Automation or AI?

Not every business problem needs AI.

Some problems need ordinary automation. Some need a database. Some need a form. Some need a spreadsheet that has not been spiritually abused for eight years. Some need better data. Some need someone to write down what actually happens at work.

This short diagnostic helps you understand whether your problem is more likely to require AI, automation, better data, process redesign, or no software yet.

Do not enter confidential information, client details, passwords, private documents, commercial secrets or sensitive business data into this form. Answer only by selecting the option that best describes your situation.

This tool is a general diagnostic aid. It is not technical, legal, financial, procurement or professional advice.

Sienda Ltd. Third Floor, 207 Regent St, London W1B 3HH, UK • Company No. 08194971 • www.sienda.co.uk

1. What are you trying to improve?

A

A repetitive administrative task

B

A messy flow of emails, files, messages or requests

C

A decision-making process

D

A reporting or analysis process

E

A customer/client communication process

F

A general feeling that “we should use AI”

2. Can you describe the current process clearly from beginning to end?

A

Yes, the process is clear and documented

B

Mostly, but there are some gaps

C

No, different people describe it differently

D

No, the process lives in people’s heads, inboxes and heroic improvisation

3. Are the inputs predictable?

A

Yes, the inputs are always similar and structured

B

Mostly, with some variation

C

No, the inputs are messy, written in natural language or inconsistent

D

No, every case is different and needs interpretation

4. Is the data already organised and reliable?

A

Yes, the data is structured, consistent and easy to export

B

Partly, but it needs cleaning

C

No, the data is scattered across emails, spreadsheets, PDFs, chats or people’s memories

D

No, we do not really know where the data is or whether it can be trusted

5. What kind of output do you need?

A

A simple calculation, checklist, form response or standard document

B

A record that can be saved, searched and updated

C

A notification, approval, reminder or automatic task movement

D

A summary, classification, comparison or interpretation of messy information

E

A professional judgement or decision with consequences

6. Does the task follow clear rules?

A

Yes, the rules are clear and stable

B

Mostly, with some exceptions

C

No, it requires judgement and interpretation

D

No, it depends on context, tone, meaning, risk or commercial judgement

7. How often does this task happen?

A

Rarely

B

Sometimes

C

Often

D

Constantly, and it wastes serious time

8. What happens if the system gives a wrong result?

A

Very little; it is easy to correct

B

It creates inconvenience or rework

C

It creates commercial, client, financial or operational risk

D

It creates legal, safety, regulatory, reputational or serious professional risk

9. Does a human need to review the output before it is used?

A

No, if the rules are correct the output can be used automatically

B

Sometimes

C

Yes, a person should review it

D

Yes, expert judgement is essential

10. What do you already have?

A

A clear process and structured data

B

A clear process but weak data

C

Useful data but no clear process

D

Neither clear process nor reliable data

E

A desire to buy AI before understanding the problem