A realistic scenario demonstrating the Curam-Ai Protocol™ methodology applied to a typical mid-sized structural engineering firm
Note: This is an illustrative case study based on realistic industry benchmarks and our proven methodology. Results are representative of typical engagements but individual outcomes may vary.
A 70-person structural engineering firm was experiencing significant operational inefficiencies. Their Office Manager spent 23+ hours per month manually entering vendor invoices into Xero, while senior engineers wasted 45-60 minutes per schedule manually transcribing beam specifications from PDF drawings into Excel for capacity checking.
The firm's leadership recognized that these repetitive tasks were consuming valuable billable capacity, but they were skeptical about AI solutions. Previous attempts with generic automation tools had failed due to the unique variance in their engineering documents.
The firm engaged with Curam-Ai Protocol™ following our structured four-phase approach, ensuring risk mitigation and predictable outcomes at each stage.
The firm submitted 8 sample documents representing their full range of complexity (clean invoices, messy handwritten schedules, legacy drawings). Within 48 hours, we delivered a Validated Benchmark showing ≥92% accuracy across all critical fields. The test passed, unlocking Phase 2.
We conducted targeted interviews with the Office Manager, Drafting Manager, and senior engineers to map baseline workflows. The analysis revealed:
The Board-Ready Business Case demonstrated a $214,500 gross return in Year 1 through capacity reallocation, risk mitigation, and efficiency gains.
We mapped the deployment against ISO 27001 controls and validated all data residency requirements. The solution was architected exclusively within their existing M365/Azure tenant, ensuring zero data egress and eliminating Shadow IT risk. The CTO approved the architecture within 2 weeks.
Over 6 weeks, we deployed three core routines: Invoice Gatekeeper, Schedule Digitiser, and Automated Drawing Register. The solution integrated seamlessly with their existing Xero accounting system and SharePoint infrastructure. Full IP handover was completed, including source code, documentation, and training videos.
Within 90 days of Phase 4 completion, the firm achieved measurable improvements across all three routines:
Time saved on invoice processing
Per schedule digitization
Field-level extraction accuracy
Senior staff time redirected to billable work
Gross Return
Total Investment
ROI
Payback Period
Every phase had a fixed price and defined outcome, eliminating scope creep and cost uncertainty.
The ≥90% accuracy guarantee in Phase 1 eliminated technical risk before significant investment.
Complete source code handover ensured self-sufficiency and eliminated vendor lock-in.
Phase 3 addressed all security and compliance requirements before deployment, ensuring smooth IT approval.
This illustrative case study demonstrates how the Curam-Ai Protocol™ can work for your firm. Start with a Phase 1 Feasibility Sprint to prove it works on your specific documents.