Overview
Enterprise Cisco automation consulting, implementation, and capability transfer
Transform network operations without creating another black box¶
Nautomation Prime helps enterprise Cisco teams move from manual workflows, inherited scripts, and stalled automation efforts to production-grade delivery with measurable ROI and documented handover. The outcome is not just working code, but an automation operating model your team can run, trust, and extend.
- Enterprise Cisco focus
- Founder-led delivery
- 6-12 month typical payback
- Ownership built into handover
Transparency note: Nautomation Prime is an early-stage, founder-led practice. Figures, outcomes, and examples on this page are based on Christopher Davies' enterprise delivery experience unless explicitly identified as direct Nautomation Prime client results.
Who this is for¶
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Infrastructure leaders under pressure to prove ROI¶
Use automation to reduce operational drag, lower change risk, and give leadership concrete evidence of value.
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Network teams inheriting brittle scripts¶
Replace undocumented one-off tooling with transparent systems your engineers can actually operate and extend.
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Security and compliance-conscious organisations¶
Build automation with auditability, rollback, validation, and optional code-signing already considered.
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Teams that need help without long-term dependency¶
Work with a founder-led specialist who prioritises handover, knowledge transfer, and sustainable team capability.
Choose the right engagement model¶
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Full PRIME Framework engagement¶
Best for organisations that need strategy, design, implementation, measurement, and capability transfer handled as one programme.
Typical investment: £12,000 - £28,000
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Individual PRIME stages¶
Bring Nautomation Prime in where you need leverage most: opportunity discovery, workflow design, implementation, ROI tracking, or team empowerment.
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SMB automation packages¶
If you need fixed-price, fast-turnaround work rather than a full enterprise engagement, use the SMB package route instead.
Representative enterprise outcomes¶
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6-12 month payback¶
Comparable enterprise environments often recover the investment within the first year when scope and adoption are disciplined.
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60-80 percent less manual effort¶
Repetitive workflows are redesigned first, then automated with validation and operational safeguards.
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95 percent plus validated accuracy¶
Automated checks reduce drift, cut human error, and improve change confidence across the estate.
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Zero vendor lock-in¶
Delivered automation is documented, transferred, and structured so your team retains control after handover.
Work directly with Christopher Davies¶
Nautomation Prime is founder-led. You work directly with Christopher Davies, a CCNP-certified network engineer with 10+ years in enterprise infrastructure and automation delivery across real operational environments, not a hand-off chain of junior consultants.
Do we need Python skills before we engage?¶
No. Engagements can be structured for operational ownership, code-level ownership, or a hybrid path that builds capability over time. Your team does not need to start as Python developers to get value from the work.
Enterprise Challenges We Solve¶
| Challenge | PRIME Framework Response |
|---|---|
| Operational Scale — Manual processes cannot keep up with business growth | Data-driven Pinpoint analysis identifies the highest-value automation opportunities |
| Change Risk — Configuration mistakes create outages and SLA impact | Production-grade Implement adds validation, rollback, and staged deployment patterns |
| Audit & Compliance — Manual verification is slow and inconsistent | Automated governance and reporting provide repeatable evidence and exception handling |
| Skills Gap — Hiring and retaining automation expertise is difficult | Empower builds internal capability with structured transfer and support |
| ROI Uncertainty — Leadership needs proof, not enthusiasm | Measure instruments value and produces executive-ready reporting |
| Technical Debt — Inherited scripts are hard to trust or modify | The PRIME Philosophy keeps delivery transparent, maintainable, and auditable |
Why automation programmes stall¶
Across enterprise environments we have worked in, the same three patterns appear repeatedly:
- Tactical execution without strategic planning — Teams automate low-value work, skip ROI analysis, and fail to align delivery with business priorities.
- Script first, think later — Fragile prototypes get pushed into production without proper workflow redesign, testing, rollback, or governance.
- Build-and-abandon delivery — Code is delivered, but the team is not prepared to understand, maintain, or extend it after handover.
Why the PRIME Framework works¶
The PRIME Framework is designed to prevent those failure modes:
✅ Pinpoint — Identify opportunities with proven ROI through data-driven analysis
✅ Re-engineer — Optimise workflows for scalability before any code is written
✅ Implement — Deliver production-ready solutions built on PRIME Philosophy principles
✅ Measure — Track performance and demonstrate quantifiable business value
✅ Empower — Transfer knowledge and build sustainable long-term team capability
All bespoke automation projects are developed exclusively for the commissioning client. Custom scripts are never published, reused, or shared with third parties. Clients receive full ownership rights or an exclusive licence as defined in the project agreement, and NDAs are standard for engagements.
