What does AI automation actually cost for a small business?
A single well-scoped workflow — one intake, one decision step, one destination — typically lands between R25,000 and R60,000. Multi-system builds with several branching workflows and an internal dashboard usually run R60,000 to R150,000. Ongoing tuning after launch is normally a retainer rather than a project.
How long before an AI automation is live?
A focused workflow is usually running in production within two to three weeks. Anything touching more than three systems, or needing a custom interface for staff, runs closer to four to six weeks. The integration work takes longer than the AI work almost every time.
Do I need to replace the software I already use?
No, and you usually should not. The work sits on top of what you already run — HubSpot, Sheets, Xero, Slack, your existing site. Ripping out working systems to make room for an automation project is how these builds go over budget.
Which AI models and tools do you build with?
Claude and OpenAI models for language work, n8n for orchestration, Supabase or Firebase for data, and direct API integrations where a platform-neutral connection matters. Tool choice follows the problem; nothing here is locked to one vendor.
What if the AI gets something wrong?
Every workflow ships with a confidence threshold, a fallback path, and a human review step wherever the cost of being wrong is real. You will also get a log of what the system decided and why, so a bad call is findable rather than mysterious.