Foundations — sdai.dev

How the three weeks break down.

WEEK 1

Discovery & intake

We start with a 45-minute discovery call to understand your business model, team structure, current tools, and pain points. After the call, we send a lightweight data questionnaire — not a 50-page form, but targeted questions about where your team spends time, what systems you use, and where things break down.

45-min discovery callA structured conversation about your business model, team structure, pain points, and goals. We come with industry-specific questions, not a generic intake form. Data & workflow questionnaireA lightweight, targeted questionnaire about where your team spends time, what systems you use, and where things break down. Typically 15–20 questions, not a 50-page form. Initial opportunity mapA preliminary list of areas where AI might create leverage in your operations — based on the discovery call, before we observe your actual workflows.

WEEK 2

Ops audit & analysis

We shadow key workflows — either on-site in San Diego or via screen share. We're mapping the actual process, not the documented one. We look at data availability, decision frequency, error rates, and handoff points. Every potential automation opportunity gets scored on effort, impact, and data readiness.

Process observation sessionsWe shadow key workflows via screen share or on-site in San Diego. We're mapping the real process — the one your team actually follows, not the one in the SOP binder. Workflow mappingA visual diagram of every step, handoff, and decision point in your current process. Shows who touches what, when, and why — and where bottlenecks live. Opportunity scoring matrixEach potential automation scored on three dimensions: effort to build, expected impact on operations, and data readiness. Ranked from quick wins to strategic bets.

WEEK 3

Strategy document & walkthrough

You receive a written AI strategy document: a prioritized list of initiatives with estimated timelines, costs, and ROI projections. Each initiative includes a build vs. buy recommendation and a vendor shortlist where applicable. We walk through the document live so you can ask questions and pressure-test our reasoning.

Written AI strategy documentA 15–25 page document with prioritized initiatives, timelines, cost estimates, and ROI projections. Yours to keep regardless of whether you engage us further. Build vs. buy recommendationsFor each initiative: should you purchase an existing tool, build a custom solution, or combine both? Includes specific product names and pricing. Vendor shortlistTools evaluated against your specific use case — not a generic "top 10 AI tools" list. We've tested these and can speak to real-world performance. 12-month budget estimateTotal cost of ownership across all recommended initiatives: build costs, vendor licenses, ongoing support, and internal time investment. Live walkthrough sessionA 60–90 minute session where we walk through the strategy document together. You pressure-test our reasoning and ask questions before making any decisions.

What's included.

📞

45-minute discovery call

Deep-dive into your business, pain points, and goals. We come prepared with industry-specific questions.

🔍

2-week ops audit

Remote or on-site workflow observation. We map the real process, not the one in your SOP binder.

📄

Written strategy document

Prioritized initiative list with timelines, costs, and ROI estimates. Yours to keep regardless of next steps.

🎯

Build vs. buy analysis

For each initiative: should you buy a tool, build a custom solution, or combine both? With specific product recommendations.

📋

Vendor shortlist

Evaluated against your specific use case — not a generic "top 10 AI tools" list. We've tested these.

💬

30-day async Q&A

After delivery, you get 30 days of email support to ask follow-up questions as you digest the strategy.