<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>AE Automation Blog</title><description>Practical writing on custom AI systems, automation, and business growth.</description><link>https://aeautomation.org/</link><language>en-us</language><item><title>Build vs Buy: When Custom Software Is Worth It (and When It Isn&apos;t)</title><link>https://aeautomation.org/blog/build-vs-buy-software/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://aeautomation.org/blog/build-vs-buy-software/</guid><description>A clear, no-hype framework for deciding between custom-built software and off-the-shelf SaaS — based on what actually drives your business.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>custom software</category><category>build vs buy</category><category>saas</category><category>applications</category><author>Pierce Tripp</author></item><item><title>Workflow Automation for Small Businesses: Where to Actually Start</title><link>https://aeautomation.org/blog/workflow-automation-where-to-start/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://aeautomation.org/blog/workflow-automation-where-to-start/</guid><description>Most automation projects fail because they start in the wrong place. A practical framework for finding the workflows worth automating first.</description><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>workflow automation</category><category>small business</category><category>operations</category><category>productivity</category><author>Pierce Tripp</author></item><item><title>Custom AI vs Off-the-Shelf Automation: What Actually Scales a Business</title><link>https://aeautomation.org/blog/custom-ai-vs-off-the-shelf/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://aeautomation.org/blog/custom-ai-vs-off-the-shelf/</guid><description>Off-the-shelf tools are built for the average company — which means they fit no one in particular. Here&apos;s how to decide when custom AI automation is worth it.</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>custom ai</category><category>automation</category><category>saas</category><category>scaling</category><author>Pierce Tripp</author></item></channel></rss>