Resource Guide

The Automation Checklist for Nigerian SMEs

Move from manual busyness to systemized execution in one practical pass.

Most small teams are not short on effort, they are short on repeatable systems. This checklist helps you identify where manual work is draining time and cash, then prioritize automation actions that can create immediate operating relief.

1) Start With Repetition and Delay

List the tasks your team repeats every day: lead follow-up, invoice chasing, report compilation, stock update, status messaging. If a task is frequent and still depends on memory, it is your first automation candidate.

2) Score by Revenue Risk and Time Drain

For each task, score two things from 1-5: revenue risk when delayed and team-hours consumed weekly. High-risk and high-time items go first. This keeps your automation decisions tied to business outcomes, not hype.

3) Define Trigger, Action, and Proof

Every automation should be written in one line: when X happens, do Y, then show Z as proof. Example: when a lead form is submitted, send acknowledgement, assign owner, and log follow-up deadline in dashboard.

Implementation Checklist

Map top 5 recurring manual tasks in your operation
Estimate weekly hours lost on each task
Mark failure impact on sales, service, or finance
Choose first 2 automation wins for the next 14 days
Create simple KPI: response time, completion time, error rate

Next Best Actions

Run a 30-minute workflow review with your team lead
Pilot automation for one high-frequency process this week
Review KPI movement after 7 days and scale what works

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