Automation is designed to repeat a process quickly and consistently. But if the process is already inefficient, unclear, or prone to errors, automation can reinforce those same issues instead of solving them.
Automating too soon can lead to several problems across the workflow.
Automation can preserve outdated or repetitive activities that should’ve been removed before the workflow was automated.
Incorrect data, flawed rules, or unclear instructions can be repeated consistently and affect more transactions over time.
If the process changes frequently or lacks clear standards, the automation may require repeated adjustments, testing, and upkeep.
Before automating, review the workflow, remove unnecessary steps, fix recurring issues, and standardize how the process should work. This helps automation improve efficiency rather than repeat existing problems.
If you’re looking to strengthen your finance function using the latest finance and accounting technology, schedule a free consultation with us.
You can download our whitepaper, Outsourcing: How to Make it Work, to learn the fundamentals of working with a specialized finance and accounting vendor.