Process Automation
The work that eats the most time and gives the least joy: doing the same thing over and over. That is exactly what I rebuild so it runs by itself.
A real example
For MessingerDesign I built a four-stage dunning process that runs entirely on its own: it spots open invoices, generates the right PDF, attaches the SEPA details and sends the email — without anyone pressing a button. Four stages, from a friendly reminder to the final notice.
What can be automated
Essentially any routine that recurs in the same shape. A few examples from ordinary office life:
- Creating and sending invoices, reminders and payment notices
- Capturing incoming invoices automatically, checking and filing them correctly
- Generating quotes and contracts from templates
- Adding appointments from emails to the calendar and sending reminders
- Confirmation, welcome and follow-up emails
- Moving data from forms or mail into the CRM, a spreadsheet or the accounts
- Producing and distributing recurring reports automatically
- Renaming, converting, sorting or backing up files
- Keeping an eye on maintenance contracts, deadlines and renewals
- Stock warnings as soon as something runs low
- Synchronising data between programs (API integrations)
The rule of thumb
If you or your people do something the same way again and again by hand, it can usually be automated. And that does not only save time — it also makes fewer mistakes.