Determining If Automation is Worth Your Time and Money | Will Christensen | DataAutomation
Honest Ecommerce · with Will Christensen · May 11, 2020 · 33 min
Summary
This episode demystifies automation for ecommerce sellers, offering practical advice on identifying tasks suitable for automation and implementing solutions. It helps merchants understand when to leverage DIY tools versus hiring consultants to boost efficiency and reclaim valuable time, making automation less daunting and more accessible.
Key takeaways
Don't try to automate a large process all at once; break it down into smaller, manageable micro-tasks and automate them incrementally.
Use the "annoying" tasks as indicators for automation opportunities. If a task is repetitive and tiresome, it's likely a good candidate for automation.
Before investing heavily, use "litmus tests" to assess potential ROI for automation. Start with pilot projects or small-scale implementations to gauge effectiveness.
Even simple automation, like using VLOOKUPs to connect spreadsheets, can save significant time and free up resources for more creative, human-centric tasks.
Consider DIY automation tools like Zapier or Google Sheets for initial steps, but don't hesitate to consult specialists like DataAutomation when processes become too complex or require custom integrations.
Themes
ai & automationfounder & leadershipsupply chain & operations
Will Christensen is the co-founder of DataAutomation, which customizes both automation and integration processes for e-commerce sellers. On this podcast, we make automation less intimidating and discuss a real-life automation example, Will’s automation “litmus tests” for positive ROI, DIY tools for automation, when to call in a consultant and so much more! To learn more, visit: honestecommerce.co Resources: Will’s LinkedIn page: linkedin.com/in/william-christensen-91074a11 DataAutomation’s website: dataautomation.com Email Will at will@dataautomation.com, mention Honest Ecommerce podcast and get a free 30-minute consultation that usually costs $350 per hour! And Will bets you a Starbucks gift card that he can find something that you can automate! Visit gorgias.grsm.io/honest to get your second month free.
Don't try to automate a large process all at once; break it down into smaller, manageable micro-tasks and automate them incrementally.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Use the "annoying" tasks as indicators for automation opportunities. If a task is repetitive and tiresome, it's likely a good candidate for automation.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Before investing heavily, use "litmus tests" to assess potential ROI for automation. Start with pilot projects or small-scale implementations to gauge effectiveness.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Even simple automation, like using VLOOKUPs to connect spreadsheets, can save significant time and free up resources for more creative, human-centric tasks.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Consider DIY automation tools like Zapier or Google Sheets for initial steps, but don't hesitate to consult specialists like DataAutomation when processes become too complex or require custom integrations.
