How We Work

A proven consulting engagement model designed for secure, scalable, and risk-aware Microsoft AI & automation initiatives.

Structured. Transparent. Results-Focused.

Our four-stage engagement process minimizes risk, maximizes clarity, and ensures measurable outcomes at every milestone. You'll know what to expect, when to expect it, and what you're investing—before work begins.

This isn't a template. It's how we help organizations adopt AI without unnecessary risk or ambiguity.

Discovery
Phase 1

Discovery & Alignment

Understand your business context, identify automation opportunities, and validate strategic fit.

Business Outcome

Clarity on whether AI or automation makes sense for your organization—and where to start. No ambiguity, no pressure to proceed if it's not the right fit.

What We Do

  • Stakeholder interviews to understand goals, pain points, and risk tolerance
  • Review existing Microsoft 365/Azure environment and licensing
  • Identify high-impact automation opportunities aligned with business priorities
  • Document compliance requirements (HIPAA, GDPR, industry-specific)
  • Provide initial ROI assessment and recommendation

What You Receive

Discovery Summary Report

Executive summary of findings, prioritized opportunities, estimated ROI, and recommended engagement approach. No obligation to proceed.

Duration: 1-2 weeks Investment: Often included with full engagement or available as standalone assessment
Pilot
Phase 2

Pilot & Proof of Value

Build a working prototype to validate technical feasibility, user experience, and ROI before full commitment.

Business Outcome

Confidence that the solution works with your data, fits your workflows, and delivers measurable value. Reduces risk before scaling to production.

What We Do

  • Design solution architecture based on discovery findings
  • Build core automation workflows or AI capabilities in development environment
  • Test with sample or anonymized data from your systems
  • Run pilot with 5-10 users to gather real-world feedback
  • Validate security controls, performance, and compliance alignment
  • Measure results and refine approach based on feedback

What You Receive

Working Prototype & Pilot Report

Functional pilot implementation, user feedback analysis, performance metrics, cost projections, and recommendation to proceed or pivot.

Duration: 2-4 weeks Investment: Fixed pilot fee with option to pause before full implementation
Implementation
Phase 3

Implementation & Integration

Deploy validated solution to production with full integration, training, and documentation.

Business Outcome

Production-ready automation or AI solution integrated with your business systems, with trained users and proper documentation for long-term sustainability.

What We Do

  • Configure production Microsoft 365/Azure environment with security controls
  • Build complete solution based on validated pilot and refined requirements
  • Integrate with production systems, data sources, and business applications
  • Implement audit logging, monitoring, and compliance measures
  • Conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) with business stakeholders
  • Deliver user training and create comprehensive documentation
  • Execute phased rollout to minimize disruption

What You Receive

Production Solution – Fully deployed and tested
Documentation – User guides, admin docs, architecture diagrams
Training Materials – Live sessions and recorded videos
Handoff Package – Support runbook and transition plan
Duration: 4-12 weeks (depending on scope) Investment: Fixed project fee with milestone-based payments
Support
Phase 4

Support & Continuous Improvement

Ongoing support for user questions, optimization, and expansion of automation capabilities.

Business Outcome

Sustained performance, rapid issue resolution, and ability to expand automation over time as your organization's needs evolve.

What We Offer

  • Ad-Hoc Support – Pay-as-you-go for specific questions or minor changes
  • Monthly Retainer – Allocated hours for ongoing maintenance and enhancements
  • Managed Service – Proactive monitoring and optimization (Azure AI solutions)
  • Expansion Projects – Add new workflows or capabilities as you scale

What's Included

Technical Support – Troubleshooting and bug fixes
User Assistance – Answering questions and providing guidance
Minor Enhancements – Small adjustments and feature additions
Platform Updates – Adapting to Microsoft platform changes
Duration: Flexible (optional) Investment: Hourly rate or monthly retainer based on needs

Why Organizations Choose This Approach

Our methodology is designed to eliminate common risks in AI and automation projects.

01

Fixed Pricing, Clear Scope

No open-ended time-and-materials contracts. You know the investment before work begins, with defined deliverables at each milestone.

02

Pilot Before Scale

Validate technical feasibility and business value with a small-scale pilot before committing to full production deployment.

03

Business-Led, Not Tech-Led

Every phase connects back to business outcomes. We focus on operational improvement and risk reduction, not just deploying technology.

04

Compliance & Security Built In

HIPAA, GDPR, and industry requirements addressed from day one—not bolted on after deployment.

Typical Project Timeline

Most engagements follow this general progression. Complexity, scope, and organizational readiness affect actual duration.

Weeks 1-2
Discovery & Alignment

Understand business context and validate opportunities

Weeks 3-6
Pilot & Proof of Value

Build working prototype and validate with real users

Weeks 7-16
Implementation & Integration

Deploy to production with training and documentation

Week 17+
Ongoing Support (Optional)

Maintain, optimize, and expand capabilities over time

Note: Simpler Power Automate workflows may complete in 6-8 weeks. Complex Azure AI architectures may require 20+ weeks.

Ready to Explore Your Microsoft AI Roadmap?

Schedule a 30-minute discovery call to discuss your automation goals, compliance requirements, and whether our approach fits your organization.

No sales pressure. Just an honest conversation about your needs and whether we're the right fit.