The first workflow an internal tool should replace is one that is high-friction, well-understood, and survivable to redesign — typically a duplicate-entry workflow, the most-shared spreadsheet, or a single painful handoff between two teams. Avoid starting with the most political workflow; you build credibility for an internal tool program by replacing the wrong workflow first is the most common reason these projects stall.
Frequently asked questions
Why start where data is entered more than once?
Duplicate-entry workflows have obvious ROI and clear before/after measurement. They are the easiest wins to demonstrate value early.
Should the first replacement be the largest spreadsheet?
No — replace the most-shared spreadsheet, not the largest one. The spreadsheet that the most people open daily is the real system of record, and replacing it builds the most trust fastest.
Why avoid starting with the most political workflow?
Workflows tangled in approval politics or reporting structures are not where you build credibility for an internal tool program. A single, well-defined handoff is easier to scope, easier to test, and produces a clear before/after story.