Strategy
28th June 2024
7 min read
Stu Mason
The Hidden Costs of Manual Processes in Scale-ups
Manual work isn't just slow—it's expensive. Here's how to spot the hidden costs and what to do about them.
Stu Mason
Automation expert • Sony, Paddle, Pfizer • 15 years experience • AWS certified
Manual processes don't just slow you down—they bleed money, create errors, and frustrate your best people. Here's what we see most often in scale-ups.
Where the Costs Hide
- Lost time: 5-20 hours/week per team
- Rework and errors: £1,000s in corrections
- Missed opportunities: slow response to leads, delayed projects
- Burnout: top talent leaves for less frustrating work
Case Example: Immediate Media
Immediate Media was losing 10+ hours/week to manual reporting. After automating, they saved £2,500/month and improved team morale.
Insider Insight
The real cost isn't just salary—it's lost growth, missed deals, and staff churn.
Pitfalls
- Underestimating the true cost of "just a few hours"
- Ignoring the impact on team morale
Visuals
- Cost Breakdown Chart
- Before/After Automation Table
- Employee Burnout Flowchart
Conclusion
Manual work is a silent killer for scale-ups. Quantify the cost, then automate for real savings.
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