is usually to turn the answer into a controlled plan. These services are the most relevant starting points.

AI workflow automation

Turn repeatable admin, client service and reporting work into controlled workflows with clear human review points.

AI workflow automation support

AI governance consulting

Create policies, approval routes, ownership and controls that teams can actually use day to day.

AI governance consulting

AI Readiness Assessment

Use the assessment when you need a plain-English first read on risk, opportunity and the sensible next step.

start with the assessment

Need More Specific Guidance?

Every organisation's situation is different. If you need help applying this guidance to a specific process, book a discovery call or take the assessment first.