Skip to content
    Flow-alerta.cab
    Editorially reviewed on: 2 sources
    Your reading view

    The short answer · 19 words

    In short

    Use of technology so that tasks or processes run partly or completely automatically according to defined rules and controls.

    Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Automation. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/automatisierung. Editorially reviewed on: 09 October 2026.

    How much detail would you like?

    Practical

    High for repeatable, clearly defined processes. Possible advantages such as time gain or lower error rate arise only with suitable processes, good data and reliable exceptional treatment.

    Example scenario: A request from the web form is validated, created in the CRM and assigned to the responsible person; incomplete or unusual cases end up in a manual check.

    First record process, volume, errors, systems and exceptions; then implement a limited flow with approvals, monitoring and measurable outcome.

    At a glance

    Core
    Automation involves capturing, deciding, executing, monitoring or controlling a process with reduced manual intervention. It can be mechanical, industrial or software-based and does not necessarily require AI or complete autonomy.
    Use
    High for repeatable, clearly defined processes. Possible advantages such as time gain or lower error rate arise only with suitable processes, good data and reliable exceptional treatment.
    Example
    Example scenario: A request from the web form is validated, created in the CRM and assigned to the responsible person; incomplete or unusual cases end up in a manual check.
    Limits
    Automate an unstable process; do not define exceptions and responsibilities; lack of logging; excessive permissions; do not measure utility; equate digitization, RPA and AI automation.

    In context

    Automation

    Use of technology so that tasks or processes run partly or completely automatically according to defined rules and controls.

    AI Agents

    AI agents handle tasks over several steps and select tools and next actions within specified limits.

    Application Programming Interface (API)

    Defined interface through which software uses functions or data of other components.

    Questions about this term

    Is automation always AI?

    No.

    Does a process have to be fully automated?

    No.

    What is suitable first?

    Frequent, regular, data-available processes with clear exceptions and responsible person.

    All details and background

    Automation involves capturing, deciding, executing, monitoring or controlling a process with reduced manual intervention. It can be mechanical, industrial or software-based and does not necessarily require AI or complete autonomy.

    ELI5 – Explained simply

    A recurring sequence is set up so that the system itself carries out the known steps and humans intervene only in exceptions.

    Why it matters in practice

    High for repeatable, clearly defined processes. Possible advantages such as time gain or lower error rate arise only with suitable processes, good data and reliable exceptional treatment.

    Example

    Example scenario: A request from the web form is validated, created in the CRM and assigned to the responsible person; incomplete or unusual cases end up in a manual check.

    Pitfalls and limits

    • Automate an unstable process; do not define exceptions and responsibilities; lack of logging; excessive permissions; do not measure utility; equate digitization, RPA and AI automation.

    Origin & history

    Automation is used in industrial plants as well as in office and software processes. AI extends possible procedures, but is not a prerequisite for rule-based automation.

    Use in mid-sized companies

    • First record process, volume, errors, systems and exceptions; then implement a limited flow with approvals, monitoring and measurable outcome.

    Related terms

    Matching Flow-alerta service

    AI assistants & automationAI assistants & automation: test a suitable process with clear rights and human test points.

    Matching tool / use case

    View use casesTools: n8n, Make or Power Automate; Use Case: automatically capture validated request and assign it with exception

    Sources

    Quellenprüfung: 09.10.2026. Definition und dokumentierte Einordnung abgeglichen; Beispiele beschreiben mögliche Anwendungen.

    Editorially reviewed on:

    Next step

    Put knowledge into practice

    Discuss your projectView use cases