“Just Add AI,” They Said. The Workflow Doesn’t Even Load.

Celebrating disruption upstairs. Praying it runs downstairs. That’s the operational gap nobody talks about.

Author

Glenda Carnate
May 15, 2026

Read time: 2.5 minutes

During the meeting, they referred to it as a transformation. On the shop floor, they call it surviving yet another failed run.

Meeting: "Everything will be transformed through AI-enabled workflows."

Reality: Manual processes, Excel all over the place, and an undocumented dependency.

Operations: "WHAT ARE WE ADDING AI TO?"

4 Things To Say Prior to Implementing AI in a Dysfunctional Process

1. Validate that the Workflow is Valid.

Demonstrate it in action. A process that has previously failed in a non-AI environment will fail more quickly within an AI environment.

Automate once you have established a stable execution process.

2. Ask, "What is it that is Actually Broken?"

Before you bring up AI, consider asking: "What operational constraint are we addressing?"

If you don't have a straight answer, you are following a fad, not results.

3. Document the Disorder.

Record every manual process, workaround, or misuse. No documented activity can be trusted once you have automated.

Recordings provide insight into wayward execution.

4. Apply the Pre-AI Comprehension Test

Do not discuss AI until you have:

  • At least one reproducible workflow.

  • Have a clear Accountability Owner.

  • Have identified all Failure Points for the reproducible workflow.

No administration = No automation.

💡Key Takeaway: 

AI won't solve your flawed workflows… it only allows for them to expand their reach.

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