Map the trigger, information collected, checks performed and final action. For example, an intake workflow could extract fields, identify missing information and prepare a record for a reviewer instead of asking someone to retype it.
Decisions and workflows
Automate the repeatable. Keep control of exceptions.
Connect routine work with clear rules, useful checks and a person at the decisions that need one.
Discuss the workIllustrative engineering modelLocal / no external action
Automate the rule.
Keep the judgement.
Computed decisionNeeds context
Collect the missing information before proceeding.
Follow one piece of work.
Decide what may run unattended.
Straightforward rules and uncertain judgements need different controls. Define the actions a workflow can take, where it must stop and who can approve an exception. A generated answer is not permission to change a business record.
Illustrative exchange between two systems · not a customer system
POST /ledger/entries Idempotency-Key: REQ-7f3a Content-Type: application/json { "order": 10422, "lines": 3 }
- Attempt
- 01
- Status
- Sent · awaiting outcome
| Key | Order | Outcome | At |
|---|---|---|---|
| REQ-7e11 | 10419 | recorded | 09:41:02 |
| REQ-7e2c | 10420 | recorded | 09:41:17 |
| REQ-7ef4 | 10421 | recorded | 09:41:49 |
| REQ-7f3a | 10422 | recorded | 09:42:05 |
| REQ-7f3a · already recorded · same result returned | |||
| no second row · duplicate attempt not written | |||
Check the input before acting.
Validate required fields, source identity and document contents. When a model is involved, test its output against the task and route ambiguous results for review. Keep confidential material within the agreed processing boundary.
Make each run explainable.
Record what started the workflow, which steps completed and why it stopped. Handle retries without duplicating actions. Give operators a way to pause a process, correct information and resume safely.
Pick a repeatable task.
Bring the current steps, typical inputs, exception cases and the time people spend on the work. We can discuss whether a simple rule, an integration or an intelligent tool is the most useful first change.
A CLEARER NEXT STEP
Discuss a workflow
From an unanswered question
to an engineered possibility.