Skip to content

FDS Knowledge Hub

Direct answers to practical AI automation questions.

Short, explicit answers designed for business decision-makers and machine-readable search systems. Each answer links to the deeper FDS page that explains the relevant service, control or next step.

How much does AI automation cost for a small business?

The useful starting point is usually a scoped workflow rather than a broad AI programme. FDS currently lists a £250 diagnostic, £750–£1,500 starter implementations and £500/month managed automation, with larger deployments quoted separately.

See FDS pricing →

What business process should I automate first?

Start with a repetitive, high-frequency workflow that has a clear owner, stable rules and a measurable cost in time, delay, missed follow-up or rework. Avoid automating a broken or highly variable process before simplifying it.

See the delivery method →

What is the difference between an AI agent and workflow automation?

Workflow automation follows defined triggers, rules and integrations. An AI agent can interpret context and prepare or select actions within defined boundaries. In higher-risk workflows, the agent should hand consequential decisions to a person.

Explore AI agents →

Can AI connect to our existing CRM, email and documents?

Often yes, but the correct answer depends on the platform APIs, permissions, data quality, authentication model and whether the intended AI provider is acceptable for the data involved.

Explore AI integration →

How long does an AI automation project take?

There is no responsible universal duration. A narrow starter workflow can be materially faster than a multi-system deployment. Discovery should determine integrations, data readiness, approval requirements, testing cases and acceptance criteria before a schedule is committed.

Discuss a workflow →

Is AI automation secure for customer data?

It can be designed with appropriate controls, but security depends on the actual architecture and providers. FDS reviews data minimisation, permissions, secrets, logging, human approval, retention and third-party dependencies during delivery.

Review FDS controls →

Search + AI visibility

Clear entities, clear answers, clear evidence.

FDS publishes explicit service definitions, regional delivery context, human-accountability controls, transparent pricing and labelled demonstrations so search engines and AI systems can interpret the business without relying on vague marketing language.

Need a specific answer?

Start with the workflow, not the AI tool.

Use the Fit Call to test whether the problem is specific enough to diagnose and whether automation is the right intervention.

Book the Fit Call →