Security & Compliance Assurance¶
Enterprise-Grade Security Practices¶
All PRIME Framework engagements adhere to strict security and compliance standards:
| Security Domain | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Credential Management | No hardcoded passwords; integration with enterprise vaults (CyberArk, HashiCorp Vault, Ansible Tower) |
| Audit Trails | Comprehensive logging of all automation activities with timestamp, user, action, and outcome |
| Change Control | Pre-flight validation, post-flight verification, automated rollback capabilities |
| Code Security | Static analysis, dependency vulnerability scanning, secrets detection |
| Software Integrity | Optional code-signing for delivered Python automation packages to verify publisher authenticity and tamper evidence |
| Access Control | Role-based execution permissions, segregation of duties support |
| Data Protection | Compliance with GDPR; all client data handled within UK jurisdiction |
Regulatory Compliance Support¶
Our automation solutions support your compliance requirements:
- SOX/SOC2 — Audit trail generation, change tracking, segregation of duties
- ISO 27001 — Configuration management, access control, security monitoring
- PCI-DSS — Network segmentation automation, security configuration validation
- Industry-Specific — Configurable audit reporting for sector-specific requirements
Professional Standards¶
Business Credentials:
- VAT-registered UK business (VAT number provided on invoices)
- Professional Indemnity & Public Liability Insurance
- GDPR-compliant data handling (see Privacy Policy)
- Client code ownership: full rights transfer or exclusive licence (your choice)
Technical Standards:
- Production-grade error handling and exception management
- Comprehensive unit testing and integration testing
- Version control with Git for all deliverables
- Documentation adhering to enterprise standards
Enterprise Service Offerings¶
🎯 Full PRIME Framework Engagement (Recommended)¶
Complete end-to-end transformation from strategic planning to operational capability.
Our flagship service delivers the complete journey: from identifying the right opportunities through to building sustainable internal capability. This comprehensive approach ensures maximum ROI and long-term organizational value.
Strategic Value:
- Risk Mitigation — Systematic process reduces implementation risk and change-related outages
- Executive Visibility — Regular reporting and metrics demonstrate tangible business value
- Sustainable Capability — Your team gains autonomy; no long-term vendor dependency
- Proven Methodology — De-risked approach based on successful enterprise deployments
Deliverables Across All 5 Stages:
| Stage | Duration | Key Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Pinpoint | 1-2 weeks | Discovery workshop, ROI analysis, prioritized automation roadmap, executive summary |
| Re-engineer | 1-2 weeks | Workflow optimisation, technical architecture design, safety & validation plans |
| Implement | 2-6 weeks | Production-ready Python automation, comprehensive testing, documentation |
| Measure | 3-6 months | Performance instrumentation, ROI tracking, executive reporting dashboard |
| Empower | 2-4 weeks | Knowledge transfer sessions, technical documentation, 8-week transition support |
Typical Project Timeline: 6-12 weeks for development + 3-6 months measurement phase
Investment Range: £12,000 - £28,000 (depending on scope and complexity)
Expected ROI: In comparable enterprise environments, payback is often 6-12 months when scope and adoption are disciplined
Ideal For: Organisations seeking strategic, sustainable automation with proven methodology and measurable business outcomes
Request Discovery Call to discuss your automation requirements.
🛠️ Individual Services (A La Carte)¶
If you already have automation plans or internal capability, we offer individual PRIME stages:
Pinpoint (Discovery & Roadmap)¶
Perfect for: Organisations exploring automation maturity or building internal business cases
Deliverables:
- Discovery workshop with network operations team
- Time-motion study of operational workflows
- Prioritized automation roadmap with ROI calculations
- Executive summary and technical feasibility notes
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Investment: £2,500 - £4,000
Re-engineer (Workflow Design)¶
Perfect for: Teams with identified automations but need architecture guidance
Deliverables:
- Current state vs. future state workflow analysis
- Technical architecture documents
- Safety & validation plans
- Implementation blueprints for development team
Timeline: 1-2 weeks per automation
Investment: £3,000 - £6,000
Learn more about Re-engineer →
Implement (Custom Development)¶
Perfect for: Organisations needing production-ready automation built by experts
What We Build:
- Automated Provisioning: Bulk VLAN, SVI, and Interface configurations
- Fleet Upgrades: Intelligent IOS/IOS-XE software management with Nornir parallelization
- Compliance Auditing: "Golden Config" verification against enterprise standards
- API & Security Automation: Identity Services Engine (ISE) SGT assignments, endpoint profiling
- Network Visibility: Topology discovery, inventory collection, automated reporting
- Framework Integration: Python orchestration with Cisco Catalyst Center, Ansible, Nornir
Deliverables:
- Production-hardened Python code following PRIME Philosophy
- Comprehensive testing (lab validation + pilot deployment)
- Line-by-line documentation
- README with installation, usage, troubleshooting
Timeline: 2-6 weeks (depending on complexity)
Investment: £6,000 - £18,000
Code-Signing & Software Integrity (New)¶
Perfect for: Security-conscious organisations requiring cryptographic proof of software origin and integrity
What This Adds:
- Cryptographic signing of delivered Python automation packages and release artefacts
- Verification instructions for security teams and change governance workflows
