Define the beginning and the end
Automating sales or administration is too broad to price. Describe a specific task: what starts it, who takes part and the expected output. For example, receiving a document, extracting defined fields and preparing an output for review. This description helps establish what a first version should include.
What changes the work required
Integrations shape how information is obtained and updated. Having an API with defined permissions differs from needing to assess other access options. The work also changes when documents arrive in different formats, historical data needs to be recovered or several teams take part in the journey.
- Available tools and access.
- Data formats, quality and sources.
- Number of steps and people involved.
- Exceptions and human review.
- Output reports, screens or actions.
Separate implementation from operation
Ask the proposal to distinguish initial development from the services needed to operate the solution. Depending on the design, there may be hosting, external services or tool usage costs. Define which support is included and how future extensions will be handled. These questions clarify both the project cost and subsequent operating costs.
Compare proposals for the same journey
One proposal may cover only a connection between tools, while another includes validation, handover and an interface for the team. Comparing their totals without examining these differences means evaluating different things. Ask for deliverables, dependencies, responsibilities and how the system’s operation will be verified.
What to bring to the first conversation
Collect a typical task example, one requiring review, your current tools and the output you expect. Include who uses the result and what happens when the task is delayed. At ZaTek, the diagnostic call reviews the process and identifies a concrete first step. The proposal is prepared around the agreed scope.
Common questions
Is there a single price for process automation?
No single price describes every workflow. The budget depends on scope, integrations, data and exceptions.
What should a proposal include?
The covered workflow, deliverables, integrations, dependencies, responsibilities, criteria for checking the result and operating and support conditions.
Can we start with part of a process?
Yes. A first version can address a defined journey. It should have a clear beginning and output and be usable by the team.