Begin with repeated work
Look for high-volume tasks involving classification, extraction, summarisation or drafting where people already follow a recognisable pattern.
The opportunity is stronger when saving a small amount of time repeatedly matters more than producing one impressive demonstration.
Compare the simpler option
A rule, form, integration or conventional automation may be cheaper, more predictable and easier to govern. AI earns its place when variability is part of the problem.
Design for failure
Decide what must be reviewed, what can be logged and reversed, and what information should never leave an approved boundary. Useful AI includes the operating controls around the model.