Chapter 1: The Misunderstood Cost of Automation

Recently, I encountered a meme that criticized automation, but it missed a key point.

I must admit, I’m writing this to express my frustration after reading an article against automation. In our current society, we tend to analyze problems in isolation. While this approach can be useful, it sometimes obscures the larger picture, which was the main issue with that article.

The meme in question contrasts the time required to perform a task manually, which is ten minutes, with the time needed to automate that same task—ten hours. This comparison may lead one to conclude that investing ten hours to automate a task that takes only ten minutes is a waste. I've seen this meme used to undermine programmers who seek to automate such tasks, despite the benefits they bring. Unfortunately, some managers echo this sentiment, rejecting automation for simple tasks based solely on their short duration. But is this perspective justified?

It's crucial to recognize that we are viewing the situation too narrowly. If we step back and consider the bigger picture, the meme's initial comparison starts to reveal its flaws. Although it suggests that automating a task that takes ten minutes is unjustifiable, we must ask ourselves, "How frequently do we perform this task?" This question significantly alters the analysis.

Now, the scenario shifts. If we realize that a ten-minute task is performed monthly for five years, investing ten hours in automation becomes a wise choice. If the task recurs daily, we could potentially waste twelve days—almost three weeks—on it, which makes the ten-hour automation investment look even more appealing.

By merely stepping back, we can transform an action that seemed impractical into one that might be a strategic investment. But can we take another step back to gain an even broader perspective?

Yes! We can scale our analysis further. Until now, we’ve assumed that only one individual benefits from the automation. However, what if multiple people benefit? By multiplying the time saved through automation by the number of users, we see a clearer picture. For example, if fifty individuals each perform a ten-minute task, then spending eight hours to automate it can yield substantial time savings. If this task occurs daily, automating it could save over a year of collective work time.

We've evolved from considering the ten-hour investment to realizing it can result in saving more than a year of labor. But is there yet another layer we can explore?

Indeed! We often overlook an extraordinary aspect of automation. Automating tasks can fundamentally alter workflows. This transformation is subtle but pervasive. By changing a ten-minute task into one that takes mere seconds, we adjust the path of least resistance. When this path changes, people's behaviors adapt accordingly. They may repeat the task more frequently or use their newfound time to explore different methods of working.

New automations lead to innovative working methods, which in turn create opportunities for further automation and additional benefits. This is where the compounding effect comes into play, resulting in exponential growth in productivity.

As I highlighted, society as a whole has undergone significant changes due to automation. Once we automate a process, we unlock new possibilities for exploration and improvement.

In the book 'Accelerate' by Nicole Forsgren and others, this idea is clearly illustrated. The authors show that teams that successfully automate mundane tasks can achieve exponential performance growth. I plan to write more about this soon, as it feels almost magical.

I firmly reject the notion that automation is more expensive than it appears. As demonstrated, the opposite is true. Each time we automate a task, we not only eliminate unnecessary repetitions but also open avenues for new ways of working. Thus, before dismissing the possibility of automating a task, we should consider these questions: How often is the task performed? How many individuals are involved? How does automation influence behavior? What new opportunities can arise from these changes?

While the last two questions may be challenging to address, the first ones can be answered with relative ease, thanks to mathematics. Once you have this information, contemplate the potential losses incurred by neglecting to automate a simple task and leaving new opportunities unexplored.

Automation is frequently dismissed as an expensive solution for straightforward tasks. However, as we've seen, the advantages of automation can be substantial, particularly when factoring in saved time, new work opportunities, and compounded benefits. Before rejecting the idea of automating a task, it's essential to step back, evaluate task frequency, and assess the number of potential beneficiaries. Remember, math can swiftly provide insights into these considerations. So take a moment to reflect on your processes and explore how automation might help you save time and create new opportunities.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out my most popular stories on Medium for more insights.