- Signature validation checks integrated into deployment/runbook documentation
- Optional key-rotation and certificate renewal guidance for long-term governance
Business Value:
- Reduces security-team friction during onboarding and production approvals
- Demonstrates software authenticity and tamper evidence for audit and assurance
- Strengthens trust in bespoke automation delivered to regulated environments
- Differentiates your automation operating model from unsigned-script delivery
Delivery Model: Add-on service to Implement engagements or retrofit for selected existing tools
Timeline: 2-5 business days (typical, depending on release model) Investment: £900 - £2,400
Recommended With: Implement + Measure for security assurance and measurable adoption outcomes
Measure (ROI Tracking)¶
Perfect for: Organisations with existing automation needing ROI proof
Deliverables:
- Baseline metrics reconstruction
- Instrumentation added to existing scripts
- 3 months of performance tracking
- Executive summary report with ROI calculation
Timeline: 3 months (ongoing tracking)
Investment: £2,000 - £3,500
Empower (Knowledge Transfer)¶
Perfect for: Organisations with existing automation needing team capability building
Deliverables:
- 4 knowledge transfer sessions (architecture, code walkthrough, operations, modification)
- Complete documentation package (user guide, technical reference, runbook)
- 8 weeks of transition support
Timeline: 2-4 weeks over 3 months
Investment: £3,000 - £5,000
Engagement Tracks by Technical Capability¶
The PRIME Framework adapts to your team's Python knowledge. Choose the track that matches your current capability and goals:
Track 1: Operational Ownership (No Python Required)¶
Perfect for: Teams focused on operational outcomes, not code development
What You Get:
- Production-ready automation delivered as documented tools
- User guides focused on running automation, interpreting outputs, troubleshooting common issues
- Empower stage trains your team to operate automation confidently (not modify code)
- Ongoing support for operational questions
What Ownership Means:
- You own the outcomes—automation reduces manual work and delivers measurable ROI
- You control when and how automation runs
- You understand what the automation does (human-readable logs, documentation)
- Code remains transparent and auditable, but modification requires external help or upskilling
Long-Term Value:
- Immediate operational efficiency gains
- Reduced dependency on manual processes
- Foundation for future code-level capability if team upskills
Investment: Standard PRIME pricing (Empower stage focuses on operational training)
Track 2: Code-Level Ownership (Python Knowledge Helpful)¶
Perfect for: Teams with Python skills wanting full autonomy
What You Get:
- Production-ready code with line-by-line technical commentary
- Developer-focused documentation (architecture decisions, extension points, testing approaches)
- Empower stage includes code walkthroughs, modification workshops, debugging training
- Team learns to write new automation using delivered code as templates
What Ownership Means:
- You own the code—modify, extend, and create new automation independently
- No vendor dependency for future changes
- Your team becomes automation authors, not just operators
Long-Term Value:
- Maximum ROI—internal team builds follow-on automation without external costs
- Continuous improvement—team iterates and optimises based on feedback
- Skill development—engineers gain marketable Python automation expertise
Investment: Standard PRIME pricing (Empower stage focuses on code-level training)
Recommended Preparation: Complete Beginner Tutorials before engagement for maximum value
Track 3: Hybrid Approach (Recommended for Growing Teams)¶
Perfect for: Teams wanting immediate operational value while building long-term code capability
What You Get:
- Phase 1: Operational ownership (automation deployed, team trained to operate)
- Phase 2: Code literacy (team learns to read and understand code over 3-6 months)
- Phase 3: Modification capability (team learns to modify and extend with guided support)
- Gradual skill transfer prevents overwhelming engineers while maintaining productivity
What Ownership Means:
- Immediate: Operational ownership (run automation, interpret results)
- 3 months: Code literacy (understand how it works, suggest improvements)
- 6 months: Modification capability (make changes with confidence)
- 12 months: Full autonomy (write new automation independently)
Long-Term Value:
- No operational disruption—automation delivers value from day one
- Progressive learning—team builds skills without pressure
- Risk mitigation—fallback to operational ownership if code training stalls
Investment: Standard PRIME pricing + optional extended Empower phase (£2,000-£4,000 for 6-month guided transition)
Recommended Path:
- Complete PRIME engagement (all 5 stages with operational focus)
- Team members complete Intermediate Tutorials at own pace
- Quarterly "office hours" sessions for code questions and modification guidance
- After 6-12 months, team operates independently
Which Track Should I Choose?¶
Choose Track 1 (Operational Ownership) if:
- Your team has limited development time or interest
- You want immediate operational efficiency without internal skill development
- External support for future modifications is acceptable
Choose Track 2 (Code-Level Ownership) if:
- Your team has Python experience or strong development interest
- You want full autonomy and zero vendor dependency long-term
- Engineers are allocated time for automation development
Choose Track 3 (Hybrid) if:
- You want the best of both worlds—immediate value + future autonomy
- Team skill levels vary (some Python-capable, others not)
- You prefer gradual capability building over immediate deep-dive training
Still unsure? Request a discovery call to discuss which track fits your organisation.
