The Framework
The Lean AI Audit
A structured four-week engagement that starts where every good process improvement starts — with the work itself. We find what is broken, fix what we can, and only then ask where AI can add genuine, measurable value.
Process before technology.
AI layered on top of broken processes does not fix them — it amplifies the dysfunction. The Lean AI Audit starts with the work, not the tools.
Diagnosis before prescription.
Every recommendation in the Lean AI Audit is earned through structured assessment — not assumed from a vendor demo or a conference keynote.
Fixed-fee. No surprises.
The engagement is scoped, priced, and delivered as a defined package. You know what you are getting before you commit.
The Process
Three phases. Four weeks. One clear deliverable.
Find The Pain
Week 1–2
A structured operational assessment that surfaces where your processes are breaking down, creating waste, or introducing risk. We interview key stakeholders, map current workflows, and document where time, money, and staff capacity are being lost.
Deliverables
Stakeholder interviews (leadership, operations, front-line staff)
Current-state process maps for your highest-friction workflows
Waste and risk inventory — documented, prioritized, and ranked
Preliminary AI readiness score across five operational dimensions
Fix The Process
Week 2–3
Using Lean Six Sigma methodology, we identify root causes — not symptoms — and develop a prioritized improvement plan. Technology is not introduced at this stage. The goal is a stable, documented operational foundation that is worth building on.
Deliverables
Root cause analysis for your top three to five pain points
Prioritized process improvement roadmap
Quick-win recommendations that can be implemented immediately
Documentation standards and workflow templates where applicable
Apply AI Where It Fits
Week 3–4
Only after the process is sound do we evaluate where AI tools can add genuine, measurable value. We assess specific tools against your actual workflows, your team capacity, your data environment, and your risk tolerance — not against vendor marketing.
Deliverables
AI opportunity map — where automation creates real value vs. where it creates risk
Tool-specific recommendations with rationale and alternatives
Implementation sequencing — what to do first, second, and not yet
Risk and compliance considerations for your sector
AI Readiness Assessment
Five dimensions. One honest score.
Every Lean AI Audit includes a structured readiness assessment across five operational dimensions. The score is not a grade — it is a map. It tells you where you are ready to move and where you need to build before you do.
Process Stability
Are your core workflows documented, consistent, and producing reliable outputs?
Data Integrity
Is your data clean, accessible, and governed in a way that supports responsible AI use?
Staff Readiness
Does your team have the capacity and the trust to adopt new tools without resistance?
Risk Tolerance
Have you identified the compliance, reputational, and operational risks specific to your sector?
Leadership Alignment
Is there shared clarity at the leadership level about what success looks like — and what it does not?
Engagements
Fixed-fee. Scoped. No billable-hour surprises.
Pricing is discussed on the discovery call based on organization size and scope. Every engagement is fixed-fee — you know the investment before you commit.
Core Engagement
The Lean AI Audit
The full three-phase framework — operational assessment, process improvement roadmap, and AI opportunity map. Delivered as a written report with an executive presentation and a 90-minute debrief session.
Stakeholder interviews (up to 6 participants)
Current-state process mapping
Waste and risk inventory
AI readiness assessment
Process improvement roadmap
AI opportunity map with tool recommendations
Written report and executive summary
90-minute debrief and Q&A session
Optional Add-On
Implementation Support
Hands-on support executing the recommendations from the Lean AI Audit. Structured as a monthly engagement with defined milestones, check-ins, and accountability — not open-ended consulting.
Monthly strategy sessions (2x per month)
Implementation milestone tracking
Vendor evaluation and selection support
Staff communication and change management guidance
Progress reporting for boards and leadership teams
Ready to find out where you actually stand?
Start with a free 30-minute discovery call. No pitch, no pressure.