FAQ
Questions, answered straight.
The things firms ask before they automate anything: cost, risk, data, accuracy and who owns what.
Before you start
The honest concerns.
We already have CRM and accounting systems. Isn't that enough?
They're good at what they do. The problem is the work between them: re-keying, chasing and reconciling. We connect them so data moves on its own. We only suggest retiring software when it's costing you money for no reason, like the £18,000-a-year tool one consultancy switched off.
Is this an ERP project?
No. An ERP replaces your systems and takes months or years. We keep the systems that work and automate the processes across them. The first workflow is typically live in 2–4 weeks.
Is our client data safe?
We build inside accounts you own wherever possible, limit access to the people who need it and keep an audit trail of every automated step. When we use AI, we work under zero data retention (ZDR) agreements with AI providers, so your data isn't stored or used for training. If required, we can also host closed models within your own environment. AlbaNova is registered with the ICO.
What if the AI gets something wrong?
It's designed for that. AI does the reading, sorting and drafting, fixed rules do the rest, and anything uncertain goes to a person. Client communications, outreach and anything that moves money keep a human sign-off.
What happens if you disappear?
Everything is documented, built on mainstream cloud-hosted services and runs in accounts you control, so it can easily be handed over to another service provider or your internal IT team.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the process and the systems involved, so we quote after the audit, once we know the scope. The audit is free, and it will tell you whether the time saved justifies the build. If it doesn't, we'll say so.
Working together
How it works.
What happens in the free Operations Audit?
A 45-minute working session where we map how one or two of your processes run today. Within 3 working days you get a written summary of the top three automation opportunities, with estimated hours saved.
How long does a build take?
The first workflow is typically live in 2–4 weeks. Larger platforms, such as a full operations layer across contracts, invoicing and reporting, are delivered in phases, and we scope them during the audit.
How much of our team's time does it take?
A few hours across the build: the audit itself, a walkthrough of the process with the person who does it, and testing before go-live. We do the rest.
Who will we actually work with?
Chiraag Mutreja, the founder, from the first call to go-live. No account managers and no hand-off to a junior team.
Do we own what you build?
Yes. It runs in your accounts, and you get the documentation. Licences for underlying tools such as n8n or AI services are agreed up front and held in your name.
Do you work outside Scotland?
Yes. We're based in Edinburgh and work with firms across the UK, and with clients in the US and elsewhere. Most work is done remotely, with on-site sessions when they help.
Which tools do you use?
Whatever fits your stack. Typically n8n for workflow automation, the official APIs of your CRM, finance and document systems, and leading AI models from providers such as OpenAI and Anthropic, used under business terms.
Free Operations Audit
Still have a question? Ask it on the audit call.
Book a free 45-minute Operations Audit. You'll get a written summary of your top three automation opportunities, with estimated hours saved, within 3 working days.
If there's nothing worth automating, we'll tell you.
What happens next
- 1Pick a time that suits you
- 2Tell us briefly which process hurts most
- 3We map it together in 45 minutes
- 4Your written summary arrives within 3 working days