The three basic types of automation are:
- Process Automation – streamlines everyday business tasks like follow-ups, bookings, and email responses.
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA) – mimics human actions to automate repetitive computer-based tasks.
- Intelligent Automation – uses AI and machine learning to make smart, adaptive decisions in real time.
Why This Matters for Your Business
If you’re asking what are the three basic types of automation?, you’re already on the right path. Whether you’re drowning in admin, juggling leads, or missing bookings — understanding this breakdown can help you reclaim time, reduce errors, and grow faster.
1. Process Automation (The Small Business Power Play)
Process automation is the backbone of most modern small business systems. It automates day-to-day, rules-based tasks.
Real examples:
- Auto-responding to web enquiries
- Booking appointments via calendar sync
- Triggering SMS reminders and review requests
- Sending email follow-ups or invoices
Why it matters:
Process automation handles high-volume, low-skill tasks so you can focus on growth. For most businesses, this alone can free up 10+ hours a week.
2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
RPA uses software “bots” to do exactly what a human would do with a keyboard and mouse.
Think:
- Extracting data from emails and inputting into CRMs
- Matching invoices with purchase orders
- Copying info between systems
Is this for you?
RPA shines in admin-heavy industries like finance, logistics, or enterprise-level support. Most small businesses don’t start here — but as you grow, it becomes useful.
3. Intelligent Automation (AI-Enhanced Systems)
This is automation that thinks — blending AI with process rules to create responsive, data-driven workflows.
Examples include:
- Chatbots that adapt to how users speak
- Email sequences that adjust based on clicks or purchases
- Smart lead scoring that triggers different actions based on customer behavior
Why it’s powerful:
It creates personalised, real-time customer experiences without you lifting a finger.
Manual vs Automated: What’s the Cost of Doing Nothing?
| Task | Manual | Automated |
|---|---|---|
| Responding to Leads | Delay or forget | Instant SMS/email replies |
| Booking Appointments | Back-and-forth calls | Self-service calendar |
| Review Collection | Inconsistent or missed | Auto-triggered after service |
| Invoice Reminders | Manual chasing | Scheduled with auto-late reminders |
| Follow-Ups | Easily forgotten | Pre-set sequences via SMS + email |
So, What Should You Start With?
Process automation.
It’s low-cost, high-return, and simple to set up. You don’t need coding or complicated tech. You need workflows that save you time and bring in more bookings.
Let Us Build It For You (No DIY Needed)
We set it up. You watch it work.
Customised to your client journey, fully automated — and yes, there’s a 7-day free trial.
