Automation does not begin with a trend
Not every manual action needs to become a system. If a process is rare, constantly changing or depends on complex human judgement, automation can add cost without creating value. Begin with a stable, recurring area where the team performs the same steps repeatedly.
Three signals you can measure
The first signal is people copying the same data between chats, spreadsheets and services. The second is that only one employee knows the current status. The third is that every increase in orders requires a proportional increase in headcount. These are the places where the business pays for repetition, waiting and errors.
Start with one route
You do not need to automate the entire company in one release. Choose a route with a clear input and outcome, such as enquiry to invoice or order to dispatch. Map the steps, roles and exceptions, then decide which actions the system should perform.