Stratum

ENTRY POINT

Operations Audit

Starting at $500

A structured discovery process to understand how work actually happens — before automation, AI, or tooling decisions are made.

This phase is observational. We typically don't touch production systems.

L0 — Reality

You cannot automate what you do not understand.

PurposeUnderstand how work actually happens before making any decisions
EngagementAudit · 1-2 weeks
Ideal forCompanies considering automation or AI for the first time
Not forCompanies wanting tool recommendations without process work
Next stepBook a Discovery Call

Most companies think they know how work happens. They have SOPs, process maps, and tool documentation. But the gap between documented processes and actual behavior is where operational failures live.

The Operations & AI Audit is a structured discovery process. We observe, interview, and measure how work actually moves through your organization—before making any decisions about automation or AI.

This is not a sales pitch disguised as an assessment. We don't touch your systems. We don't recommend tools. We map reality.

Why This Matters

  • -Automation built on false assumptions creates new problems instead of solving existing ones
  • -AI deployed without understanding actual workflows produces inconsistent or harmful outputs
  • -Tool decisions made without operational clarity lead to expensive rework
  • -Teams often can't articulate their own processes because workarounds have become invisible

Common Symptoms

Signs you might need this service

Your team says "it depends" when asked how something works
Different people describe the same process differently
You have automations that no one remembers building
New hires take months to become productive
Customer complaints cluster around handoff points
You've tried automation before and it "didn't work"

What we do

  • Map real workflows (as-is vs assumed)
  • Identify handoffs, delays, and failure points
  • Assess automation and AI suitability
  • Define system boundaries and ownership
  • Separate signal from noise in existing tooling

What you get

  • Clear operational visibility
  • Prioritized automation opportunities
  • System-level recommendations
  • A grounded execution roadmap

What this is not

  • A tool recommendation
  • A sales demo
  • An implementation project
  • A generic assessment

How It Works

1

Stakeholder Interviews

We speak with key team members across functions to understand stated processes, pain points, and tribal knowledge.

2

Workflow Observation

We observe actual work happening—screen shares, tool walkthroughs, and real-time process execution.

3

System Mapping

We document every tool, integration, handoff point, and data flow in your operational stack.

4

Gap Analysis

We compare documented vs. actual processes, identifying discrepancies, bottlenecks, and failure modes.

5

Opportunity Assessment

We evaluate each process for automation potential, AI suitability, and risk factors.

6

Roadmap Delivery

We present findings with a prioritized, sequenced plan for operational improvement.

The Transformation

Before

  • -Processes exist in people's heads
  • -Tribal knowledge drives decisions
  • -Automation attempts fail or get abandoned
  • -"Ask Sarah, she knows" is a real workflow
  • -No visibility into where work gets stuck

After

  • +Documented, visual process maps
  • +Clear decision criteria and ownership
  • +Prioritized automation opportunities
  • +Identified bottlenecks and failure points
  • +Grounded roadmap for next steps

In Practice

Case Example

Real-World Application

Scenario

Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

The Problem

A 40-person brokerage spent 6+ hours daily on manual lead qualification. They had tried three different CRM automations, all abandoned within months.

The Solution

Our audit revealed the real issue: leads were being qualified differently by each broker, with criteria changing based on market conditions no one had documented. The "automation problem" was actually a process definition problem.

The Outcome

With clarity on actual qualification criteria and decision points, the subsequent automation achieved 89% accuracy and saved 22 hours weekly—because it was built on reality, not assumptions.

Typical Results

12-20

Process Gaps Identified

Average per engagement

4-8

Hidden Bottlenecks

Previously unknown delays

40+

Documentation Created

Pages of operational maps

Is This Right For You?

Ideal For

  • +Companies considering automation or AI for the first time
  • +Teams that have tried automation and it "didn't stick"
  • +Organizations planning major operational changes
  • +Leadership seeking clarity before investment decisions

Not Ideal For

  • -Companies wanting tool recommendations without process work
  • -Teams looking for quick fixes without root cause analysis
  • -Organizations unwilling to involve frontline workers in discovery

Engagement Type

Audit

Ready to get started?

Start with clarity. No commitment required.