Beginner level · Module 4: Automating Everyday Work with AI · Lesson 1 of 3
Finding Tasks Worth Automating
Identify which tasks to improve with AI by looking at how often they happen and how long they take.
In this lesson you will
- Estimate time spent on recurring tasks
- Prioritise tasks for AI support
Key concepts
recurring taskstime per taskfrequencypriority
The lesson
The best tasks to improve are frequent, time-consuming, follow a pattern and are low risk if a draft needs correcting — weekly reports, customer replies, meeting minutes.
Estimate time per task and how often it happens. A task taking 30 minutes three times a week costs about 6 hours a month.
Remember to count the time to check AI output. A task that takes as long to check as to do by hand is not worth automating.
Step by step
- List recurring tasks with time and frequency.
- Calculate hours per month.
- Rate each for pattern and risk.
- Choose the top three.
Practice activity
Prioritise the chosen business's tasks for AI support.
Expected result: A prioritised list with time estimates.
Check your understanding
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Which tasks are good candidates for AI support?
Show answer
Frequent, time-consuming, patterned and low-risk tasks.
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Why include checking time in estimates?
Show answer
Checking can cancel out the time saved.
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