Frequently asked questions
If you have a question not answered here, reach out directly.
What is a workflow audit?
A workflow audit is a structured review of how work actually moves through your operation. We interview the people doing the work, trace the handoffs, document the friction points, and produce a prioritized findings report. The output is a clear decision against each workflow area we review: automate it, restructure it, or leave it alone. It's not a sales pitch — it's a diagnostic.
How long does an engagement take?
Workflow audits take 1–4 weeks depending on the scope. The Workflow Pressure Test is typically 1–2 weeks; the AI Readiness & Workflow Audit is 2–4 weeks. Implementation engagements range from 3–5 weeks for a scoped sprint to 6–12 weeks for a full Core Workflow Implementation. All timelines are fixed before the engagement begins — not estimates that expand during the work.
Do you replace our existing software?
Rarely. Most of our work is building on top of, between, and around the tools you already have. We identify integration gaps, under-used native capabilities, and handoff points that can be automated without replacing core platforms. When a new tool is warranted, we scope it explicitly and quote it separately from our implementation fees.
What does 'governed AI' mean?
Governed AI means every AI-assisted workflow has defined human review gates, documented decision boundaries, an audit log, a named human owner, an exception path, and a review cadence. It means AI outputs are visible, correctable, and attributable. It means the system doesn't run autonomously in ways that can't be reviewed or shut down. Governance isn't an add-on — it's a requirement before we deploy AI to any production workflow.
When do you recommend we NOT use AI?
We recommend against AI when: the task can be handled by a deterministic rule or structured automation; the data quality is too poor to support reliable outputs; there is no governance plan for reviewing AI decisions; the risk of a wrong answer is high and human review isn't practical; or a cheaper, more reliable solution already exists in the current stack. We say this directly — even when it means less work for Norsewave.
What industries do you work with?
Norsewave's focus is on operations-heavy companies where workflows are the business: multi-location field services (HVAC, facilities, dispatch-heavy operations), professional services and MSPs, industrial and distribution back office, and specialty healthcare administration. We work best where operational margins are tight and workflow efficiency has direct P&L impact.
How is Norsewave different from a dev agency?
A development agency builds what you specify. Norsewave starts by figuring out what you should build — and tells you when the answer is to build less. We bring workflow design, automation judgment, and governance requirements to every engagement. We also scope and price as fixed-fee work with defined acceptance criteria, not time-and-materials where the bill grows as the scope shifts. We're implementation partners, not contractors.
Do you work with Microsoft / Salesforce / other major platforms?
Yes. We work with whatever stack the client has. Common platforms in our engagements include Microsoft 365, Azure, Salesforce, HubSpot, ServiceTitan, QuickBooks, various ERP systems, and industry-specific tools. We don't have preferred vendor relationships that influence our recommendations — we work with what fits your operation.
How are your fees structured?
All Norsewave service fees are fixed-fee. Scope is agreed before billing begins. Vendor and platform costs are quoted separately — you always know what you're paying Norsewave vs. what you're paying a third-party platform. We do not do time-and-materials for implementation work. If scope changes during an engagement, we scope a separate change order before additional work begins.
What happens after an implementation is delivered?
Every delivery includes documentation, a governance plan, a named workflow owner at your organization, and a 30-day post-launch support period. For clients who want ongoing oversight, we offer Managed Optimization retainers with monthly monitoring and quarterly improvement planning. For clients who want to operate independently, we produce a comprehensive self-maintenance guide at handoff.
Have a question not answered here?
Reach out directly or book a diagnostic call and we'll address your questions in context.