Implementation playbooks
Replace Spreadsheets Playbook: turn an informal file into a governed workflow
A practical migration plan for replacing brittle spreadsheet workflows with explicit records, states, owners, and controls.
Executive summary
Measure the operating outcome, not the AI activity.
A practical migration plan for replacing brittle spreadsheet workflows with explicit records, states, owners, and controls.
Methodology
Rule 1
Define the target outcome and owner.
Rule 2
Document the current workflow and baseline.
Rule 3
Connect only the authoritative systems required for the first outcome.
Rule 4
Implement bounded permissions and exception paths.
Rule 5
Run acceptance evidence before expanding scope.
Measurement framework
Five dimensions worth measuring repeatedly.
Outcome completion
Qualified intents that reach the expected business outcome
Activity counts do not prove that the workflow delivered value.
Cycle time
Elapsed time from trigger to completed outcome
Faster completion is one of the clearest benefits of connected execution.
Human intervention
Manual touches, approvals, retries, and escalations per completed outcome
Automation should reduce avoidable work without removing appropriate oversight.
Exception rate
Runs that leave the expected path or require recovery
Exception frequency exposes brittle workflows and poor context.
Data provenance
Share of material decisions supported by current authoritative sources
AI output quality depends on trusted operating context.
What to do next
Action 1
Start with the smallest useful outcome.
Action 2
Keep rollback and export paths explicit.
Action 3
Instrument completion, cycle time, exceptions, and intervention.
Action 4
Expand only after the first workflow remains healthy without recurring manual rescue.