The key to automation and process improvement is to be able to understand process flows between teams, functions, systems - really any step in a process can and should be documented. Once a process blueprint is developed, either for current-state or future state, you have a starting point and can successfully align processes with your overall business strategy. Blueprints allow you to look for systems to help automate a process or optimize your current system(s). They can be leveraged to train staff and better manage performance within your teams and various workgroups. But my passion regarding blueprints is that it gives insight to management on how the work actually gets done...and once that is truly understood, the sky is the limit!