I would extend this idea with Step-Wise semi automation. There have been large complex data sets I had to wrangle or sysadmin operational tasks that I have have to complete that I did in several automation steps. "Bend, fold, and staple" the problem with a script, check the results, make a decision, plan the next step. Repeat until done. (PS Keep all your scripts and record notes in playbook)

For problems that happened more that once use the playbook to repeat. Learn about the corner case and record them in the playbook For problems that repeat often add more automation as needed until you have a prototype for the fully automated. If there is enough value and problem stability decide if a rewrite is needed to get it out of my hands and have it fully automated. From my experience this was very rare.