How long does it take to automate a process?

A single, well-defined automation, such as sending every new form to your inbox and a lead list, is usually quick to set up. A process that crosses several tools, needs custom software or depends on cleaning up old data takes longer.

Most of the time goes into three things:

• agreeing exactly what should happen at each step, including the exceptions
• getting access to the tools and accounts involved
• testing with real examples before switching it on

You can speed it up by writing down the current steps, including what happens when something goes wrong, and by naming one person who can answer questions quickly.

Build in short steps. Automate the most painful part first, check that it holds up with real work, then extend it. That way something useful is running early, and each later step is based on what actually happened rather than on guesses.