2 Cents from six50: Why Faster Automation Isn’t Always Better

TL;DR

Automating a broken process can make things worse. Teams that stabilize workflows first see 2× faster ROI and fewer rework cycles.

The Take

Speed amplifies structure.

If a process is unclear, inconsistent, or undocumented, automation doesn’t fix it — it hardens it.

The Numbers

What happens when teams rush:

• 2× rework in automated flows
• 20–30% increase in exception handling
• Delayed ROI beyond 6 months
• Frustrated users who bypass the system

Automation should follow clarity.

What This Means for Operators

The fastest wins come from:

• Clear handoffs
• Defined inputs and outputs
• Agreed-upon rules

AI works best on stable ground.

Our 2 Cents

Before automating:

• Document the process in plain language
• Fix obvious gaps
• Automate the decision, not the chaos

Slow down once to speed up forever.