Run operations from exceptions, not dashboards
One queue surfaces only breached rules, explains why each item matters, and assigns the next human action.
The problem
Operators scan multiple dashboards looking for the few orders, projects, or handoffs that actually need intervention.
What you get
A working system with the steps, tools, checkpoints, and expected return made explicit.
- Setup
- 180 minutes
- Back each week
- 8 hours
- Difficulty
- agentic
Expected return
The working case
A planning estimate, not a guaranteed result. Measure the first four weeks against your own baseline.
384
hours returned per year
At 8 hours/week across 48 working weeks.
1
week to earn back setup
Compare the setup estimate with the weekly time returned.
Operating contract
Input
The source material, constraints, and examples a human would need to do this work well.
Checkpoint
A person reviews judgment calls, sensitive content, unfamiliar tools, and irreversible actions.
Success signal
Track time returned, corrections required, and exceptions. Keep it only if the measured result compounds.
Before you start
- ·A stable source system
- ·Written service-level or process rules
The steps
- 01
Choose one process and write deterministic exception rules before adding AI.
- 02
Join the minimum fields needed to detect late, blocked, incomplete, or contradictory records.
- 03
Use AI only to summarize context and recommend a reversible next action.
Copy this prompt
Summarize why this item breached rule [rule], quote the relevant fields, identify the owner, and propose one reversible next action. Do not change the source system. Record: [data]
- 04
Operators resolve, snooze with reason, or correct false positives; review rules weekly.
What it runs on
Where this goes wrong
- Do not let the model define whether an exception exists when a deterministic rule can.
- Every action needs an owner, audit trail, and recovery path.
Definition of done
Run it for four weeks. Then make it earn its place.
- □ Baseline the manual time before launch.
- □ Keep a human approval step for consequential output.
- □ Record corrections and exceptions, not just successes.
- □ Expand, revise, or retire it after the first review.
Build the system around it
Related workflows
If this one stops working, tell us. Three reports in a month and it leaves the library until a person has looked at it again.