🐳 Deployment Options¶
We deliver automation in formats that match your operational constraints:
Standard Python Scripts¶
Traditional Python code that runs directly on workstations or servers. Full source code, documented and modifiable.
Zero-Install Portable Bundles¶
For restricted enterprise workstations:
- Run automation directly from a folder or USB drive
- No Python installation required
- All libraries (Netmiko, Nornir, etc.) pre-packaged
- Full source code remains visible and auditable
Scheduled Docker Containers¶
For continuous autonomous execution:
- Pre-configured containers with Python environment and logic
- Scheduled auditing (daily/weekly "Golden Config" checks)
- Health monitoring (periodic ISE/IOS-XE polling with alerting)
- Zero-touch maintenance once deployed
Enterprise Use Cases & Solutions¶
Proven Automation Scenarios¶
Through the PRIME Framework, we've delivered measurable value across diverse enterprise scenarios:
Operational Efficiency & Scale¶
| Use Case | Manual Process | Automated Solution | Typical ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLAN Provisioning | 15-20 min per device, error-prone | 30-second bulk deployment with validation | 95% time reduction |
| Interface Configuration | 10-15 min per device, manual verification | Parallel bulk updates with automated rollback | 90% time reduction |
| Configuration Backups | Quarterly manual collection, inconsistent | Daily automated backups with version control | 100% coverage, continuous compliance |
| Compliance Auditing | Quarterly 2-week manual review | Daily Golden Config verification with exceptions | 98% reduction in audit time |
Fleet Management & Lifecycle¶
| Use Case | Manual Process | Automated Solution | Typical ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| IOS-XE Upgrades | 30-60 min per device, weekend work | Staged intelligent rollouts with health checks | 80% time reduction, predictable scheduling |
| Inventory Management | Monthly spreadsheet updates | Real-time automated discovery and tracking | Always current, zero manual effort |
| End-of-Life Tracking | Quarterly audits, reactive | Continuous monitoring with proactive alerts | Risk reduction, capital planning support |
Security & Compliance¶
| Use Case | Manual Process | Automated Solution | Typical ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISE Policy Management | Hours per SGT assignment | Bulk automated assignment with validation | 90% time reduction |
| ACL Deployment | Manual per-device, high error rate | Logic-based generation and deployment | 95%+ accuracy, audit trails |
| Security Posture Audits | Quarterly manual reviews | Continuous automated verification | Real-time compliance visibility |
Visibility & Intelligence¶
| Use Case | Manual Process | Automated Solution | Typical ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topology Mapping | Manual documentation, always outdated | Automated CDP/LLDP discovery | Always current, incident response acceleration |
| Health Monitoring | Reactive troubleshooting | Proactive polling with anomaly detection | Mean time to detect (MTTD) reduction |
| Executive Reporting | Manual data collection and spreadsheets | Automated dashboards (Grafana/Prometheus) | Real-time KPIs, data-driven decisions |
Industry-Specific Applications¶
Financial Services:
- High-frequency configuration backups for audit compliance
- Automated ACL management for segmentation requirements
- Change control automation with complete audit trails
Healthcare:
- Network segmentation automation for HIPAA compliance
- Medical device network profiling and policy automation
- Scheduled compliance verification with exception reporting
Education:
- Campus-wide VLAN provisioning for semester changes
- Bulk IoT device onboarding and segmentation
- Automated inventory management across distributed sites
Manufacturing:
- OT/IT network segmentation automation
- Industrial device profiling and security policy enforcement
- Scheduled configuration backups for operational resilience
Retail:
- Store network provisioning and standardisation
- PCI-DSS compliance automation for payment networks
- Centralized configuration management across distributed locations
Why Enterprise Organisations Choose Nautomation Prime¶
Strategic Partnership, Not Just Code Delivery¶
Most consultants deliver scripts. We build sustainable organizational capability.
Our approach differs fundamentally from traditional consulting models:
| Traditional Consulting | PRIME Framework Approach |
|---|---|
| Automate obvious tasks without ROI analysis | Pinpoint — Data-driven opportunity identification with concrete ROI projections before commitment |
| Automate existing inefficient workflows as-is | Re-engineer — Optimise processes for scalability before writing any code |
| Deliver prototype code with minimal documentation | Implement — Production-grade solutions with comprehensive documentation following PRIME Philosophy |
| No proof of value or business metrics | Measure — Concrete ROI metrics and executive reporting that prove business value |
| "Here's the code, good luck" handoff | Empower — Comprehensive knowledge transfer builds team autonomy and eliminates vendor dependency |
| Junior developers executing pre-sold templates | Direct engagement with principal engineer tailored to your specific environment |
The PRIME Philosophy: Our Core Commitments¶
Every engagement is guided by the PRIME Philosophy—principles that ensure enterprise-grade quality:
| Principle | Enterprise Impact |
|---|---|
| 🔍 Transparency Over Obscurity | Line-by-line code explanations ensure your team understands and can modify automation independently. No black boxes. |
| � Measurability Over Assumptions | Data-driven opportunity identification and ROI metrics that prove value to leadership. |
| 👤 Ownership Over Dependency | Full intellectual property transfer and knowledge transfer eliminate vendor lock-in. Your team owns the automation. |
| 🛡️ Safety Over Speed | Production-grade error handling, pre-flight validation, post-flight verification, and automatic rollback capabilities protect against outages. |
| 💪 Empowerment Over "Magic Buttons" | Your team gains deep understanding and modification capability, not just button-pushing operational tools. |
| 🔒 Client Confidentiality | Bespoke solutions remain exclusively yours—never published, reused, or shared. NDAs standard. Full IP ownership guaranteed. |
These principles are embedded in every stage of the PRIME Framework.
