Process Automation: Best Practices for Choosing the Right Processes
June 2, 2025
9 min read
Jonas Höttler
Automation Check: The Difference Between Theory and Practice
"We can automate that!" – This phrase comes up in meetings more often than ever. And it's often true. The problem: Not every automation makes sense. Some cost more than they save.
Why Half of All Automation Projects Fail
The statistics are sobering: Around 50% of automation initiatives don't achieve planned results. The most common reasons:
1. Wrong Process Selected
Too complex, too many exceptions
Executed too rarely
Too many manual decisions required
2. Wrong Expectations
Overestimated time savings
Underestimated implementation costs
Ignored maintenance efforts
3. Lack of Preparation
Process not standardized
No clear rules defined
Poor data quality
The 5 Criteria for Automation Potential
Criterion 1: Repetition Frequency
Rule of thumb: The more often a process runs, the higher the potential.
Frequency
Potential
Example
Multiple times daily
Very high
Invoice receipt verification
Daily
High
Daily reports creation
Weekly
Medium
Inventory updates
Monthly
Low
Month-end closing
Annually
Very low
Year-end closing
But note: Even rare processes can be worthwhile if they're very time-consuming.
The question isn't "Can we automate this?" – usually yes. The question is: "Should we automate this?" And only systematic analysis answers that question.
With the right criteria and a clear scoring model, you avoid expensive mistakes and focus on automations that truly create value.
Identified processes with high automation potential and ready to get started? Our AI Adoption Audit helps you with strategic implementation – from tool selection to implementation.
Process Optimization Through Automation: Analyze & Reduce Costs