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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our services.

Questions and answers

General

What exactly does Telos Machina do?

We design, deploy, and maintain custom automation systems for Quebec SMBs. In practice, we map your repetitive processes — data entry, email follow-ups, manual reports, approval workflows — and automate them using AI tools and integration platforms. Then we stay on to maintain and improve your system month after month.

How is this different from a traditional web agency?

A web agency builds websites and applications. We go after your operational processes. We don't do site development — we automate the work your employees do manually every day. Our specialty is workflows: connecting your tools, processing data automatically, triggering smart alerts, and generating reports without anyone lifting a finger.

What types of businesses do you work with?

We primarily work with SMBs of 5 to 100 employees in sectors like accounting, real estate, retail, healthcare, construction, and professional services. If you have repetitive processes and digital tools (email, CRM, spreadsheets), we can probably help.

Do you only work with businesses in Quebec?

Quebec is our primary market — we're based in Sherbrooke and Joliette. That said, we can work with businesses anywhere in Canada. Our consultations and support are fully remote, so geography isn't a barrier.

AI and Automation

Will AI replace my employees?

No. According to a 2025 Microsoft study, 88% of workers say AI helps them get their work done faster — not replace them. Automation handles the repetitive, low-value tasks so your team can focus on what actually requires judgment, creativity, or human connection.

Isn't my business too small for AI?

Not at all. According to Microsoft, 71% of Canadian SMBs are already using AI in their daily work. Modern automation tools are accessible and affordable, even for very small businesses. A solopreneur who saves 5 hours a week through automation recovers the equivalent of 250 hours a year — a very concrete gain.

Is my business data secure?

Yes. We use established platforms with recognized security certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001). Your data doesn't leave the systems you already control. We work with the tools you use and never create copies in third-party systems without your explicit approval.

How long does it take to set up automations?

The typical timeline for the first automations is 2 to 4 weeks, depending on complexity. An Essential project (1–2 workflows) goes live in about 2 weeks. A Growth project (3–5 workflows) usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. We work in phases so you see results quickly.

What tools and platforms do you use?

We choose tools based on your needs, not our preferences. We work with platforms like Make (formerly Integromat), Zapier, n8n, and the native APIs of your existing tools. We also integrate AI models from Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI when it makes sense. If you already have tools in place, we adapt to them.

Pricing and Billing

How much does it cost?

Our monthly plans start at a few hundred dollars per month, depending on the number of automations. There is also a one-time implementation fee at the start. See our pricing page for full details, or book a consultation to get a personalized estimate.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. You pay implementation once, then a fixed amount each month. There are no per-automation, per-use, or per-integration fees within your plan. If you want to add features beyond your plan, we give you a quote before we begin.

Can I change plans partway through?

Yes. You can upgrade at any time — the change takes effect at the next billing cycle. To downgrade, 30 days' written notice is required.

Do you offer a pilot project before committing to a subscription?

Yes. We offer fixed-scope pilot projects for businesses that want to validate results before committing. Bring it up during your free consultation — we'll tailor the approach to your situation.

Are there grants available to offset the cost?

Yes. Several government programs can cover part of your digital transformation costs. The PCAN and PME 2.0 programs offer grants of up to $50,000 for Quebec SMBs. We can help you identify programs you qualify for and prepare your application.

Process and Collaboration

How does the engagement work?

We start with a free 30-minute consultation to understand your needs. Then we do a detailed audit of your processes. We present an automation plan before writing a single line of code. Once approved, we deploy in phases, train your team, and provide ongoing maintenance.

Do I need technical skills to work with you?

No. You don't need to know programming or technical details — we handle all of that. What we need from you is a clear understanding of your current business processes and availability to answer our questions during the audit.

What happens if I want to cancel?

30 days' written notice is all it takes. We shut down the automations cleanly and hand over complete documentation of everything we built. Your team can take it over or pass it to someone else. Nothing is locked in.

How do I reach you if something breaks?

By email and phone depending on your plan. Growth and Custom clients get priority support with a guaranteed response time. For urgent issues, we have a dedicated support channel. Most problems are resolved within 24 hours.

Still have questions?

We respond within 24 hours on business days.