Enterprise Value Propositions¶
For IT Directors & Infrastructure Leaders¶
- Risk Mitigation — Proven methodology reduces implementation risk and change-related outages
- Budget Certainty — Fixed-fee pricing with defined scope protects against cost overruns
- Team Development — Knowledge transfer builds scarce automation skills within existing staff
- Strategic Alignment — ROI-driven approach ensures automation supports business objectives
For Network Engineering Teams¶
- Production-Grade Quality — Enterprise-ready code with comprehensive error handling and rollback
- Maintainability — Transparent, well-documented solutions that teams can modify and extend
- Knowledge Transfer — Upskilling in Python automation increases team capability and career value
- Sustainable Solutions — No dependency on original consultant for future modifications
For C-Suite & Business Leadership¶
- Measurable ROI — Concrete metrics demonstrate business value and justify investment
- Scalability —Automation enables network operations to scale with business growth
- Compliance Assurance — Audit trails and automated verification support regulatory requirements
- Competitive Advantage — Operational efficiency and agility support faster business response
Our Boutique Advantage¶
Direct Access to Senior Expertise¶
As a specialized consultancy, you work directly with the principal engineer throughout every engagement:
✅ No Handoffs — Same expert from discovery through delivery
✅ No Junior Developers — Senior-level experience on every line of code
✅ No Offshoring — UK-based delivery with full GDPR compliance
✅ No Template Solutions — Custom development tailored to your specific environment
Focused Specialization¶
Unlike generalist consultancies, we maintain deep expertise in a focused technology stack:
✅ Python Automation — Netmiko, Nornir, NAPALM, PyATS
✅ Cisco Infrastructure — IOS, IOS-XE, NX-OS, ACI
✅ Enterprise Integration — Ansible, Catalyst Center, ISE, Netbox, ServiceNow
✅ Production Deployment — Docker, CI/CD, credential vaults, monitoring integration
Investment & ROI¶
Why Fixed-Fee Pricing¶
Nautomation Prime operates on a fixed-fee project basis for PRIME Framework engagements—you receive a detailed scope, deliverables list, and total cost estimate upfront.
No hourly billing. No surprise invoices. No scope creep.
This model protects both parties: you gain budget certainty, and we're incentivized to deliver efficient, well-architected solutions rather than dragging out billable hours.
What Influences Project Cost?¶
Every engagement is scoped individually during the Pinpoint stage, with pricing typically determined by:
| Factor | Impact on Scope |
|---|---|
| Device Count | 50-device access layer vs. 500-device campus |
| Infrastructure Complexity | Legacy IOS vs. modern IOS-XE, distributed topologies |
| Deliverable Type | Standalone script vs. Dockerized container with dashboards |
| Integration Requirements | ISE, ServiceNow, CMDB, Netbox connections |
| Knowledge Transfer Depth | Code-only vs. full team training workshops |
Typical Investment Ranges¶
To give you a sense of scale (all prices exclude VAT):
Full PRIME Framework Engagement:
- Simple Automation: £12,000 - £18,000 (e.g., VLAN provisioning with full methodology)
- Medium Complexity: £18,000 - £28,000 (e.g., compliance auditing, inventory collection)
- Enterprise-Grade: £28,000 - £45,000+ (e.g., IOS-XE upgrade orchestrator, ISE integration)
Individual Stages (À La Carte):
- Pinpoint (Discovery): £2,500 - £4,000
- Re-engineer (Design): £3,000 - £6,000 per automation
- Implement (Development): £6,000 -£18,000
- Measure (ROI Tracking): £2,000 - £3,500
- Empower (Knowledge Transfer): £3,000 - £5,000
These are indicative ranges—actual quotes provided after discovery call.
