When it comes to digital transformation, most business owners think of months-long ERP implementations or complex AI strategies. What many overlook are the most valuable opportunities: the small, everyday processes that cost time and nerves daily.
Digital transformation means: replacing analog processes with digital ones to improve. Instead of working with paper, phone, and Excel, you use software and automation.
Small-Scale Digital Transformation:
Digital transformation doesn’t have to start big. Replacing manual routines with simple automations delivers quick results, builds experience, and creates momentum for larger changes.
Why small steps work
- Quick results – Measurable improvements within days, not months.
- Low risk – Learn how digital processes work without endangering daily operations.
- Fast ROI – Even minor automations pay off after just a few weeks.
Example: Project management with Redmine
Typical issues in many teams:
- Tickets remain open too long
- Escalations are overlooked
- Manual updates take 30 minutes per person daily → 1,300 hours per year for a 10-person team
Automation rules solve this efficiently:
- Forward tickets automatically after a set time
- Update status when a customer replies
- Send reminders before deadlines
The outcome:
- Less manual effort
- No missed tasks
- Faster response times and happier clients
First steps toward automation
- Identify time-wasters – What repetitive tasks slow you down?
- Start simple – Pick the easiest process with the biggest impact.
- Measure results – Track time savings, gather feedback, refine rules.
- Expand gradually – Each success reveals new opportunities.
Added benefits
- Cultural change – Small wins show your team that change is possible and helpful.
- Better data – Each automation generates insights useful for future projects.
- Less resistance – Small steps are easier to accept than major changes.
The bottom line
Digital transformation does not require a master plan. It starts with one small step. The question isn’t whether you have time to automate – it’s whether you can afford not to.
Tipp: Pick one recurring task this week, automate it, and measure the impact.
Useful downloads
Expand your knowledge of Redmine and our plugins with our collection of cheat sheets, guides, infographics, checklists, and more.
All information about our extensions for Redmine is available on the product page. The commercial Automation plugin is available as bundle. It requires the Reporting Plugin as base. Customers whose Redmine does not meet the minimum requirements or who prefer to hire someone to install and regularly maintain their Redmine instance have the alternative to book our Managed Application Hosting for Redmine. Here, the plugin is already part of our hosting offering. The functionality can be tested extensively in our online demo.