Guide
AI automation: a yearly programme or a one-off agent?
A one-off agent fits one clear task in one tool. A yearly programme fits when several processes and systems have to work as one and improve over time. Below is the comparison, and a straight answer on when the one-off buy is the better one.
Side by side
| A one-off agent or build | A yearly programme | |
|---|---|---|
| Fits when | One task, in one tool, with a stable process | Several connected processes and systems that need to improve over time |
| Starts with | A specification of the task | A review of the process and a yearly roadmap |
| After launch | Changes and support are agreed separately | The same team measures the effect and builds the next stage |
| Payment | A fixed price for the task, or hours | From $6,000 a month, excluding VAT, in twelve equal instalments tied to the roadmap |
| Leaving | As the contract for that task sets out | Pause for up to a month a year; after the first three months, 60 days’ written notice |
When the one-off agent is the better buy
If there is one task, one tool and a stable process, a one-off build or an off-the-shelf tool usually costs less than a programme. We say so in the first conversation: Annual Product Operations is not for a one-time technical task.
Automation fails when the process is unclear. So we start with the process, set the roadmap, then build: AI agents, internal tools, CRM and ERP integrations, dashboards, workflow automation. Some problems need a better workflow, a clearer dashboard or a simpler approval, and no AI at all.
How the yearly programme starts
- Months 1–2: process review and roadmap. We find the processes that cause the most friction, manual work, data loss or delay.
- Months 3–4: first automation layer. The first internal tools, AI assistants, dashboards or integrations, around the highest-priority workflow.
- Months 5–8: connected systems. We connect the first system to CRM, ERP, reporting, data or communication channels.
- Months 9–12: optimisation and scale. Better adoption, measured impact, less manual work, and the next stage of automation.
The roadmap depends on the company. It is confirmed in writing at an offer meeting prepared for your business.
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