Honest answers to the questions we hear most
Based on 7+ years of helping mid-market companies navigate digital transformation and AI adoption
AI readiness depends on three key factors: data quality (you need organized, accessible data), team buy-in (leadership and staff commitment), and clear business objectives. We've found that companies with basic digital processes already in place and specific pain points to solve tend to succeed faster. Don't worry if you're not "digitally mature" - we help build that foundation first.
Not necessarily. Since 2017, we've helped companies evolve from basic digital transformation to sophisticated AI implementation. Many of our most successful clients started with paper-based processes or legacy systems. We take a building-block approach: establish solid digital foundations first, then layer in AI where it makes business sense. This gradual evolution often leads to better outcomes than trying to jump straight to AI.
Automation follows predefined rules ("if this, then that"). AI learns patterns and makes decisions based on data. For example: automation can sort emails into folders based on keywords, while AI can understand context and sentiment to prioritize responses. Both have value - we often recommend starting with automation for predictable processes, then adding AI for complex decision-making.
It depends on the use case. Simple predictive models might work with a few hundred data points, while complex pattern recognition could need thousands. Quality matters more than quantity - clean, relevant data beats massive dirty datasets. During our discovery phase, we assess your current data and identify gaps. Sometimes we can start with available data and collect more as the system learns.
We focus on mid-market companies with 50-500 employees. This size range allows for meaningful impact without enterprise-level complexity and budget requirements. These companies often have the growth trajectory to benefit significantly from AI while still maintaining the agility to implement solutions effectively. We understand the unique challenges of mid-market: limited IT resources, budget consciousness, and the need for solutions that work from day one.
AI Strategy & Roadmapping is our most popular starting point - companies need to understand where AI fits before building anything. From there, Process Automation and Custom AI Development follow naturally. We've learned that rushing into development without strategy leads to expensive pivots. The evolution typically goes: Strategy → Quick automation wins → Complex AI implementation.
Absolutely. Our digital transformation background since 2017 gives us deep experience integrating with legacy systems, ERP platforms, CRMs, and custom databases. We specialize in making AI work with what you already have, not replacing everything. Common integrations include Salesforce, QuickBooks, SAP, custom databases, and industry-specific software.
This is our unique strength. We started with digital transformation in 2017 and evolved into AI as the technology matured. Many companies need both: modernizing core processes while strategically adding AI capabilities. We can help you digitize paper workflows, integrate systems, automate processes, and then layer in AI where it makes business sense - all as one cohesive evolution.
Our strongest expertise is in Manufacturing (quality control, supply chain optimization), Financial Services (process automation, compliance), and Logistics (routing, inventory management). These industries have substantial data, clear ROI opportunities, and benefit significantly from our automation-first approach. We also work with professional services, healthcare, and retail, though with less domain-specific expertise.
Yes, comprehensive training is included in every project. We provide role-specific training: executives get strategic AI overview, managers learn operational implications, and end-users get hands-on system training. We also offer ongoing "AI literacy" workshops to help your team understand capabilities, limitations, and future opportunities. The goal is self-sufficiency - you shouldn't need us for day-to-day operations.
Strategy projects: 4-6 weeks for comprehensive AI roadmapping and planning. Custom development: 10-16 weeks depending on complexity. Quick automation wins: 6-8 weeks for process automation and integration projects. We always start with a 1-2 week discovery phase to provide accurate timelines and catch potential issues early.
Our discovery follows a proven 4-step process: 1) Current State Analysis - understanding your existing processes and data. 2) Stakeholder Interviews - identifying pain points and success criteria. 3) Technical Assessment - evaluating systems, data quality, and integration requirements. 4) Opportunity Mapping - prioritizing AI use cases by impact and feasibility. You get a detailed report with recommendations, timelines, and ROI projections.
We establish clear success metrics upfront - usually cost reduction, time savings, or accuracy improvements. Weekly check-ins keep projects on track. Iterative development means you see progress every 2-3 weeks, not at the end. Change management is included - we help your team adopt new processes. Most importantly, we build solutions that work in your real environment, not just demos.
Every project includes 30 days of optimization support to fine-tune performance based on real usage. We provide ongoing monitoring tools so you can track system health and ROI. Quarterly reviews help identify expansion opportunities. Many clients become long-term partners - we help them evolve their AI capabilities as their business grows. The goal is sustainable, independent operation with strategic guidance when needed.
We use a hybrid model that works well for mid-market companies. Discovery and training typically happen on-site for deeper stakeholder engagement. Development and implementation are primarily remote with weekly progress sessions. We're Austin-based and serve North America - easy travel to most locations. Remote work keeps costs down while on-site visits ensure proper change management and adoption.
We take a boutique approach - more affordable than big consultancies, more experienced than freelancers. AI strategy projects: $15K-$35K. Custom AI development: $35K-$85K. Process automation: $20K-$50K. All pricing is project-based with clear deliverables. We're transparent about costs upfront - no surprise overruns or time-and-materials uncertainty.
We focus on measurable outcomes rather than guarantees. Our clients typically see 28% average cost reduction in targeted processes. We establish clear success metrics during discovery and track them throughout implementation. If a project isn't delivering expected value, we work with you to adjust scope or approach. Our reputation depends on client success, not just project completion.
Discovery and planning, all development work, system integration, comprehensive training, and 30-day optimization support. No hidden costs for travel, project management, or basic support. Additional costs only apply for ongoing maintenance (optional), infrastructure hosting, or significant scope changes that you approve in advance.
Yes, we understand mid-market cash flow considerations. Standard terms: 30% to start, 40% at midpoint milestone, 30% at completion. Extended terms available: quarterly payments over 6-12 months for larger projects. We work within your budget cycle and approval processes. Payment flexibility shouldn't prevent you from getting the AI capabilities you need.
Digital transformation since 2017, serious AI implementation since 2021, and 25+ AI projects completed. We evolved with the technology - started with business process automation, added machine learning capabilities, and now deliver full-scale AI solutions. This progression gives us perspective on what works in real business environments versus what looks good in demos.
Digital transformation foundation: We understand business processes before adding AI. Honest approach: We'll tell you when AI isn't the answer and suggest simpler solutions. Mid-market focus: We get your budget and resource constraints. Practical implementation: We build solutions that work in your real environment, not perfect labs. Many consultants are either too expensive or too inexperienced for mid-market needs.
Austin, Texas is our home base, and we serve clients throughout North America. Central time zone works well for most client schedules. We're part of Austin's thriving tech ecosystem while maintaining focus on practical business solutions rather than bleeding-edge research. Easy travel access to major business centers means we can be on-site when needed.
Yes! Check our case studies page for detailed project examples with specific outcomes and ROI data. We also have client testimonials that speak to our process and results. During discovery calls, we can share relevant examples that match your industry and use case. Client confidentiality prevents us from sharing everything, but we have plenty of success stories to demonstrate our capabilities.
Let's talk. Schedule a consultation to get personalized answers about your AI and digital transformation needs.