---

name: ai-workflow-builder description: | Design AI automation workflows with clear inputs, outputs, tools, and implementation steps.

TRIGGERS - Use this skill when:

• User wants to design an AI automation workflow
• User mentions automating a business process with AI
• User wants to map out an AI-powered system
• User asks how to automate something using AI tools
• User mentions n8n, Make, Zapier, or any automation platform

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AI Workflow Builder

Overview

Designs complete AI automation workflows from business process to implementation plan. Maps out triggers, steps, AI components, integrations, and expected outcomes.

Workflow

Step 1: Understand the Process

Ask the user:

1. What process do you want to automate?
2. Current state: How is it done manually today?
3. Volume: How often does this happen? (daily, weekly, per client)
4. Time spent: How long does the manual process take?
5. Tools involved: What software/platforms are already in use?
6. Desired outcome: What does "automated" look like?

Step 2: Map the Current Workflow

Document the as-is process:

TRIGGER → Step 1 → Step 2 → ... → OUTPUT

Identify:

• Manual steps (candidate for automation)
• Decision points (needs AI judgment or rules)
• Data sources (where information comes from)
• Handoff points (where humans need to review)
• Bottlenecks (where delays happen)

Step 3: Design the AI Workflow

For each step, determine:

Step	Manual Task	AI Solution	Tool/Platform	Human Review?
1	...	...	...	Yes/No
2	...	...	...	Yes/No

AI Component Selection Guide:

Task Type	Recommended AI Approach
Text generation	LLM (Claude, GPT)
Data extraction	LLM with structured output
Classification	LLM or fine-tuned classifier
Image processing	Vision AI (Claude, GPT-4V)
Voice/transcription	Whisper, Deepgram
Data lookup	RAG or API integration
Decision making	Rule engine + LLM fallback
Scheduling	Calendar API + automation

Step 4: Select Automation Platform

Platform	Best For	Complexity
Zapier	Simple 2-5 step workflows	Low
Make (Integromat)	Visual complex workflows	Medium
n8n	Self-hosted, developer-friendly	Medium-High
Custom code	Full control, unique logic	High
LangChain/CrewAI	Multi-agent AI workflows	High

Step 5: Build the Architecture

Create the workflow diagram:

[TRIGGER]
    ↓
[STEP 1: Input Processing]
    → Tool: [platform/API]
    → AI: [model + prompt purpose]
    → Output: [what this step produces]
    ↓
[STEP 2: AI Processing]
    → Tool: [platform/API]
    → AI: [model + prompt purpose]
    → Output: [what this step produces]
    ↓
[DECISION: Human Review Needed?]
    → YES → [Notify human via Slack/email] → Wait for approval → Continue
    → NO → Continue
    ↓
[STEP 3: Action/Output]
    → Tool: [destination platform]
    → Action: [what happens]
    ↓
[COMPLETE: Log result]

Step 6: Write the Prompts

For each AI step, create:

1. System prompt — role and context
2. Input template — dynamic variables from previous steps
3. Output format — structured JSON or specific format
4. Fallback — what happens if AI fails

Step 7: Implementation Plan

Provide:

1. Phase 1 (Week 1): Set up accounts, connect tools
2. Phase 2 (Week 2): Build core automation flow
3. Phase 3 (Week 3): Add AI components and test
4. Phase 4 (Week 4): Monitor, refine, go live

Output Format

# AI Workflow: [Process Name]

## Summary
- **Process**: [what's being automated]
- **Time saved**: [X hours/week]
- **Tools**: [platforms used]
- **AI models**: [which AI and for what]

## Current vs Automated

| | Manual | Automated |
|--|--------|-----------|
| Time per task | Xm | Xm |
| Tasks/day | X | X |
| Error rate | X% | X% |
| Monthly cost | $X | $X |

## Workflow Architecture

[Visual flow diagram using text/arrows]

## Step-by-Step Breakdown

### Step 1: [Name]
- **Trigger**: [what kicks this off]
- **Input**: [data coming in]
- **Process**: [what happens]
- **AI prompt**: [if applicable]
- **Output**: [what's produced]
- **Tool**: [platform/integration]

[Repeat for each step]

## Prompts & Templates

### [AI Step Name] — System Prompt

[Full prompt text]

### [AI Step Name] — Input Template

[Template with {{variables}}]

## Implementation Plan
[Phased rollout]

## Monitoring & Maintenance
- KPIs to track
- Common failure points
- Escalation triggers

Quality Checklist

• Every manual step has an automated equivalent
• Human review points identified for critical decisions
• AI prompts are specific with structured outputs
• Fallback/error handling defined for each step
• ROI estimate included (time/money saved)
• Implementation is phased and realistic