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COMPEL Glossary / automation-vs-augmentation

Automation vs. augmentation

A strategic choice for each workflow between removing the human ("automation") and changing what the human does ("augmentation").

What this means in practice

The choice has first-order workforce, talent, and organisational-design consequences — and second-order public-narrative consequences when disclosed in investor or press communications.

Synonyms

automate-vs-augment choice , replacement-vs-assistance framing

See also

  • Role exposure score — A task-level measure of how much of a role's work is exposed to AI capability — computed by mapping role tasks to AI-capable task categories.
  • Redesigned role specification — An output artefact documenting a redesigned role — tasks, skills, AI touchpoints, performance expectations, growth path.
  • Redundancy planning — Structured planning for roles that retire due to AI — including retraining, redeployment, and exit pathways aligned with law and human dignity.
  • Build-buy-partner-borrow framework — Four sourcing modes for AI capability: build internally, buy from the market, partner with an ecosystem provider, borrow via contingent labor.