Separate setup from recurring operation
| Cost area | Questions to resolve |
|---|---|
| Discovery | What task, inputs, permissions, and decisions are actually in scope? |
| Pilot design | Who prepares representative cases and scores the outputs? |
| Configuration and connections | Which systems exchange data and what happens when a run fails? |
| Human review | Who checks outputs, corrections, and high-impact decisions? |
| Usage | Which vendor charges depend on seats, runs, model use, or storage? |
| Maintenance | Who monitors errors, retests changes, and maintains the fallback? |
Use a total-effort model
For a chosen period, estimate setup effort, operating volume, expected review time, exception time, and vendor charges. Compare that with a measured manual baseline. Keep cash savings separate from staff capacity that may or may not be redeployed productively.
An illustrative pilot decision
Suppose a drafting step saves ten minutes per case but verification and correction take twelve minutes. That pilot has not demonstrated a labor-time benefit even if the subscription is inexpensive. A revised task boundary or a different automation method may be more useful than buying a larger rollout.
When simpler automation may cost less to maintain
If inputs and routing rules are explicit, test whether a rule-based workflow covers the requirement. An AI component adds a different verification problem when it interprets variable text. Evaluate the complete operating path rather than assuming every automated step needs a model.
What an Elixir quote needs to state
Elixir’s implementation fee depends on the agreed task, access, pilot, integration, testing, training, and handover. Elixir consulting starts at $5,000 per month; the final fee depends on scope. Ask which vendor charges are separate, what constitutes acceptance, and who maintains the workflow after the project.
Related implementation resources
Discuss the operating problem
Elixir consulting starts at $5,000 per month, with final pricing based on scope. Bring a recent example, the current workflow, and the person who owns the result to define the appropriate implementation scope.