🚀 Join Us: Automation That Outlives You

Hallie Guiseppe · May 14

I hope you’ll join @Amanda Mogridge and @Shelby Lewis, and me on June 2, 2026 at 3:30 PM Eastern at #bbdevdays 2026 for our session:

Automation That Outlives You: Designing, Documenting, and Managing Work for Long-Term Success

In this session, we’ll share different approaches to building systems that not only solve immediate challenges, but continue to create value over time through thoughtful design, documentation, and shared ownership. While automation is part of the conversation, we’ll also explore how each of us has designed solutions that fit our unique environments and needs.

💬 This thread is here to extend the conversation:

Bring your questions. We continue to answer them here after the presentation
Share what you’re working on or thinking about
Connect with others exploring similar approaches

If you’re not able to attend, we’ve got you covered. Bookmark this post. We will follow up with:

Our slides
Answers to questions from the session
A link to the recording once it’s available

This session isn’t just about building flows. It’s about building systems that last.

Join us at #bbdevdays, and let’s keep the conversation going.

Karen Diener · May 15

I will not be attending BBDevDays, but want to thank you in advance for this presentation!

Technical debt / knowledge debt is already a significant problem at nonprofit organization. How many times have we all heard "there is no policy" or "no one documented the procedure", or "who will share their manual / process for XYZ"?

While these advanced tools have the potential to greatly increase efficiency, they will add to the technical debt if not created elegantly or documented carefully.

Hallie Guiseppe · June 2

@Karen Diener No worries if you can't make it! We'll be posting both the slides and the recording after the session, so you'll be able to catch up on the content. Feel free to add any questions here as well; @Shelby Lewis, @Amanda Mogridge, and I will do our best to answer them.

I completely agree with your observation about technical and knowledge debt. In many organizations, the challenge isn't just the technology itself, it's the lack of documented, accessible processes that allow teams to use that technology consistently and effectively.

As data professionals, I think we sometimes focus so much on solving today's problem that we don't invest enough time in building the foundations that support long-term success. With the pace of change we're experiencing, whether that's the shift from Database View to Web View, AI adoption, or new automation tools, having well-documented processes is becoming more important than ever.

One approach we've started using at Alvernia is creating SOPs in Scribe and embedding links to those procedures directly into our workflows and automated communications. For example, if an MGO receives an automated notification about an opportunity that doesn't align with our standards, the message includes a direct link to the relevant SOP. This makes it easier for team members to find answers in the moment, reinforces consistent practices, and reduces reliance on Operations staff as the sole source of institutional knowledge.

I think we need to move beyond the idea that business processes live in a binder on a shelf. Processes are living documents that should evolve alongside our organizations, and they need to be readily available where people are doing their work.

Elizabeth Johnson · June 2

great session - highly recommend people watch this recording if they weren’t there!

Joe Henricks · June 2

I am wondering if the template for flow documentation can be shared? That is something that we need to start doing.

Amanda Mogridge · June 2

Thanks Elizabeth! Like Hallie said and all of us know, so much of our work in fundraising operations is "invisible" especially when things work like they are supposed to, so it was pretty awesome to showcase some of the work and hear about the work of others, especially with people who really get it!! 🎉

Wendy Bondeson · June 3

Great session. Things I knew we needed to be doing, but when and where to start. So many flows were done on the fly with no time to document. Thank you all!

Hallie Guiseppe · June 3

https://community.blackbaud.com/discussion/comment/314328#Comment_314328

Hi @Joe Henricks Thanks so much for attending the session! I'm glad you found it valuable.

I've attached a Microsoft OneNote template that can be used to document and organize Power Automate flows and solutions. To import the template:

Download and save the attached ZIP file to your computer.
Extract the contents of the ZIP file.
Save the attached file to your computer.
Double-click the .onepkg file to open it in OneNote.
When prompted, choose the location where you would like to save the notebook.
Select Create or Import.
OneNote will create a copy of the notebook and open it automatically.

Power Automate Flow OneNote Template.zip

The template includes sample sections, documentation examples, and guidance on organizing flows, solutions, notes, and supporting resources. Feel free to customize it to fit your own documentation style and needs.

I hope you find it helpful!

Hallie Guiseppe · June 3

@Amanda Mogridge, @Shelby Lewis and I had a wonderful time sharing our approaches to managing work for long-term success

with you at bbdevdays 2026. Thank you to everyone who attended, asked questions, and contributed to the discussion.

As promised, we are sharing the presentation slides. If you haven't already, you can sign up for a free Explorer Pass to access the recording on demand through June 19, 2026.

If the session is selected for publication on the bbdevdays YouTube channel, we'll be sure to post a follow-up with that link as well.

To keep the conversation going, we'd love to hear from you! If you leave a comment, share your favorite childhood movie with us. 🎬🍿

Automation That Ourlives You slides.pdf

Joe Henricks · June 3

Thanks so much! I really enjoyed the session.

🚀 Join Us: Automation That Outlives You

Answers

Categories