Automation mode analyses the workflow for systemisation opportunities. It looks for where tools, integrations, and automations could replace manual effort, reduce errors, and speed up the process. The report surfaces specific automation opportunities with suggested tools and an assessment of how difficult each would be to implement.
Use Automation mode when your goal is to scope a systems project, automation build, or technology implementation.
WHEN TO CHOOSE AUTOMATION MODE
Choose Automation when:
- There is significant manual data entry or copy-paste activity in the workflow
- The client uses multiple disconnected tools that do not talk to each other
- You want to propose a one-off automation or systems build
- You offer Zapier, Make, or other integration services
- You want to scope a project rather than an ongoing retainer
THE FIVE SECTIONS OF AN AUTOMATION REPORT
Executive Summary
A plain-language overview of where the workflow is losing efficiency, what the automation potential is, and an estimate of what implementing the suggested changes would save. Written for a non-technical audience.
Analysis Metrics
The same quick-reference panel as the Delegation report:
- Risk Level
- Workflow Nodes
- Bottlenecks Found
- Optimisation Score
- Automation Potential: for Automation mode, this is typically rated higher than in a Delegation report because the analysis specifically looks for automation opportunities
- Time Savings
- Cost Savings
Key Findings
Specific issues identified in the workflow. In Automation mode, findings are more likely to surface inefficiencies related to manual data handling, disconnected systems, and repetitive tasks. Each finding includes a title, severity, category, description, impact, and confidence score.
Automation Opportunities
This is where the Automation report differs most from the Delegation report. Each opportunity includes:
- The specific task or process to automate
- Suggested tools to implement the automation (e.g. Zapier, Make, native CRM features, Monday.com API)
- Time saved per instance or per workflow run
- Implementation effort: rated as low, medium, or high
- A confidence score for the recommendation
The suggested tools are starting points, not prescriptions. FixFlow suggests based on what it can infer from the tools already in your map and general patterns. You may know of better or more appropriate tools for your client's specific setup.
Optimisation Suggestions
Broader recommendations for process improvement beyond automation. Includes suggestions for consolidating tools, restructuring communication, and reducing unnecessary steps.
HOW AUTOMATION OPPORTUNITIES DIFFER FROM DELEGATION OPPORTUNITIES
Delegation opportunities identify tasks a human is doing that another human could do more efficiently or cheaply. Automation opportunities identify tasks a human is doing that a system could do instead. The two are not mutually exclusive. A task that is currently a founder bottleneck might be a candidate for both delegation (to a VA) or automation (to a Zapier zap), depending on what makes most sense for the client.
Running both modes gives you both perspectives.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE REPORT
Automation reports often surface more technical recommendations than Delegation reports. Before presenting to a client, filter out anything that requires skills you do not have or tools you do not work with. Be clear about what you can implement, what you would refer to a specialist, and what can wait. See "Reading and Using the Report" for the full filtering process.