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Step 3: Map to Existing Tools vs. New Builds

For each automatable process, check if an existing system component already handles it before building something new.

Check Existing System First

Existing ComponentCheck
Slash commands (~/.claude/commands/)Does a command already do this or something close?
Agents (~/.claude/agents/)Is there an agent with the right expertise?
Scripts (~/.claude/scripts/)Is there a data collector/processor for this source?
Skills (~/.claude/skills/)Is there a multi-step skill that covers this workflow?

Gap Analysis Table

ProcessExisting ToolGapBuild Required
NameWhat exists (or “None”)What’s missingAgent / Script / Command

Build Classification

TypeWhen to BuildCharacteristics
ScriptDeterministic, no reasoning neededPython, runs on schedule, clear I/O
AgentNeeds LLM judgment/creativity.md persona, spawned by Claude
CommandUser-triggered workflow.md file, multi-step instructions
SkillComplex multi-step automationDirectory with tools + workflows
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