Gather the people who perform the work, because their description of the process, including the workarounds, is the most accurate map available. Check what access exists to the systems involved, since permissions and API availability shape the integration plan.
If your data is scattered or inconsistent, say so early; a preparation stage can be planned rather than discovered mid-build. Where leadership wants a structured starting point, the AI readiness assessment examines data, tools and workflows and produces a prioritised roadmap from USD 8k over two to three weeks.
Companies that prefer to begin with direction rather than diagnostics can start with AI strategy, priced from USD 12k to 25k over three to four weeks. Neither is mandatory.
A well-scoped first build, starting the engagement at the discovery step, works just as well for many businesses, and the discovery phase will tell you honestly whether preparation is needed first.