We’re going to learn the four filter framework and that is volume, variability, value and vulnerability. This ranks each task in your company as something that might be automatable.

And we’re going to walk through each one and what it means and why it’s even important to be considered for automation.

For this framework and these four values, what you want is high volume, low variability, high value, and high vulnerability.

Volume: how often does the task run?

So volume is pretty self-explanatory. How often does this task run?

So I want you to look at your week and look at the many tasks that you do on a day-to-day basis or a weekly basis and now count how many times those tasks run.

Variability: does it follow the same steps?

So, variability is the second V. What I mean by variability is how variable is the task that you do.

Let’s say you’ve taken step one and you’ve listed all the tasks that you do multiple times a week. Now, think about those specific tasks. Is there a set list of instructions that you’re going to follow when doing that task?

Value: does it help the company?

This one’s important. If the task brings no value to your company, if it’s just something you like doing because it helps you, then that’s not a great candidate for automation.

You want to make sure that when you’re targeting high-value tasks in your job, these are things like time saved. These are things that actively improve your close rates or help with client acquisition or bring in new customers.

If it’s bringing value to your company, then it’s a good candidate for automation.

Vulnerability: what happens if it does not get done?

Last but not least, high vulnerability. We want to aim for high vulnerability.

How vulnerable is your company when, for instance, you don’t send out the contract to your client after you’ve worked with them? That’s pretty vulnerable.

The four filters at a glance

Just to recap on that, what you’re aiming for is high volume.

  1. High volume. So you do this task many times a week.
  2. Low variability. So this is something that can be written down and potentially passed off to a new hire.
  3. High value. So this is something that doesn’t just bring value to you, but brings high value to the company.
  4. High vulnerability. So these are things that you really don’t want to be falling through the cracks, like sending reminders or sending these contracts to the clients after they’re signed.

You want to be looking for these tasks that you’re doing throughout your week.