“Automation ladder” is a term I just made up, but I think it's very useful.
Should you automate every process that takes you any time at all to do?
No. You should automate routine valuable processes that take a lot of time and are well proven.
Or, you should automate very complex processes you do occasionally, but once defined can be run and monitored with a human in the loop. These might be processes that may take a human 8 hrs to do once a month, but could also be done by an automated process once a month within 30 minutes, but with human review and troubleshooting.
The concept of an automation ladder is such that you should a) prioritize the most valuable opportunities and b) build sub-processes first and work your way up the ladder to build more complex processes.
You also want to consider modularity, reusability, globalization, and containerization.
What is an Automation Ladder?
An “automation ladder” is a conceptual framework illustrating the progressive stages of implementing automation within a business or process.
It represents the journey from basic manual operations to fully automated and optimized systems. Each rung on the ladder signifies a higher level of automation and sophistication. Here's a breakdown of the typical stages on an automation ladder:
1. Manual Operations:
- Processes are performed entirely by human workers without any assistance from automation tools.
- Examples: Data entry, manual reporting, and physical file management.
2. Basic Automation:
- Introduction of simple tools to automate repetitive tasks.
- Examples: Using macros in spreadsheets, basic scripts for data extraction, and simple email automation.
3. Process Automation:
- Implementation of software to automate end-to-end processes.
- Examples: Workflow automation tools like Zapier, automated billing systems, and CRM automations.
4. Advanced Automation:
- Integration of multiple automated systems for seamless operations across departments.
- Examples: ERP systems, advanced marketing automation platforms, and integrated customer support systems.
5. Intelligent Automation:
- Use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance automation capabilities.
- Examples: Predictive analytics, AI-driven chatbots, and automated decision-making systems.
6. Autonomous Operations:
- Systems operate with minimal human intervention, making decisions based on predefined criteria and learning from data.
- Examples: Autonomous supply chain management, self-optimizing manufacturing systems, and AI-powered financial trading systems.
7. Optimized and Adaptive Automation:
- Continuous optimization and adaptation of automated systems based on real-time data and feedback.
- Examples: Real-time dynamic pricing models, adaptive cybersecurity systems, and personalized marketing campaigns.
The automation ladder helps organizations understand their current level of automation. Then it helps identify opportunities for improvement. Third, it helps plan their path toward higher efficiency and innovation. It emphasizes the gradual adoption of automation technologies. This helps ensure that each step builds on the previous one to achieve maximum impact.
I really like this framework and think it applies broadly to all work, learning and life. The works well in the Kaizen philosophy.
HubSpot has powerful marketing automation, and this is a great tool to apply the automation ladder framework to.