Incorporating AI with Workflow Automation
Artificial Intelligence has captured our imagination in recent years, especially with the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Co-Pilot, Gemini, and Claude. However, workflow automation tools were used long before ChatGPT entered the scene. As someone involved in optimizing business workflows, I believe that generative AI tools can significantly enhance organizational efficiency, but many are already integrated with workflow automation tools.
Workflow automation tools such as Power Automate, Zapier, or Make have already streamlined countless business operations. Now, with the infusion of AI capabilities, these tools are even more effective at enhancing productivity across various workflows. Regardless of the specific tool though, integrating AI into your workflow requires a clear understanding of your existing workflows. It is also crucial to identify where in your existing workflows there are redundant activities, that require rework or take entirely too long. From there you will have a better idea as to where in the workflow there are opportunities for automation and applying AI. Start by eliminating unnecessary activities or temporary fixes—those workflow “band-aids.” Then apply the workflow automation tool to create actions that take the workload off the team’s hands. These actions can also incorporate AI as part of the flow itself.
Keep in mind that workflow automation tools serve as visual blueprints, depicting how workflows operate. This automated workflow will provide the necessary context and input to maximize the benefits of using AI. Imagine a scenario: your workflow involves processing customer requests and providing personalized answers. AI, armed with relevant information from the workflow, can generate unique email responses that resonate with customers. Additionally, the initial steps of pulling in the requests, capturing the data, sending it to the AI tool, and finally generating a professional and coherent email are done in tandem with the automated workflow action steps.
To maximize AI’s benefits alongside workflow automation tools, consider the following:
Identify Challenges: Pinpoint a workflow with measurable improvement potential.
Visualize the Workflow: Understand the process flow thoroughly.
Automate Smartly: Identify areas ripe for automation.
Leverage AI Creativity: Where unique output matters, bring in AI.
Choose the Right Tool: Match the tool’s complexity to your workflow.
Iterate Incrementally: Start automating key activities step by step.
By embracing this holistic approach, organizations can harness the full potential of generative AI and automation, driving efficiency and innovation.
Incorporating AI Chatbot into a Zapier automated workflow
