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# Automation opportunity scorecard

Compare a few real opportunities using the same criteria. This worksheet makes assumptions explicit; it is not a validated scoring model or a promise of returns.

[By Stolen Orbit](https://stolenorbit.com/en/about/) Revision 2026-09-24

## When to use it and what to produce

[Source for this section](https://stolenorbit.com/en/templates/automation-opportunity-scorecard/#template-purpose)

When several departments propose AI projects and you need to decide what to investigate with limited data, people and budget.

A reasoned comparison, including missing evidence, blocking conditions and a decision about the next experiment.

Fill in the fields below and download your document. The website does not send or save answers: closing the page may lose them. Examples are illustrative and should be replaced with your process data.

[Download the complete blank template (.md)](https://stolenorbit.com/downloads/opportunity-scorecard-en.md)

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## 1\. Document the value

[Source for this section](https://stolenorbit.com/en/templates/automation-opportunity-scorecard/#value)

Complete one worksheet per opportunity. Use a consistent observation period and avoid counting the same operational improvement under multiple benefits.

**See a worked example**

Illustrative example: preparing 200 monthly summaries uses 20 hours. A trial must measure remaining review time; it cannot assume that all 20 hours disappear.

**Outcome and beneficiary**

Identify who benefits and which operational behaviour should change.

**Volume, current effort and source**

Record cases per period, observed handling time, known error costs and where each figure came from.

**Expected benefit and uncertainty**

Separate released capacity, actual spending reductions and commercial outcomes that remain unproven.

## 2\. Check feasibility

[Source for this section](https://stolenorbit.com/en/templates/automation-opportunity-scorecard/#feasibility)

Check dependencies before comparing scores. An attractive project without access or an available owner is not ready to begin.

**See a worked example**

Illustrative example: summaries can remain internal drafts. Automatic price updates need approval rules and write controls before a meaningful trial can begin.

**Data, access and integrations**

List what is already available and what needs authorisation or third-party work.

**Consequences of errors**

Describe a plausible harmful action, how it would be detected and whether it can be reversed.

**Owner availability**

Identify who can supply examples, clarify rules and review the trial.

## 3\. Record the decision

[Source for this section](https://stolenorbit.com/en/templates/automation-opportunity-scorecard/#decision)

If using a scale, define its values in advance. Keep non-negotiable conditions separate from any combined score.

**See a worked example**

Illustrative example: trial summaries because usable records and a reviewer exist. Defer automated pricing until its approval rules and recovery process are defined.

**Agreed criteria and weights**

Define how every proposal will be compared on value, effort, data reliability and reversibility.

**Conditions that must be met**

List requirements that must hold before the trial starts, even when its overall score is high.

**Decision and next review**

Choose trial, gather evidence or defer; assign an owner and a review date.

## Pitfalls to avoid

[Source for this section](https://stolenorbit.com/en/templates/automation-opportunity-scorecard/#template-pitfalls)

-   Treating a numerical average as evidence of feasibility.
-   Rewarding visibility without checking data and ownership.
-   Equating released capacity with cash savings without an operational plan.

[Decide where AI is useful before committing to implementation.](https://stolenorbit.com/en/services/ai-opportunity-assessment/)

[Measure automation from saved effort through to an operational outcome.](https://stolenorbit.com/en/resources/measuring-automation-outcomes/)

[All templates and tools](https://stolenorbit.com/en/tools/)

[All guides](https://stolenorbit.com/en/resources/)

## Take the next step together.

Use this document to start a discussion about scope, evaluation and project ownership.

Review the text before sending. Only your email is needed alongside the message; other details are optional.

[Contact us](/en/contact/)

## Turn the question into a next step.

-   [How to introduce AI](https://stolenorbit.com/en/resources/how-to-introduce-ai-in-your-business/)
-   [Automation assessment](https://stolenorbit.com/en/automation-assessment/)
-   [AI project vendor brief](https://stolenorbit.com/en/resources/ai-project-vendor-brief/)