đź’ĽDaily Work

Running Operations by Exception: Only Humans Touch What Breaks

The question is no longer *“Should we use AI in operations?”*

Quick Answer

For search, voice, and "just tell me what to do".

In most companies today, humans still sit in the middle of every process: approving payments, checking reports, updating tickets, answering routine questions. It’s slow, expensive, and error-prone—exactly the opposite of what modern operations should be.

Key Takeaways:

  • Receive inputs (emails, tickets, forms)
  • Interpret and route them
  • Perform standard steps
  • Escalate when something is unclear
  • Manually check outputs

Playbook

1

AI handles the happy path.

2

Exceptions are routed to humans.

3

Humans resolve and label them.

4

The system learns:

5

The happy path expands; exception rate drops.

Common Pitfalls

  • Over-automating before understanding the process
  • Ignoring the human element in AI-assisted workflows
  • Expecting immediate results without iteration
  • Using AI as a crutch rather than a multiplier

Metrics to Track

Time saved on routine tasks

Decision turnaround time

Error rate reduction

Output quality consistency

Stress and overwhelm levels

FAQ

How does AI help with running operations by exception?

AI handles complexity, automates routine decisions, and frees your mind for strategic work.

Do I need technical skills to implement this?

No. Most AI operations tools are designed for non-technical users and can be set up without coding.

How quickly will I see results?

Many users see immediate time savings, with compounding benefits over weeks and months.

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