How we work
Every project follows the same order. First we find out where your team's time goes, then we fix what's worth fixing, then we keep it running if you want us to.
Intro call
A short call to learn what you want out of this, such as faster turnaround or less manual work for your team, and whether we're a fit. No cost.
- What we need from you
- 15 to 30 minutes, and a rough idea of which work feels slow.
- How long
- 15 to 30 minutes.
Discovery
Once an agreement is signed, the paid audit begins. We interview the people who do the work and, where it helps, shadow them for part of a day. That way we see the real process, not just the described one.
- What we need from you
- One point of contact, time with the people we'll talk to, and a look at the tools you use (a screen share is fine). We'll sign a confidentiality agreement first if you want one.
- How long
- Most of the audit. The Focused Audit takes about two weeks end to end, and the Full Audit about three.
Report
You get a written report ranking what we found, what each issue costs in time, and how we'd fix it: an existing tool, an API integration, or custom software. We walk you through it in person or by video.
- What we need from you
- Time for the walkthrough, with whoever should hear it.
- How long
- Part of the audit timeline above.
Build
If you want to go ahead, we scope and price the build from the report. Often that means setting up and connecting tools you can already buy. Sometimes it means building custom software. You get a progress update every week. If you start within 30 days of getting the report, the audit fee is credited toward the build. After launch, you get two weeks of priority launch support, included in the build price.
- What we need from you
- A decision on what to fix first, and someone to answer questions and try things as we go.
- How long
- Depends on the scope. The audit report lays out a timeline for each fix it recommends.
Retainer
We keep watching for bugs, fix them, and make small edits as your work changes. For example: changing the templates inside a report or document generator, updating a spreadsheet's structure as your data changes, or adjusting the output format of an automatic converter.
- What we need from you
- A quick note when something needs changing.
- How long
- Monthly or yearly. Start whenever you're ready. It's scoped to your tool and quoted with the build.
Common questions
How long does a project take?
The intro call takes 15 to 30 minutes. A Focused Audit takes about two weeks, and a Full Audit about three. Build length changes from project to project, so the audit report lays out a timeline for each fix it recommends.
What if we don't know what we need?
That's normal, and it's what the audit is for. Most companies know the work feels slow but not exactly why. Our job is to find out, by talking to your team and watching the work.
Do you only build custom software?
No. Often the best fix is an existing tool, set up properly, or two tools you already use connected so data moves on its own. We build custom software when nothing off the shelf does the job.
What support do we get after launch?
Every build includes two weeks of priority launch support after go-live. After that, an optional monthly or yearly retainer covers bug monitoring, bug fixes, and small edits.
What if we need something bigger than the retainer covers?
We'll tell you. If a request grows beyond routine maintenance, we say so and scope it as separate work, so you know what it involves before we start.
Do you work with companies outside Edmonton?
Yes. We're based in Edmonton and prefer to work locally, where we can meet in person and shadow your team on site. If you're elsewhere, get in touch and we'll talk about whether it can work.
Is there work your team does by hand every week?
Tell us what it is. The intro call is free and takes 15 to 30 minutes. We'll talk about what you want to change and whether we're a good fit.
- Free 15 to 30 minute intro call
- Focused Audit $1,500 CAD · Full Audit $3,000 CAD
- Audit fee credited toward a build started within 30 days
Edmonton, AB · oliver@beckonandco.ca