Lesson 1: What is automation?

Learn how automation can simplify repetitive tasks and streamline entire processes, making your work more efficient and consistent!

What to expect

In this lesson, you'll see how automation can simplify repetitive tasks and improve entire workflows with Rewst’s process-based approach. You'll also learn to spot common challenges, like inconsistent processes and tasks needing human input, so you can identify which parts of your workflow are ready for automation.

Video (3:22 minutes)

Lesson summary

What is automation?

Automation uses technology to handle repetitive tasks, making processes faster, more consistent, and less prone to errors.

Task-based vs. process-based automation

• Task-based: Automates a single action (e.g., sending an email).

• Process-based: Automates a full workflow across systems (e.g., onboarding a new hire). Rewst focuses on process-based automation to handle complex sequences from start to finish.

What makes automation successful?

Automation works best for repetitive, stable tasks with accessible data.

Start with simple processes and stay goal-focused to get the most value from your automations. For example, automating user account creation works well because it’s a frequent task with standard steps and required information readily available.

Tasks that require constant human judgment or have unpredictable steps are not good for automation. For example, troubleshooting complex technical issues often requires nuanced decisions that automation can't handle effectively.

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