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Step 7 Consulting

Step 7 Consulting

  • What We Do
    • Overview
    • Platforms & Development
    • Agentic AI & Automation
    • Systems & Modernization
    • Architecture & Integration
  • Why Choose Us
  • Who We Are
  • Our Work
  • Schedule a Consultation
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Our Process

A Clear, Proven Path to AI-Powered Automation

We follow a structured, two-phase approach that helps organizations modernize systems, implement AI-driven automation, and achieve measurable operational gains — with no surprises on scope or cost.


Overview

Every engagement follows a refined, predictable process built around two distinct phases. Our approach is modeled after the way an architect designs a building before a contractor breaks ground — Phase 1 produces the design and the plan, Phase 2 executes it.

Many technology firms provide rough estimates upfront to win the engagement, then present change order after change order once development is underway. We don’t operate that way. By investing in proper discovery and architecture first, we can tell you with confidence what Phase 2 will take — and deliver it without surprises.

  • Clear communication
  • Low disruption to your team
  • Rapid implementation
  • Measurable outcomes
  • Accurate timelines and cost estimates before any development begins

Phase 1 — The Assessment

The Technology Assessment is a standalone, fixed-scope / fixed-price engagement. It’s the foundation for everything that follows — and delivers tangible value on its own, independent of whether Phase 2 proceeds. At the conclusion of Phase 1, you have a complete picture of what the solution requires and exactly what it will take to build it.  Phase 1 deliverables include:

  • Executive-ready summary
  • Prioritized list of AI and automation opportunities
  • Visual workflow diagrams (current state and future state)
  • Practical AI & Automation roadmap aligned to your business goals

1. Discovery & System Review

We engage your team and perform a thorough assessment of your workflows (human / system), technology stack, data flows, and operational bottlenecks. We determine where AI-driven automation, system integration, or custom development can streamline operations and support scale.

Deliverables:

  • Review current processes / workflows (human & system)
  • Document existing processes
  • Define Pros / Cons

2. Analysis & Opportunity Mapping

We identify modernization / automation opportunities and evaluate feasibility across your tools, workflows, and data.

Deliverables:

  • Opportunity analysis & map
  • Proposed recommendations
  • First client review

3. Architecture & Phase 2 Planning / Budgeting

Based upon the output & agreed upon direction from the client review, we design a practical architecture — from integrations and data flows to AI usage and automation logic. Our designs focus on reliability, scalability, and alignment with your business goals.  Knowledge gained is leveraged to develop a Phase 2 budget estimate.

Deliverables:

  • Automation blueprint & SaaS tools definition
  • API validation & technical requirements
  • Step-by-step workflow design
  • Phase 2 timeline and budget estimate
  • Client review

Phase 2 — Build & Implementation

Phase 2 is where the designed solution is engineered, integrated, tested, and launched. Because the core architecture and requirements are fully defined coming out of Phase 1, Phase 2 is executed with clarity and confidence.  Many clients move directly from Phase 1 to Phase 2. Others use the Assessment to plan and budget for the build on a schedule that fits their priorities.


4. Development

Our team builds automations, integrations, and custom solutions using the right mix of platforms and code. We follow proven engineering practices to ensure everything is scalable, maintainable, and secure.

Deliverables:

  • Deployed workflows
  • Integrated AI models (OpenAI GPT, Gemini, Claude)
  • Custom code (if required)

5. Testing & Quality Assurance

We validate every workflow to ensure accuracy, reliability, and performance. Your team reviews each solution and we refine until it performs seamlessly.

Deliverables:

  • User acceptance testing
  • Error-handling routines
  • Performance validation

6. Launch, Documentation, & Ongoing Support

Once approved, we launch into production and document all key technical information. We can also provide ongoing optimization and support as your systems and needs evolve.

Deliverables:

  • Production launch
  • Technical documentation
  • Optional — Ongoing support & optimization

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800-695-5107
info@step7consulting.com
Seattle, Washington

Since 2016, Step 7 Consulting has partnered with operational and technology leaders at growing & mid-market organizations to architect and build banking, payments, and workflow automation systems that scale. Based in the Seattle metro, we work from strategy through execution — delivering production-ready results that support long-term growth.

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