AI and automation requests often arrive as ideas: “Can we make this faster?” The first job is to turn the idea into a clear operational shape.
Ask what repeats
A useful workflow usually has a repeated trigger, a known input, a desired output, and a human who can own the result. If the task is rare or ambiguous, documentation may be more valuable than automation.
Score impact and risk together
High-impact, low-risk workflows are good candidates for hands-on support. Low-impact requests may be better served with advice, templates, or office hours. High-risk workflows need governance before configuration.
A good intake process protects both momentum and judgment.
Design the support path
Every workflow needs an owner, a place to document behavior, a way to change it safely, and a fallback when the automation does not behave as expected.