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PROTOCOL — PROTO-03

AI workflow automation that earns its place.

For businesses in Winnipeg and across Canada that keep moving the same information between forms, inboxes, spreadsheets, and business systems. I build the focused integration, dashboard, or internal app around that job. AI belongs where judgement over messy text is useful; clear business rules can stay deterministic.

Build the Workflow Tool Start with Studio
PROTO-03-SPEC
Entry 01 Spec sheet Operator Tools

The spec, on one sheet.

A short scoping pass, then something testable. Here is who the protocol is for, what comes out, and how the run ends. Every run ends the same way the bench does: with a verdict.

Protocol PROTO-03 — Operator Tools
Best for Sales ops · Customer support · Content ops · Reporting workflows · Shopify operations
Output Internal app or command center · Dashboard · AI-assisted workflow · SOP and handoff notes · Iteration backlog
Decision Kill it, refine it, pilot it, or productize it — logged either way

the artifact is the deliverable. the deck is not.

PROTO-03-02
Entry 02 Workflow surfaces 4 items

Workflow surfaces

Useful tools sharpen operators instead of burying them in more process.

CRM utility Support assistant Content workflow Commerce operations surface
PROTO-03-03
Entry 03 Start with the handoff that keeps breaking. 4 items

Start with the handoff that keeps breaking.

An enquiry arrives, someone copies it to the CRM, another person finds missing context, and a follow-up sits in an inbox. A useful first build could gather the fields, flag omissions, prepare a draft, and put it in front of the person who approves the reply. This is an example workflow to scope, not a promise that every system can connect without changes.

Intake and routing Drafts for review CRM updates Exception queues
PROTO-03-04
Entry 04 Measure the current work before replacing it. 4 items

Measure the current work before replacing it.

Record the number of tasks, handling time, exceptions, and corrections for a representative week. Then compare a small pilot against that baseline. Time saved only creates financial value when the team can put it to use. Include review effort, hosting, API usage, and maintenance in the decision. Sometimes a better form or an existing software feature is the right answer.

Baseline workload Pilot sample Human review time Ongoing operating cost
PROTO-03-05
Entry 05 Plan for the day an integration stops. 4 items

Plan for the day an integration stops.

Access permissions, API availability, data quality, and subscription limits affect the scope. Agree who owns each account, where data moves, which actions need approval, and how failures are surfaced. A production workflow should have a visible error path and a way to repeat or recover a task safely. Support and monitoring responsibilities belong in the handoff.

Approved data access Retry behaviour Audit trail Manual fallback
PROTO-03-XREF
Entry 06 Cross-reference — other protocols 7 on file

Pick the protocol that matches the decision you need.

LOCAL Winnipeg App Development Custom apps and AI workflows in Manitoba RUN → LAB-HIRE App R&D Studio The lab, for hire RUN → PROTO-IDX Services Every protocol, indexed RUN → PROTO-01 Prototype Sprint Idea → working app surface RUN → PROTO-02 Market Validation Buyer pull, not compliments RUN → PROTO-04 Agency R&D Client insight → productized tool RUN → PROTO-05 SaaS Prototypes Roadmap bet → tested proof RUN →
Build the Workflow Tool

Prepare before you commission.

  • Choose your first automation with a workflow worksheet
  • Work with an app developer in Winnipeg
Winnipeg, Manitoba · Working across Canada ↗zach.chester@gmail.com ↗Free build lessons ↗Shopify Changelog · Free tool ↗
GOT SOMETHING WORTH BUILDING?LET’S MAKE IT REAL.
GOOD
PROBLEM↗

NEXT USEFUL THING

Bring the messy workflow. Leave with a verdict.

One focused sprint can turn the open question into a working surface, buyer signal, or a confident no.

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BUILDWITHZACH — SERIAL 001 OPERATOR: Z. CHESTER MADE BY ONE PERSON BUILD WITH ME →