Automation Idea Evaluation Template
Editable automation idea evaluation template with role lanes, evidence checks, decision branches and explicit outcomes. Adapt the workflow to your team.
What the automation idea evaluation process is
The map starts at “Idea ready for evaluation” and ends with “Record evaluation and pilot recommendation”. Analyst owns the initial evidence; IT handles the assessment or operational handoff; Sponsor owns the final decision or verification.
The first decision, “Feasible under constraints?”, sends unsupported work to “Record blocker and improvement option”. The later decision, “Sponsor supports pilot?”, separates “Defer with revisit condition” from the accepted outcome. Adapt these gates to actual authority and evidence. A drawn workflow does not execute automation or enforce approval.
Map before choosing automation
What this flowchart covers
In this template
- Review current-state map and evidence.
- Estimate benefit, delivery effort and risk.
- Feasible under constraints? — explicit branch outcomes.
- Sponsor supports pilot? — a second review gate.
- Record evaluation and pilot recommendation.
When to use this template
- Use this artifact when idea ready for evaluation and the team needs a shared procedure for the resulting assessment or handoff.
- Replace the illustrative roles and decision criteria before using the map as an approved instruction.
- Use during stakeholder review to make owner handoffs and rejected outcomes explicit before the process changes.
How it works
Define scope and evidence
Name the process owner and replace the first three steps with the specific trigger, inputs and records for your work.
Configure the decision gates
State how to answer “Feasible under constraints?” and “Sponsor supports pilot?”. Assign a role and evidence requirement for each.
Review every route
Walk the normal route and both exception endings. Obtain review of the chart before sharing it as a team procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an editable automation idea evaluation?
Yes. Open the example as your own QueryChart chart, then replace steps, owner lanes and decision criteria.
Does this template execute the process?
No. It documents the workflow. Automation runs in external systems, and actual chart approval features must be configured separately.
What should we review before sharing it?
Check every owner and decision branch, the evidence needed at each gate, and the authority for the final outcome. Set a review owner and retain an agreed chart version.