How the score works
Each answer carries points: the first answer in each list scores highest. Frequency, time, fixed steps, digital information and written steps count up to 3 points each; how often the process changes and what a mistake costs count up to 2. The total is out of 19.
- 14 or more: a good candidate. The task is frequent, fixed and digital enough to automate end to end, with a person checking the result.
- 9 to 13: partly. Automate the steady part and keep a person for the rest. The tips show what is holding the score down.
- Under 9: not yet. Fix the basics first: write the steps down, get the information into one place, or wait until the process settles.
These bands are our rule of thumb from building automations for small teams, not a law. A low score is not a failure: it usually points at a cheaper fix than software.
Time matters too
A task can score well and still not be worth building if it takes a few hours a year. Put the numbers into the task cost calculator to see what it costs you in a year, and read how to choose what to automate first if you have more than one candidate.
If your task scores well, email us the task in one line. We will tell you honestly whether it is worth automating.