Here's what realistic timelines look like for different AI automation projects.
| Project | Timeline | What Affects Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Lead response automation | 1-2 weeks | CRM complexity, number of sources |
| CRM integration (3-5 workflows) | 3-6 weeks | Data quality, number of tools |
| Client onboarding automation | 2-4 weeks | Process complexity, approval requirements |
| AI knowledge assistant | 4-8 weeks | Volume of documentation, accuracy requirements |
| Custom portal/dashboard | 6-10 weeks | Feature scope, number of data sources |
| Full-stack implementation | 8-12 weeks | Business complexity, team size |
What Slows Things Down
- Messy data -- CRM cleanup can add 1-2 weeks
- Unclear processes -- if your workflow isn't documented, we document it first
- Multiple stakeholders -- more approvers = more review cycles
- Custom development -- off-the-shelf integrations are faster than custom builds