Custom Script Build
Custom Script Build¶
Your Specific Problem, Solved to a Fixed Scope¶
Not every automation need fits a pre-defined pack. If you have a specific, well-defined task you need automating — and the existing packages don't cover it — this is how we scope and deliver it.
A Custom Script Build is a fixed-scope, fixed-price bespoke automation engagement. You describe the problem; we scope it, price it, build it, document it, and deliver it.
How It Works¶
Step 1 — Describe Your Problem
Send us a brief description of what you're trying to automate. It doesn't need to be technical. "We currently spend 2 hours manually configuring VLANs across 30 switches every time a new department is added" is sufficient.
Step 2 — Free Scope Document
We produce a written scope document at no charge. This defines exactly:
- What the script does and doesn't do
- What inputs it accepts (e.g. a CSV file, command-line arguments)
- What outputs it produces (e.g. a report, a log file, direct device configuration)
- What platforms and device types it targets
- Any assumptions or dependencies
You review and approve the scope before any development begins.
Step 3 — Fixed Price Agreed
Once the scope is agreed, we confirm a fixed price. No hourly billing. No "it depends". The price does not change unless the scope changes — and scope changes require a new written agreement.
Step 4 — Build, Test, and Deliver
We build the script following the PRIME Philosophy: production-grade error handling, comprehensive inline documentation, proper credential management, and structured logging. You receive the full source code.
Step 5 — Handover Walkthrough
A remote session where we walk through what the script does, how to run it, how to interpret its output, and how to make simple modifications if needed.
Examples of Custom Builds¶
To give you a sense of what falls within this scope:
| Example Task | Complexity | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk VLAN provisioning across access layer | Moderate | £1,200–£1,700 |
| Automated config backup to Git repository | Simple | £800–£1,200 |
| Interface description audit and correction | Simple | £800–£1,000 |
| CDP/LLDP neighbour discovery report | Simple–Moderate | £900–£1,400 |
| ACL deployment across a defined device group | Moderate | £1,200–£1,700 |
| Port security configuration and audit | Moderate | £1,200–£1,700 |
| Custom compliance check for a specific policy | Simple–Moderate | £900–£1,500 |
| Multi-step provisioning workflow (e.g. new VLAN + SVI + ACL) | Complex | £1,700–£2,000 |
| Automated inventory report to Excel/CSV | Simple | £800–£1,100 |
| SNMP polling and threshold alerting | Moderate | £1,200–£1,700 |
These are indicative ranges. Exact price is confirmed in the scope document.
Pricing¶
| Complexity | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Simple — Single task, small fleet, standard CLI output or report | £800 – £1,200 |
| Moderate — Multi-step logic, multiple device types, formatted report output | £1,200 – £1,700 |
| Complex — Multi-stage workflow, validation loops, conditional branching, custom data handling | £1,700 – £2,000 |
What affects complexity?
- Number of distinct steps in the workflow
- Number of device platforms (IOS-XE only vs. mixed IOS/IOS-XE/NX-OS)
- Error handling requirements (simple vs. conditional retry/rollback logic)
- Output format requirements (plain text vs. HTML report vs. CSV vs. API call)
- Integration with external systems (Git, ITSM, email, SNMP manager)
What Every Custom Build Includes¶
Regardless of complexity tier, every delivery includes:
- ✅ Written scope document (approved before development starts)
- ✅ Production-grade error handling and exception management
- ✅ Structured logging with timestamps and per-device outcomes
- ✅ Secure credential handling (no hardcoded passwords; environment variables or vault file)
- ✅ Comprehensive inline documentation (every function, every significant block explained)
- ✅ README with installation, configuration, and usage instructions
- ✅ Full source code ownership — no licence fees, no lock-in
- ✅ 30-minute handover walkthrough
- ✅ 30 days post-delivery support for questions and minor issues
Technical Prerequisites¶
Requirements vary by task and are confirmed during scoping. Typical prerequisites:
- Python 3.9+ on a management workstation or jump host
- SSH/API access to target devices from that host
- Credentials with appropriate privilege level for the task
- Device inventory (hostnames or IPs)
Turnaround¶
1–3 weeks from scope agreement, depending on complexity.
- Simple tasks: typically 5–7 business days
- Moderate tasks: typically 8–12 business days
- Complex tasks: typically 12–15 business days
Frequently Asked Questions¶
What if my requirements aren't clear enough to scope?
That's fine — the scoping process is where we work it out together. The Automation Opportunity Assessment can help if you're unsure whether your problem is automatable, or which process to tackle first.
What if I need changes after delivery?
The 30-day post-delivery support covers questions and minor issues (e.g. a device type behaving differently than expected in testing). Functional changes or new requirements after delivery are scoped as a new engagement.
Can you build something that integrates with our ticketing system or CMDB?
Yes, if the system has an API. Common integrations include ServiceNow, Jira, and CSV-based CMDBs. Confirm the integration target during scoping — this typically adds to the complexity tier.
What if I already have a partially-written script that needs finishing or fixing?
That's a valid starting point. Send us what you have, describe what it should do, and we'll scope the work needed to bring it to production quality.