Exactly, writing down the steps should be the first step in automating a process. The order I do the steps are: 1. Write down the directions to do the task 2.

Exactly, writing down the steps should be the first step in automating a process. The order I do the steps are: 1. Write down the directions to do the task 2. Have someone else follow your directions. Any time you need to interrupt them because you missed something add a note or additional step 3. See if any part (or the whole thing) is worth automating