Choose a small workflow to automate.

Describe the manual action first.

Choose a routine task with a clear input and result. Name who starts it, where the data comes from and what success looks like. If the manual process relies on an unwritten judgment, clarify it before asking software to repeat the task.

A fictional reminder might tell an owner that an agreed checkpoint is near. That differs from accepting a document, changing a file’s approval status or sending an unreviewed borrower message. Keep each automated action within the authority your team approved.

Design the exception path with the normal path.

What happens if the source is missing, the owner changes, an event repeats or the next system is down? Decide how a person will spot the failure and resume work. Silence from a tool does not prove the action happened.

Test fictional records, including cases where no action should occur. Name someone who can pause the tool and restore the agreed manual process. A useful connection is not a reason to add an unapproved outside tool.

• A clearly defined trigger.
• An authorized action and destination.
• A visible confirmation of completion.
• An owner for errors and unexpected results.
• A way to pause and recover without duplicating work.

Review evidence before expanding.

Compare results with the original plan. Record errors, manual fixes and confusing results, as well as successful runs. A demo does not prove the tool is safe for every file. It also does not prove a specific time saving.

MISMO helps inform data-standards discussions. FTC guidance gives context for systems that handle sensitive data when the rule applies. Neither validates a specific automation. Use the worksheet to separate documented features from claims. Involve the system owner before connecting production data.