Why PRIME Framework Delivers ROI¶
For You:
- Measurable value from Pinpoint stage—you know the ROI before committing
- Optimized workflows from Re-engineer—not just faster bad processes
- Production-grade reliability from Implement—no "prototype" code
- Proven results from Measure—concrete metrics and executive reports
- Long-term capability from Empower—team independence, not vendor lock-in
For Your Organisation:
- Sustainable automation that evolves with your needs
- Team empowerment to build additional automations
- Compounding returns—first automation pays for itself, subsequent ones are pure savings
The PRIME Framework Process¶
Our 5-stage methodology ensures maximum value and sustainable success:
Stage 1: Pinpoint (Week 1)
Discovery workshop → ROI analysis → Automation roadmap
Stage 2: Re-engineer (Weeks 2-3)
Workflow optimisation → Technical architecture → Safety planning
Stage 3: Implement (Weeks 4-8)
Production-ready development → Lab testing → Pilot deployment
Stage 4: Measure (Weeks 9-12+)
Metrics collection → ROI calculation → Executive reporting
Stage 5: Empower (Weeks 10-16)
Knowledge transfer → Documentation → Team capability building
Timeline: 6-12 weeks typical for medium-complexity automation
Learn more about the PRIME Framework →
Comprehensive Deliverables Package¶
Every Full PRIME Framework engagement includes:
Strategic Planning & Analysis¶
Pinpoint Stage Deliverables:
✅ Prioritized automation roadmap with quantified ROI for each opportunity
✅ Executive summary suitable for leadership presentation
✅ Technical feasibility assessment
✅ Risk analysis and mitigation strategies
Architecture & Process Design¶
Re-engineer Stage Deliverables:
✅ Current state vs. future state workflow documentation
✅ Technical architecture blueprints with component diagrams
✅ Safety and validation specifications
✅ Implementation guidelines and acceptance criteria
Production-Ready Implementation¶
Implement Stage Deliverables:
✅ Production-hardened Python code following PRIME Philosophy
✅ Comprehensive test coverage (unit tests, integration tests, lab validation)
✅ Line-by-line code documentation with architecture explanations
✅ Complete README with installation procedures, usage examples, troubleshooting guide
✅ Secure credential management integration (vault/keyring)
✅ Comprehensive error handling and automatic rollback capabilities
Business Value Proof¶
Measure Stage Deliverables:
✅ Performance tracking instrumentation embedded in automation
✅ 3-6 months of continuous metrics collection
✅ ROI calculation report with before/after comparisons
✅ Executive dashboard with key performance indicators
✅ Continuous improvement recommendations based on data
Knowledge Transfer & Capability Building¶
Empower Stage Deliverables:
✅ Four structured knowledge transfer workshops: - Architecture overview and design decisions - Code walkthrough and modification techniques - Operational procedures and troubleshooting - Extension patterns for future requirements
✅ Complete documentation package: - User guide for operational teams - Technical reference for developers - Runbook for incident response - Training materials for new team members
✅ 8 weeks of dedicated transition support
✅ Optional quarterly "office hours" for extended guidance
Enterprise Guarantees¶
Included with Every Engagement:
| Guarantee | Details |
|---|---|
| Intellectual Property | Full IP ownership or exclusive licence (your choice) with perpetual modification rights |
| Confidentiality | Bespoke code never published, reused, or shared; NDAs standard |
| Post-Delivery Support | 30-day warranty for bug fixes and adjustments at no additional cost |
| Principal Engineer Access | Direct engagement with senior expert—no outsourcing, no junior developers |
| Fixed-Fee Protection | No hourly billing, no surprise invoices, no scope creep |
| Quality Assurance | Production-grade testing before any deployment to live environment |
Get Started: Enterprise Engagement Process¶
Ready to transform your network operations with proven automation methodology?
Step 1: Discovery & Assessment (Free, No Obligation)¶
Initial Consultation (30-60 minutes):
We'll explore:
- Current operational challenges and automation goals
- Infrastructure scope (device counts, platforms, topology complexity)
- Organizational context (team skills, change management processes, compliance requirements)
- Success criteria and expected outcomes
- Questions about the PRIME Framework methodology
What You Can Expect:
✅ No Sales Pressure: Honest assessment of whether automation is right for you
✅ No Obligation: Information gathering only; no commitment required
✅ Confidentiality: NDA available immediately upon request
✅ Rapid Response: 24-48 hour response time (UK business days)
Step 2: Proposal & Pinpoint Stage (Week 1-2)¶
If we're aligned on goals and approach, we proceed to formal engagement:
Detailed Proposal Includes:
- Project scope aligned to PRIME Framework methodology
- Timeline with milestones for all 5 stages
- Fixed-fee quote with deliverables breakdown
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
- Team requirements and engagement model
Pinpoint Stage Delivers:
- Discovery workshop with your network operations team (delivered remotely or on-site)
- Time-motion analysis of current workflows
- Prioritized automation roadmap with ROI calculations for each opportunity
- Technical feasibility assessment
- Executive summary for leadership approval
Key Decision Point: The Pinpoint deliverables provide concrete ROI projections that support budget approval—even if you choose not to proceed with full implementation, you gain strategic value.
Step 3: Implementation & Delivery (Weeks 2-16)¶
Upon approval, we execute the full PRIME Framework:
| Stage | Duration | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Re-engineer | 1-2 weeks | Workflow optimisation, architecture design, safety planning |
| Implement | 2-6 weeks | Development, lab testing, pilot deployment, documentation |
| Measure | 3-6 months | Performance tracking, ROI calculation, executive reporting |
| Empower | 2-4 weeks | Knowledge transfer, team training, transition support (8 weeks) |
Or choose individual services if you need specific stages only.
