How to start an automation project in a company

What does mapping include?

The standard starting engagement reviews processes, systems and information across up to three agreed business areas, with up to 10 cumulative hours of discovery meetings with key stakeholders. A one-hour meeting counts as one hour regardless of the number of attendees. Preparation, analysis, deliverable creation and presentation to management are included and do not reduce the meeting allowance. Any expanded scope is agreed in advance in a separate proposal.

Deliverables

You receive a practical view of the current situation and a plan for deciding on the next step.

• Process map and opportunities

  Reviewed workflows, key bottlenecks and up to three leading opportunities, prioritised by expected value and feasibility, with the assumptions behind the estimates.

• Data and systems readiness

  A review of data and systems readiness, an AI-use policy document and recommended tools for review by your IT and information-security stakeholders.

• A plan for a first solution

  Initial scope, prerequisites, success measures and a budget estimate for a recommended solution, presented to management. If no suitable solution is currently feasible, recommendations explain how to prepare.

How long does it take?

The standard starting engagement is estimated at two to three weeks from the agreed start date, subject to participant availability and receipt of the required information and access. Broader discovery has its own schedule. Mapping does not include development, implementation or licences, and there is no obligation to commission another phase.

What the client prepares

Nominate a coordinating contact, arrange access to people who know the workflows and prepare examples of relevant documents, reports and screens. Use examples without sensitive information where possible. No finished technical specification is required; system access is agreed together.