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FAQ

Straight answers, before you spend a dollar

The questions we get asked most, answered the way we'd want them answered if we were the one hiring.

Should I build custom software or buy off-the-shelf?

Buy off-the-shelf whenever it fits: it's cheaper and someone else maintains it. Build custom when the off-the-shelf tools keep almost fitting and the workarounds are becoming the job. The automation audit exists to tell you which situation you're in before you spend on either.

What does an automation audit get me?

A written, prioritized plan with a price beside each fix. We spend a day or two in your shop, on site or on calls, finding where hours go to manual work, and the plan is yours to act on yourself or hand back to us.

Do I own the software you build?

Yes. The code and the data are yours. If we host and maintain it after launch, you can take both elsewhere whenever you like.

What happens if it breaks in year five?

The person who built it picks up the phone. We build on mainstream, well-supported technology, so a fix in year five is routine, and if you ever want someone else to do it, they'll find code they recognize.

How can the prices be fixed?

Because we scope the work before we quote it, and AI tools take enough of the typing out of the job that we can carry the risk of a firm number. The price moves only if the scope does.

Do you only work with local businesses?

We're in Southwestern Ontario, and we work with industrial businesses across Canada and the US. Most of the relationship happens over calls and working software.

Are you the same company as CirrusLabs (cirruslabs.io) or Cirrus Labs?

No. CirrusLab (cirruslab.com) is an independent custom-software and automation studio in Southwestern Ontario, founded in 2012 and owner-operated. We are not affiliated with CirrusLabs (cirruslabs.io) or Cirrus Labs (cirruslabs.org), which are separate companies with similar names.

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