Start with one recurring report
Choose a report that is produced weekly or monthly and has a clear audience. Record each source, calculation, owner and deadline before changing the process.
Agree the definitions
Write down what every measure means, which system is authoritative and how missing or late data should appear. Automation makes inconsistent definitions arrive faster; it does not resolve them.
Separate collection from judgement
Automate repeatable exports, validation and formatting. Keep interpretation, unusual movements and commercial decisions with the person responsible for the result.
Make exceptions visible
Flag missing records, changed columns and failed connections. A report should show when its inputs are incomplete instead of silently presenting an answer.
Measure the improvement
Compare preparation time, corrections, late delivery and review time with the baseline. The useful outcome is reliable information delivered with less handling.