Map a process worth improving

Start with the trigger

Describe exactly what starts the task: a submitted form, an approved invoice, or a scheduled review. Distinguish a real event from a reminder to check for one.

Follow one real example

Write down each step, system, person, and waiting period. Include the awkward cases that staff currently handle outside the usual process.

Separate rules from judgment

A fixed formatting rule is different from deciding whether a customer should receive credit. Keep human review where context or significant consequences matter.

Define success

Choose a baseline such as completion time, missed handoffs, or correction rate. Compare the pilot against the same measure rather than counting automated steps.

Keep the conversation grounded.

Workflow planning and project enquiries. Integrations, software access, implementation, and support are scoped separately.

NIST: small business cybersecurity basics ↗

Official source for related background. The practical workflow suggestions above are original editorial guidance, not government endorsement.