Frequently asked questions
Common questions about automation consulting, tools, pricing, and working together.
Tools and technology
What automation tools do you use?
n8n for most workflow automation — it handles complex branching logic, supports self-hosting for Swiss data residency requirements, and has no per-task pricing that scales against you. Make for complex EU-hosted scenarios where a visual builder matters and the team will manage workflows themselves. Zapier for simpler, team-managed flows where data residency is not a concern.
What AI models do you integrate?
OpenAI GPT-4o and Anthropic Claude for most AI tasks (email classification, document extraction, meeting notes, multilingual processing). Locally-hosted models via Ollama (Llama 3.1, Mistral) for data that cannot leave your infrastructure — common for Swiss clients handling employee or client data under revDSG.
Can you work with the tools we already use?
Yes. Automation works by connecting existing tools via their APIs. I integrate with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Jira, Linear, Asana, Airtable, Notion, Stripe, Abacus, Bexio, SAP, DocuSign, Skribble, GitHub, and 500+ others. If it has an API or webhook, it can be automated.
Do you build custom integrations for tools without a standard connector?
Yes. For tools with a REST API or GraphQL endpoint, I build custom HTTP request nodes in n8n or Make. For tools with no API (legacy software, desktop applications), options are more limited — I will tell you upfront if a tool cannot be integrated in a cost-effective way.
Compliance and data
What is revDSG and why does it matter for automation?
Switzerland's revised Federal Act on Data Protection (revDSG), in force since September 2023, regulates how personal data is processed and shared. Running employee or client data through a US-hosted SaaS automation platform (Zapier, cloud n8n) constitutes data sharing with that vendor and requires a valid Data Processing Agreement (DPA) and Standard Contractual Clauses for cross-border transfer. Self-hosted n8n on Swiss infrastructure eliminates this issue.
Can you build automations that keep data in Switzerland?
Yes. n8n can be self-hosted on Swiss infrastructure — Exoscale (Geneva/Zurich), Nine.ch, or Infomaniak (Geneva). Your workflow execution, data, and logs stay within Switzerland. For AI tasks involving sensitive data, locally-hosted models via Ollama run entirely within your network with no external API calls.
Do I need a DPA with you?
As a sole practitioner, I access client systems only for the purpose of building and testing the automation. I do not store or process client personal data independently. For formal engagements involving personal data, I include standard data protection provisions in the project contract.
What about GDPR for EU clients?
The same principles apply. Make is EU-hosted and includes a DPA. n8n on Hetzner (Germany/Finland) or other EU providers satisfies GDPR data residency requirements. OpenAI and Anthropic both offer EU DPAs and Standard Contractual Clauses for enterprise API use.
Project and pricing
How long does a typical project take?
Simple automations (2–5 steps, one or two tools): 3–5 days. Standard onboarding or CRM automation: 1–2 weeks. Complex multi-system workflows with AI components: 3–6 weeks. Projects requiring custom API integrations or legacy system access take longer — scope is clarified in the proposal before work starts.
What does it cost?
Pricing is in CHF. Simple projects start from CHF 1,500–3,000. Standard multi-system workflows: CHF 3,000–8,000. Complex AI integrations or multi-phase projects are quoted individually. All prices are fixed or clearly estimated and agreed before work starts — no open-ended retainers unless requested.
Do you offer ongoing support or maintenance?
Every project includes a 30-day support window after go-live. Beyond that, most clients handle routine operation themselves. For teams that want ongoing automation development, I offer a monthly retainer covering a fixed number of build hours. Ad-hoc project work is also available.
What do you need from me to start a project?
Access to the tools involved (API credentials or admin access), a description of the current manual process, and sample input data (anonymised is fine). The discovery call covers all of this — I have a standard process for mapping workflows that typically takes 30–45 minutes.
Working together
Do you work remotely or in person?
Primarily remote — most automation work does not require in-person presence. I can meet in person for clients in the Lake Geneva region (Geneva, Lausanne, Vaud). For clients further afield in Switzerland or internationally, I work fully remote via video call.
Do you work with companies outside Switzerland?
Yes. Clients are based across Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, and the UK. Remote collaboration works well for automation projects — the work is digital and asynchronous by nature. I am fluent in English and French.
What happens if the automation breaks after you hand it over?
The 30-day post-go-live support window covers anything that breaks on real production data. Beyond that, documented workflows are designed so that your team can diagnose basic issues (I always include error notifications and logs). For anything requiring hands-on fixes, I am available as a paid engagement.
How do I get started?
Get in touch via the contact form and describe what you want to automate. I will reply with a brief assessment and suggest a 30-minute discovery call if it looks like a good fit. The call is free and there is no obligation to move forward.
Related pages
→ How a project works (step by step)→ Workflow automation service→ AI integration service→ n8n vs Make vs Zapier: detailed comparisonStill have questions?
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