Enterprises often start requirements with technical terms, such as "build a knowledge base" or "deploy an AI chatbot." A more effective approach is to first assess the scenario itself: how frequently does it occur, how much manual effort does each instance require, is data accessible, and what are the consequences of errors?
Four evaluation dimensions
Prioritize high-frequency scenarios. Automating a workflow that users repeat many times daily delivers significant efficiency gains; automating low-frequency, one-off tasks yields limited returns.
- Prioritize workflows that occur daily or weekly.
- View Time: Identify the most time-consuming segment of the current workflow
- Check data: Can the required data for the target scenario be reliably obtained, and is its format controllable?
- Review error tolerance: The consequences of incorrect answers determine whether to use full automation or retain manual review.
When to hold off
If processes are undefined, responsibilities unclear, and foundational data missing, prioritize process and data governance over system implementation. Digital debt won't vanish just by introducing models.
In some cases, demand is too low to justify long-term maintenance. Such needs are better addressed with off-the-shelf tools or manual workflows.
Scenarios worth pursuing typically share a key trait: they're currently painful to execute, and the pain points are clearly identifiable.
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