How Much Does AI Automation Cost?
Buyers ask about cost before they ask about models. Here are the ranges we use, and what changes the number.
What drives the price
Scope, number of systems to connect, how clean the source data is, and whether you need human approval gates. A single workflow with clear owners costs less than a multi-system platform with compliance requirements.
Our planning ranges
Ideas Realized offers a $750 Digital Systems Audit, a $2,500 Business and AI Opportunity Audit, and One Custom AI Tool for $7,500, each with a defined scope listed on our pricing page. For larger custom engagements, planning ranges are $5,000 to $15,000 for discovery, $25,000 to $80,000 for an automation project, and $100,000 to $400,000 for a platform build. Those custom ranges are not a market benchmark or fixed quote; a free 30-minute fit call helps identify the right starting point.
How we quote
We give a same-day rough range during a free 30-minute consultation. Discovery produces written artifacts you own whether or not you continue. We will say when we are not the right fit and refer out.
FAQ
Common follow-ups
How much does an AI automation project cost with Ideas Realized?
Ideas Realized offers a $750 Digital Systems Audit, a $2,500 Business and AI Opportunity Audit, and One Custom AI Tool for $7,500, each with a defined scope listed on our pricing page. For larger custom engagements, planning ranges are $5,000 to $15,000 for discovery, $25,000 to $80,000 for an automation project, and $100,000 to $400,000 for a platform build. Those custom ranges are not a market benchmark or fixed quote; a free 30-minute fit call helps identify the right starting point.
Is discovery required before a build?
For anything beyond a tiny, well-scoped task, yes. Discovery maps workflows, data, and constraints so the build quote is honest. You keep the written summary either way.
What is included in a focused first project?
One high-friction workflow, integrations into systems you already use, logging and exception paths, and a path to expand after the first workflow proves useful.