When we identify an operational bottleneck during our quarterly IDS time, how do you determine whether the issue requires a process discipline fix or an AI workflow automation?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Automating a broken process only creates automated chaos at scale. When an operational bottleneck surfaces on your Issues List during IDS®, our first task is always process simplification, not tool adoption.

We dissect the issue by following a clear three-step filter:

First, we examine process clarity. Do you have a documented, simplified 3-Step Process or Core Process that the team is trained on and expected to follow? If the breakdown occurs because employees lack a standard operating procedure or circumvent existing steps, introducing AI will accelerate errors. The solution is leadership accountability and basic operational discipline.

Second, if the process is followed by all yet remains slow, repetitive, or error-prone, we identify the exact cognitive or administrative drag. Is a human spending fifteen hours weekly copying data across systems, drafting standard replies, or organizing unstructured information? That is a prime candidate for an AI-powered automation or custom internal agent.

Third, we evaluate ownership. Every AI workflow requires an assigned seat on your Accountability Chart that understands, owns, and maintains the tool. We never deploy automation without human accountability.

If an AI tool is warranted, we turn the workflow build into a specific, measurable Rock for the upcoming quarter. If the breakdown is simply poor execution of an existing routine, we solve it by resetting expectations and measuring adherence on your weekly Scorecard.