The automation opportunity canvas

What this guide covers

Map the task before you pick a tool.

Sections

1. Current task. Record its trigger, owner, inputs and expected output.
2. Frequency. Record observed frequency and handling time; mark estimates explicitly.
3. Decisions. Separate fixed rules from judgment. Identify human approval points.
4. Permissions. Check approved accounts, data boundaries and tool access.
5. Exceptions. Define what happens when data is missing, duplicated or invalid.
6. First test. Write a normal case, a duplicate case and a failure case.

Worked example

Fictional task: A service request is captured, checked for missing fields, reviewed by a person and assigned to an owner.

How to use it

Download the editable file, fill it in with a real task from your own work and revise it once you have tried the process. The guide is meant to be used, not filed.