This guide explains business automation in plain language for business owners and managers: what it really involves, how to decide what you need, the terms you will hear and what a good outcome looks like.
What business automation really involves
Business automation connects your tools so repetitive steps happen without manual work.
How to decide what you need
Fix the process before automating it; automation makes a bad process fail faster.
Key terms you will hear
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Trigger | The event that starts an automation. |
| Zap / Scenario | Automation workflows in Zapier or Make. |
| API | Interface systems use to exchange data. |
| RPA | Robotic process automation of user interfaces. |
Typical project sizes
| Level | Typical scope |
|---|---|
| Single automation | One workflow between tools |
| Automation set | Several workflows with monitoring |
| Custom automation platform | High-volume custom code |
What success looks like
Success is hours returned to your team and fewer copy-paste errors.
Checklist before you start
- Write down the business goal and how you will measure it
- List who will use the result and what they need to do
- Decide who will own the accounts, code and content
- Agree on a budget range and a target launch date
Related reading: Business Automation cost in Pakistan and how to choose a business automation company. Ready to talk? See our business automation service.