Start automation with a workflow, not a tool

Choose a repeatable workflow where manual effort is visible. Map the trigger, inputs, decisions and destination before choosing how to automate it.

Ask what happens when information is missing or an integration fails. Exception handling is part of the scope, not a feature to consider after launch.

Give the workflow an owner, a monitoring check and a documented manual fallback. Test representative cases with the people who will depend on it.

Compare the agreed baseline with the observed result. Keep, refine or stop the automation based on evidence rather than the number of connections built.