Do-nothing scripting: the key to gradual automation (2019) (blog.danslimmon.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the concept of 'do-nothing scripting' as a way to gradually automate manual procedures. This approach involves creating a script that encodes the instructions of a manual process, but doesn't actually automate any steps, instead prompting the user to complete each step manually. The script provides a clear outline of the process and makes it easier to maintain focus and power through the procedure. Over time, the script can be modified to automate specific steps, making the process more efficient.

Main themes

• do-nothing scripting
• gradual automation
• manual procedures
• scripting
• documentation
• automation
• efficiency
• productivity

What commenters say

• Do-nothing scripts can be a useful tool for documenting and automating complex manual procedures.
• The term 'do-nothing script' may not be the most effective way to describe this concept, and alternative names such as 'scaffold script' or 'runbook script' may be more descriptive.
• Some commenters have found success with this approach in their own work, while others have encountered resistance from colleagues who don't understand the value of gradual automation.
• The use of do-nothing scripts can help to lower the emotional barrier to automation by providing a clear and centralized documentation of the procedure.
• There are potential downsides to this approach, such as the risk of someone deciding to 'engineer' the method, but these can be mitigated by following a gradual process.
• Do-nothing scripts can be used in conjunction with other tools and techniques, such as exportable documentation, to make the automation process more efficient and effective.
• The concept of do-nothing scripting can be applied to a wide range of fields and industries, and can be a useful tool for anyone looking to automate complex manual procedures.