Engagement Models:
- Full PRIME Framework: Complete Pinpoint → Re-engineer → Implement → Measure → Empower
- Targeted Services: Discovery only, Implementation only, Knowledge Transfer only, etc.
- Multi-Phase Roadmap: Sequence multiple automations over 12-24 months
About Nautomation Prime¶
UK-Based Specialist Network Automation Consultancy¶
Nautomation Prime is a boutique professional services firm specializing exclusively in Cisco network infrastructure automation using Python-driven solutions delivered through the PRIME Framework methodology.
Why Boutique Matters¶
As a specialized practice, you receive dedicated principal engineer engagement throughout the project lifecycle:
✅ Continuity: Same technical expert from discovery through delivery—no knowledge loss
✅ Seniority: Senior-level expertise on every line of code—no junior developers
✅ Accountability: Direct relationship with decision-maker—no corporate bureaucracy
✅ Flexibility: Rapid response and adaptive approach—no rigid corporate processes
✅ Specialization: Deep expertise in focused technology stack—no generalist dilution
Professional Credentials¶
Business & Compliance:
- VAT-registered UK business (VAT number provided on invoices)
- Professional Indemnity & Public Liability Insurance
- GDPR-compliant data handling (see Privacy Policy)
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) standard for all engagements
- Client code ownership: full IP transfer or exclusive licence (your choice)
Technical Expertise:
| Domain | Technologies |
|---|---|
| Python Automation | Netmiko, Nornir, NAPALM, PyATS, Paramiko |
| Cisco Platforms | IOS, IOS-XE, NX-OS, ACI, Catalyst Center |
| Security Integration | Cisco ISE, FMC, Umbrella, Duo |
| Enterprise Systems | Ansible Tower, ServiceNow, Netbox, CMDB integration |
| Deployment | Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, credential vaults |
| Monitoring | Grafana, Prometheus, ELK stack, Splunk integration |
Quality Standards:
- Production-grade error handling and exception management
- Comprehensive unit testing and integration testing
- Version control with Git (GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket as required)
- Documentation adhering to enterprise standards
- Security scanning (secrets detection, dependency vulnerabilities)
Open Source Commitment¶
While bespoke client work remains confidential, we contribute to the network automation community through:
- Educational content via tutorials, deep dives, and structured implementation guides
- Open-source tool development (MIT/Apache 2.0 licensed)
- Knowledge sharing through deep-dive technical articles
This commitment to transparency strengthens the ecosystem while protecting client confidentiality.
Giving With Integrity¶
Alongside technical delivery, Nautomation Prime is building a transparent giving model so growth benefits communities as well as clients.
As revenue scales, a percentage is allocated to vetted charities reviewed for transparency, governance, and measurable impact.
Read the full Giving With Integrity policy ->
Frequently Asked Questions¶
Enterprise Decision-Making¶
Are your examples from current Nautomation Prime client projects?
Not always, and we state this deliberately.
Nautomation Prime is an early-stage, founder-led practice. Unless a result is explicitly labelled as a direct Nautomation Prime client engagement, metrics and examples are based on Christopher's prior enterprise delivery experience and presented in anonymised form.
This is part of our Transparency Over Obscurity principle.
How do we justify the investment to senior leadership?
The Pinpoint stage delivers concrete ROI projections before you commit to full implementation. You receive:
- Time-motion analysis of current manual processes
- Projected time savings per automation
- Annual cost reduction calculations
- Payback period estimates
- Executive summary suitable for budget presentations
In comparable enterprise environments, many teams achieve payback within 6-12 months, with pure savings thereafter. The business case is built into the methodology.
What if our requirements change mid-project?
Fixed-fee pricing includes a defined scope with clearly documented deliverables. If requirements materially change during implementation, we:
- Document the scope change and impact analysis
- Provide revised estimate for additional work
- Complete original scope as agreed, then address changes separately
Minor clarifications and refinements are expected and included. The Re-engineer stage specifically prevents scope issues by thoroughly defining requirements upfront.
How do you handle intellectual property and licensing?
You choose between two options:
- Full IP Transfer: Complete ownership with perpetual rights to modify, distribute, and commercialize
- Exclusive Licence: Exclusive use rights with restrictions on commercialization (typically lower cost)
Custom automation is never published, reused, or shared with third parties. NDAs are standard for all engagements.
Technical Implementation¶
Will this work with our existing change management process?
Yes. The Implement stage includes pre-flight validation, post-flight verification, and audit trail generation that integrate with existing change control procedures.
Automation enhances change management by:
- Reducing human error through validation
- Providing complete audit trails for compliance
- Enabling rapid rollback if issues occur
- Documenting every configuration change automatically
What if we discover bugs after delivery?
All engagements include 30-day post-delivery support for bug fixes and adjustments at no additional cost.
Beyond that period:
- Track 1 & 3 clients: Optional support contracts available
- Track 2 clients: Your team modifies code independently (purpose of knowledge transfer)
Production-grade testing during the Implement stage minimizes post-deployment issues.
