Two common first engagement types in the AI consulting world. They sound similar; they produce very different outputs. If you are choosing between them, here's what each actually delivers and which is right for you.
An AI audit produces a written, prioritized roadmap with specific workflows, owners, and timelines (\$1.5K-\$15K, 1-3 weeks). An AI strategy engagement produces a longer narrative deck about vision, positioning, and direction (\$15K-\$80K, 6-12 weeks). Most mid-market companies need the audit, not the strategy.
If you are a $5M-$50M B2B company that has not deployed AI yet: start with the audit. The strategy adds delay; the audit causes action.
If you are an enterprise considering multi-year AI investments across business units: an AI strategy may be warranted, particularly if board narrative matters.
If you are about to raise capital and investors want to see an AI thesis: a strategy engagement may pay for itself in pitch credibility.
Sometimes. Most good firms include strategic framing in their audit deliverable. Pure strategy engagements often skip the actionable roadmap, which is the part you actually need.
Audit: 1-3 weeks. Strategy: 6-12 weeks.
Audit: \$1.5K-\$15K. Strategy: \$15K-\$80K.
Most $5M-$50M companies need only the audit. Enterprises sometimes need both.