Applying AI to broken workflows without redesign
Don't use AI to automate inefficient processes; fix the process first.
Focus on outcomes first and redesigning workflows before layering in AI.
Organizations often apply AI to problems that do not need solving or to inefficient processes.
Otherwise, organizations risk scaling inefficiency instead of creating value.
Avoid using AI to fix existing, inefficient workflows. The source advises focusing on desired outcomes and redesigning processes before integrating AI tools like Microsoft Copilot to prevent amplifying existing problems.
Automating a broken process will simply make it faster to produce incorrect or inefficient results. Redesigning the workflow ensures that AI is applied to a process that is already optimized for value creation.
- AI can't fix broken workflows ↗Microsoft · Microsoft on YouTube · Jul 15, 2026 · paraphrased
First seen on Subvolts Jul 15, 2026. Updated Sep 11, 2026. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
- AI can't fix broken workflowsMicrosoft · Microsoft on YouTube · Jul 15, 2026
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
- Anti-patternApplying AI to existing, inefficient workflowsDon't speed up broken processes; redesign workflows end-to-end before adding AI agents. · 60 min
- Anti-patternApplying AI to existing steps without workflow redesignDo not apply AI to broken processes; redesign workflows end-to-end first for true transformation. · 60 min
- HeuristicUse chat to describe changes for Copilot in ExcelDescribe desired spreadsheet changes in chat for Copilot to implement directly in Excel. · 5 min
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- Anti-patternAI initiatives slowing down on infrastructure fundamentalsAllowing identity, networking, governance, and compliance to hinder AI project progress. · 5 min
- ChecklistEnterprise AI deployment and governance checklistKey considerations for deploying and managing AI models in an enterprise setting. · 30 min
Questions people ask
- Which AI tools does this work with?
- Any current model. It was seen with Copilot in the sources.
- Where did this come from?
- Microsoft (Microsoft on YouTube). Subvolts collected, normalized and credited it; the link above opens the original.