How do you handle credential security?
We never hardcode credentials in automation. Implementation integrates with enterprise credential management:
- Vault Integration: CyberArk, HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager
- Encrypted Storage: OS keyring, encrypted configuration files
- Runtime Prompts: Interactive credential entry when appropriate
- RBAC Support: Integration with Ansible Tower, AWX, or similar orchestration
Credentials remain under your control; automation requests them at runtime.
Can you work within our restricted/air-gapped environment?
Yes. We offer several approaches for sensitive environments:
- Remote Access: VPN into your lab environment for development and testing
- On-Site Engagement: Available for high-security requirements (additional cost)
- Portable Bundles: Zero-install packages that run without internet access
- Transfer Protocols: Secure code delivery via your approved file transfer methods
Professional Indemnity insurance and NDAs support security clearance requirements.
Team Capability¶
Our team has no Python experience. Can we still benefit?
Absolutely. Choose Track 1: Operational Ownership for immediate value without code-level knowledge, or Track 3: Hybrid Approach to gradually build capability over 6-12 months.
The Empower stage adapts to your team's skill level—from operational training to advanced code modification.
What happens if the engineer who learned the automation leaves?
Comprehensive documentation prevents knowledge loss:
- User Guides: Step-by-step operational procedures
- Technical Documentation: Architecture decisions, code structure, extension points
- Line-by-Line Commentary: Every function, class, and module explained
- Runbooks: Troubleshooting guides and common scenarios
New team members can understand and modify automation without original author dependency. This is a core principle of the PRIME Philosophy.
Can you train multiple team members?
Yes. The Empower stage includes up to 8 participants in knowledge transfer sessions. For larger teams, we recommend:
- Train 2-3 "champions" deeply (code-level understanding)
- Champions train broader team on operational aspects
- Extended Empower phase for additional cohorts (£2,000-£4,000 per additional group)
Scope & Timeline¶
How long does a typical engagement take?
Timeline varies by project complexity:
| Project Type | Development | Measurement | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple (VLAN automation) | 4-6 weeks | 3 months | ~4.5 months |
| Medium (compliance auditing) | 6-8 weeks | 3-6 months | ~5-6 months |
| Complex (IOS-XE upgrades) | 8-12 weeks | 6 months | ~8-9 months |
The Pinpoint stage provides accurate estimates based on your specific requirements.
Can we engage for just one stage (not the full framework)?
Yes. individual services are available:
- Pinpoint only: Discovery and roadmap without implementation (£2,500-£4,000)
- Implement only: If you already have architecture and requirements (£6,000-£18,000)
- Empower only: Knowledge transfer for existing automation (£3,000-£5,000)
However, full PRIME Framework engagements deliver maximum value through integrated methodology.
What industries do you work with?
We serve enterprises across all sectors with Cisco infrastructure:
- Financial Services: High-compliance environments requiring audit trails
- Healthcare: HIPAA-compliant network segmentation and medical device management
- Education: Campus-scale automation for distributed environments
- Manufacturing: OT/IT convergence and industrial network automation
- Retail: Multi-site standardisation and PCI-DSS compliance
- Government: Security-focused environments (UK jurisdiction, GDPR-compliant)
Industry experience informs compliance requirements but automation principles are universal.
Resources & Next Steps¶
Explore the PRIME Framework¶
Complete PRIME Framework Documentation — Comprehensive methodology guide
Individual Stage Deep-Dives:
- Pinpoint — Opportunity discovery & ROI analysis
- Re-engineer — Workflow optimisation & architecture design
- Implement — Production-ready development
- Measure — Performance tracking & ROI validation
- Empower — Knowledge transfer & team capability building
Educational Resources¶
Production-Grade Principles — Technical guidance and enterprise operating patterns
Tutorials & Guides — Hands-on Python automation training
Technical Deep-Dives — Advanced implementation patterns
Ready to Transform Your Network Operations?¶
The Time to Act Is Now¶
Enterprise networks are growing more complex. Manual processes can't scale. Your competition is automating.
The PRIME Framework provides the proven methodology, production-grade quality, and sustainable capability your organisation needs to succeed.
Start Your Journey¶
Option 1: Schedule a Discovery Call¶
- No obligation, no sales pressure
- 30-60 minute discussion of your specific challenges
- Honest assessment of automation potential
- NDA available immediately upon request
Option 2: Download Resources First¶
Browse our educational content and deep dives to learn more about network automation approaches before engaging.
Contact Information¶
Email: enquiries@nautomationprime.io
Response Time: 24-48 hours (UK business days)
Jurisdiction: United Kingdom (GDPR-compliant, VAT-registered)
Our Mission
To empower network engineers through the PRIME Framework—delivering automation with measurable ROI, production-grade quality, and sustainable team capability built on the PRIME Philosophy of transparency, reliability, and pragmatism.
Transform your network operations. Build lasting capability. Achieve measurable results.