Process Automation Discovery Sprint (5-10 days)
A structured engagement that identifies, prioritizes, and prototypes high-value automation opportunities for clients, positioning the agency as a strategic automation partner. Time: 5-10 days.
By InnovaAI ResearchPublished
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Process Automation Discovery Sprint (5-10 days)
A structured engagement that identifies, prioritizes, and prototypes high-value automation opportunities for clients, positioning the agency as a strategic automation partner.
- Client executive sponsor identified
- Access to key process owners and subject matter experts
- Read-only access to relevant systems and applications
- Signed statement of work and data handling agreement
- Baseline understanding of client's current tech stack
- 1.Kickoff workshop with client stakeholders to map core business processes
- 2.Collect documentation on existing workflows, pain points, and manual effort
- 3.Identify initial automation candidates based on volume, frequency, and rule-based nature
- 1.Shadow process owners to observe and document step-by-step execution
- 2.Quantify time spent and error rates for each candidate process
- 3.Interview IT and compliance teams to understand governance constraints
- 1.Map processes to potential automation approaches (UI bots, API integrations, AI agents)
- 2.Score candidates on feasibility, ROI, and strategic alignment
- 3.Shortlist top 3-5 processes for detailed analysis
- 1.Build a process definition document for each shortlisted candidate
- 2.Define success metrics and baseline KPIs for each process
- 3.Assess data quality and system access requirements
- 1.Prototype the highest-priority process using the chosen platform
- 2.Run initial tests in a sandbox environment
- 3.Document technical limitations and integration points
- 1.Refine prototype based on initial test results
- 2.Estimate full implementation effort and ongoing maintenance costs
- 3.Prepare a cost-benefit analysis for each shortlisted process
- 1.Present findings and recommendations to client stakeholders
- 2.Align on roadmap priorities and phasing
- 3.Draft a proposal for the next phase (pilot or full deployment)
- 1.Incorporate client feedback into the final automation roadmap
- 2.Define governance and change management approach
- 3.Prepare a detailed implementation plan for the selected process
- 1.Deliver the automation opportunity assessment report
- 2.Provide a demo of the working prototype
- 3.Review next steps and success criteria with the client
- 1.Finalize and deliver all artifacts
- 2.Collect client sign-off on the roadmap
- 3.Schedule a follow-up session to initiate the pilot phase
Agencies can charge a premium for this discovery sprint because it de-risks the client's automation investment and creates a clear business case. The deliverable naturally leads to a larger implementation retainer, making the sprint a high-margin entry point that builds trust and positions the agency as a strategic partner rather than a vendor.
- Automation opportunity assessment report with prioritized roadmap
- Process definition documents for shortlisted candidates
- Working prototype of the top-priority automation
- Cost-benefit analysis and ROI projections
- Implementation plan and governance framework for the next phase
The client has signed off on the automation roadmap and approved the prototype, with a clear decision to proceed to the pilot phase.