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.
Wasted on manual invoice data entry into Xero accounting system
Senior engineers transcribing beam specs from PDF to Excel
Previous generic tools couldn't handle document variance
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.
Our analysis revealed 33+ hours/month of wasted senior staff time. The Board-Ready Business Case projected $214,500 in Year 1 returns.
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
Gross Return
Total Investment
ROI
Payback Period
The Office Manager championed the project, ensuring user adoption
We set 90% accuracy target, achieved 98.5%—under-promise, over-deliver
Started with invoices (easy win), then schedules (complex)
P6 hours of hands-on training ensured smooth handover
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.