Where the next automation opportunities lie

“There's a lot of automation that can happen that isn't a replacement of humans, but of mind-numbing behavior.”

AI, global supply chains, and mobile-first workflows are reshaping how every business runs. The pace is faster than any single vendor can keep up with — which is exactly the opening community developers should be looking at.

Pick a niche, not a category

Generic categories like CRM, SCM, and ERP are crowded. The leverage is in adjacent, under-served domains where a focused operator can become the obvious choice in their region or vertical.

• Maintenance packages — transformers, cell towers, ATMs, lifts.
• Membership management — schools, clubs, cooperatives, industry hubs.
• Event management — concerts, conferences, weddings, rallies.
• Franchise operations — salons, laundries, food chains, installers.
• Rural administration — loan tracking, vaccination programs, healthcare.
• Government services — surveys, compliance, dashboards.
• NGOs and social impact — disaster recovery, logistics, resource flows.

How to actually start

1. Show the product on the first call. One live demo beats a deck. Lead with a workflow they already do badly.
2. Ask the four questions. What stops you from doubling your customers? Do you run work on chat? Are spreadsheets the source of truth? Are you still using paper or ledgers?
3. Run multiple POCs in parallel. Move on quickly when a prospect doesn't see value. Double down where they do.
4. Earn money on outcomes, not promises. Charge after a measurable result lands. Recurring revenue follows trust.

What we expect to see

Individual developers can comfortably build a portfolio of 25 customers and out-earn most enterprise jobs. Larger studios can become the default automation partner for a region or industry. Either way, the playbook is the same — niche down, lead with product, and treat the customer relationship as the asset.