Knowledge

AI, automation and file transfer explained

Less rekeying, earlier checks for errors or more reliable file transfers: explore how to approach these questions. Find practical examples, explanations of automation and tools for choosing a first step.

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Choose guidance that fits your work

Would you like to understand the options first, or do you already have a concrete question? Choose a topic below to start reading or explore what you can discuss with Joshua.

AI for everyday work

Start with one task and the software you already have. Explore where a tool helps and which checks still need to be made.

Read: AI in existing software Explore AI consulting

Less manual work with orders and invoices

Explore data entry, checks and handovers. Use one familiar process as your starting point.

Read: processing email orders Explore process automation

Control of critical file transfers

A file is missing, a script is difficult to maintain or processing is unknown. Start with the bottleneck in the chain.

Read: sent versus processed Explore MFT consulting

Also useful: Invoice processing · Costs and business case · External automation case · External transfer case

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25 resources

Reading times are estimates for the explanation. Completing a worksheet or running a trial takes additional time.

Intelligent AutomationReading guide

AI tool selection: from task to trial and human review

Choose one AI task, compare existing options and test draft replies. Follow six steps covering sources, human review and an informed follow-up question.

6 steps

AutomationReading guide

Getting started with automation: from process question to an informed next step

Define your process question and work through a canvas, pilot, trial log and evaluation. Use the findings to decide whether to continue, adjust or stop.

6 steps

Managed File TransferWorksheet

Control of file transfers: from sent to processed

Clarify arrival, processing and recovery for one critical file transfer. Use the fictional chain trial and worksheet to record evidence, ownership and agreements.

Guide + worksheet

AutomationProcess example

Processing email orders without rekeying every detail

Follow an order from inbox to confirmed entry. Explore data checks, exceptions and a fictional trial you can adapt in the process canvas.

Approx. 10 min read

AutomationDecision article

Moving data between CRM and ERP: integration or RPA?

Compare integration and RPA for one data handover. Assess authoritative data, confirmations, duplicate processing and maintenance before choosing.

Approx. 6 min read

Intelligent AutomationProcess example

Automating invoice processing: beyond extracting data

Follow an invoice from receipt to approval. Explore data checks, exceptions and a fictional trial with a verifiable final status.

Approx. 10 min read

AutomationDecision article

Building a realistic business case for automation

Compare measured work with implementation, running and recovery costs. Use three fictional scenarios to identify which assumption to test first.

Approx. 8 min read

AutomationBest practice

What should happen when an automation fails?

Establish what did and did not run before retrying. Distinguish technical failures, business exceptions and unknown outcomes.

Approx. 3 min read

Intelligent AutomationBest practice

AI in a workflow: which decisions should stay with a person?

Separate what AI may suggest from what it may execute. Make human review practical and test the mistakes that matter most.

Approx. 5 min read

MFTProcess example

The file was sent, but not processed: what next?

A successful transfer does not prove processing. Check transport, arrival, validation and processing before deciding to submit a file again.

Approx. 5 min read

AutomationBest practice

Choosing and scoping your first automation pilot

Choose one trial question, define its scope and agree test cases and responsibilities. Decide in advance when to continue, adjust or stop.

Approx. 3 min read

AutomationWorksheet

Process canvas: map your process challenge

Map one process: steps, systems, data, exceptions and ownership. Start from scratch or adapt a fictional example, then save the canvas for your next discussion.

Guide + worksheet

AutomationWorksheet

Checklist: ready for an automation pilot?

Check scope, access, test cases and stopping criteria. Connect the pilot to a trial log, evaluation and handover; a completed checklist is not approval.

Guide + worksheet

AutomationDecision article

Automating Excel reports: from separate files to a checked report

Decide when a better Excel setup is enough and when integration is needed. Explore consistent sources, checks and handovers for a recurring report.

Approx. 6 min read

Intelligent AutomationDecision article

Use an AI tool on its own or make it part of your workflow?

Compare a standalone AI tool, shared working practices and an integrated workflow. Consider the task, data use, human review and the full effort involved.

Approx. 9 min read

Intelligent AutomationDecision article

Do you already have the right AI tool? Start with your existing software.

Test one task against what your current software can do. Check capabilities, licences, data use and human review before adding another tool.

Approx. 9 min read

Intelligent AutomationDecision article

Which business data can you use in an AI tool?

Assess both the information and the specific AI setup. Compare data use, processing, access and terms; no training is not the same as running locally.

Approx. 9 min read

Intelligent AutomationDecision article

Using AI as a team: which working agreements do you need?

Make seven agreements covering the task, tool, information, instructions and review. Use a fictional service team to discuss ownership and exceptions.

Approx. 6 min read

MFTDecision article

Pausing file transfers: how do you stay in control when resuming?

Agree who decides during an interruption and which files have already been processed. Practise temporary arrangements and checks before resuming.

Approx. 5 min read

AutomationDecision article

Which business processes can you automate?

Assess recurring work for clear steps, data and exceptions. Use eight questions to build a shortlist and identify when further investigation is needed.

Approx. 2 min read

AutomationDecision article

RPA, workflow, API integration or AI: what fits your process?

Compare screen actions, fixed workflow steps, API integration and AI support. Decide what fits your process before combining technologies.

Approx. 2 min read

AutomationDecision article

Automation governance: who decides, checks and maintains?

Agree who decides, handles failures, checks changes and assesses results. Use six decision points to discuss maintenance and responsibilities.

Approx. 2 min read

MFTDecision article

MFT or SFTP: what do your file transfers need?

Compare SFTP as a transfer protocol with managing a complete chain. Use six questions about scheduling, checks, partners and recovery to clarify your needs.

Approx. 2 min read

MFTDecision article

MFT migration: move file transfers in a controlled way

Map scripts, dependencies and owners. Follow seven migration steps covering tests, fallback and confirmation before retiring the old route.

Approx. 2 min read

MFTDecision article

MFT monitoring and governance: oversee and manage transfers

Turn a missed delivery into a concrete action. Connect alerts, processing and recovery to an owner and record what evidence confirms the chain status.

Approx. 4 min read

Process exampleAutomation

Processing email orders without rekeying every detail

A customer emails an order. Someone opens the attachment, looks up the products and enters the order lines into the system. A missing delivery date starts another exchange of emails. Which parts could be simpler, and which checks should stay?

Read the article