Data Engineering & Integration

Pro

Ari Harrison

Starting at

12,000

About this service

Summary

I offer a Data Engineering & Integration service that designs and implements robust data pipelines using Hex’s connectors, seamlessly uniting your disparate systems into a single, analytics-ready foundation in 8-12 weeks, with a fixed rate starting at $15,000 and optional monthly support from $1,500. What sets me apart is my focus on eliminating technical complexity—delivering a scalable, easy-to-manage solution that empowers your team to harness data without needing dedicated engineers, all backed by a custom playbook and personalized handover.

Process

Process Summary: Data Engineering & Integration

Step 1: Discovery and Requirements Gathering

Objective: Understand the client’s data ecosystem, goals, and analytics needs.

Activities:

Conduct an initial consultation (e.g., via call or meeting) to identify all disparate systems and data sources (e.g., databases, APIs, cloud storage, third-party tools).

Gather specific requirements, such as the types of analytics the client wants to enable, data volume, frequency of updates, and any existing technical constraints.

Assess the client’s current team capabilities to determine how much independence they need post-delivery.

Duration: 1-2 weeks, depending on complexity and client availability.

Outcome: A detailed requirements document (internal use) that informs the pipeline design.

Step 2: Data Pipeline Design

Objective: Create a tailored blueprint for the unified data foundation.

Activities:

Map out all data sources and their relationships, identifying integration points and potential challenges (e.g., data format mismatches, access restrictions).

Leverage Hex’s connectors to propose efficient, scalable connections between systems, minimizing custom coding where possible.

Design data transformation and cleaning steps to ensure the output meets analytics requirements (e.g., structured tables for reporting tools).

Draft the Custom Data Pipeline Design deliverable, including a schematic diagram and explanatory notes.

Duration: 2-3 weeks, depending on the number of systems and complexity.

Client Involvement: Present the draft design for feedback, allowing up to 2 rounds of revisions to refine the architecture.

Outcome: Finalized Custom Data Pipeline Design (PDF + interactive diagram), approved by the client.

Step 3: Pipeline Implementation

Objective: Build and deploy the functional data pipeline.

Activities:

Configure Hex’s connectors to link all specified data sources, following the approved design.

Implement data transformation logic (e.g., filtering, aggregating, normalizing) to create a unified data foundation.

Test the pipeline extensively:

Validate data accuracy by comparing outputs to source data.

Stress-test for performance under expected loads.

Ensure real-time or scheduled updates work as intended.

Deploy the pipeline in the client’s chosen environment (e.g., Hex platform, cloud infrastructure).

Document the setup process in a concise summary.

Duration: 3-5 weeks, depending on the scope and testing needs.

Client Involvement: Optional checkpoint meeting mid-implementation to review progress; post-deployment adjustments (1 round) within 30 days.

Outcome: Implemented Data Pipeline Solution, fully operational and handed over with a setup summary (PDF).

Step 4: Knowledge Transfer and Documentation

Objective: Equip the client to manage and extend the pipeline independently.

Activities:

Develop the Data Integration Playbook, including:

Step-by-step instructions for monitoring and maintaining the pipeline.

Guidance on adding new data sources using Hex’s connectors.

Troubleshooting tips for common issues (e.g., connector failures, data sync delays).

Best practices for scaling the solution as data needs grow.

Conduct a live handover session (e.g., 1-2 hours) to walk the client through the pipeline and playbook, answering questions in real-time.

Incorporate client feedback into the playbook (1 round of revisions).

Duration: 1-2 weeks, overlapping with the end of implementation.

Client Involvement: Participate in the handover session and provide feedback on the playbook draft.

Outcome: Finalized Data Integration Playbook (PDF), empowering the client for long-term success.

Step 5: Post-Delivery Support

Objective: Ensure a smooth transition and address any immediate issues.

Activities:

Monitor the pipeline’s performance remotely for the first week post-deployment (if agreed upon).

Address any minor tweaks or questions within the 30-day adjustment period for the Implemented Data Pipeline Solution.

Offer optional ongoing support (e.g., as a separate engagement) for major updates or scaling.

Duration: 1-4 weeks, depending on client needs.

Outcome: A stable, client-managed data pipeline with no loose ends.

Key Features of the Process

Iterative Feedback: Built-in revision cycles (e.g., 2 rounds for the design, 1 for implementation and playbook) ensure the solution aligns with client expectations.

Simplification with Hex: By leveraging Hex’s connectors, the process minimizes technical complexity, reducing reliance on custom engineering and accelerating delivery.

Client Empowerment: The playbook and handover session eliminate dependency on external resources, aligning with your promise of a low-maintenance solution.

Flexibility: The timeline and scope adapt to the client’s specific systems and analytics goals, ensuring a bespoke outcome.

Total Timeline

Estimated Range: 8-14 weeks from discovery to post-delivery support, depending on the number of data sources, system complexity, and client responsiveness.

Phased Delivery: Clients receive value incrementally—design early on, then the working pipeline, and finally the playbook—keeping them engaged throughout.

FAQs

What’s included in the fixed-rate project?
The fixed rate (starting at $15,000) covers the full setup of your unified data pipeline, including three key deliverables: a Custom Data Pipeline Design (detailed architecture and diagram), an Implemented Data Pipeline Solution (fully functional pipeline using Hex’s connectors), and a Data Integration Playbook (guide to manage it). It’s designed for 3-5 data sources and includes testing, validation, and a handover session—all completed in 8-12 weeks. Additional sources or features can be added for a fee (e.g., $2,000 per extra source).
What does the optional monthly support cover?
The optional monthly support (starting at $1,500/month) begins after the pipeline is delivered and keeps your system running smoothly. It includes monitoring for performance issues, minor updates (e.g., tweaking connectors), and adding new data sources as needed (one per month included; extras at $500 each). It’s perfect if your data needs evolve or you want peace of mind without hiring an in-house team. Sign up for 6+ months and get 10% off!
How long does it take to get a working data pipeline?
The core project takes 8-12 weeks, depending on the number of data sources and complexity. Here’s the breakdown: 1-2 weeks for discovery and planning, 2-3 weeks to design the pipeline, 3-5 weeks to build and test it, and 1-2 weeks for documentation and handover. If you need it faster, we can expedite for a 20% surcharge—just let us know during the initial consultation.
Do I need technical expertise to use the pipeline after it’s built?
No! That’s the beauty of this service. I use Hex’s powerful connectors to eliminate technical complexity, and the Data Integration Playbook gives your team clear, step-by-step instructions to manage and scale the pipeline. During the handover session, I’ll walk you through everything, so you’re confident using it—no dedicated engineers required.
What if my data needs change after the project is done?
The pipeline is built to be flexible. The playbook shows you how to add new data sources or adjust settings yourself. If you prefer hands-off support, the optional monthly plan covers ongoing updates and scaling (e.g., integrating a new CRM or database). We can also discuss one-time add-ons post-delivery (e.g., $2,000 per new source) if you don’t need continuous support.

What's included

Custom Data Pipeline Design
A fully designed data pipeline architecture that integrates your disparate systems and data sources into a cohesive framework. This includes a detailed schematic of how data flows between systems, leveraging Hex's powerful connectors to ensure seamless connectivity and compatibility. Format: Digital documentation (PDF) and an interactive diagram (e.g., hosted in a tool like Lucidchart or provided as a .PNG file). Quantity: 1 comprehensive design document + 1 interactive diagram. Revisions: Up to 2 rounds of revisions to refine the pipeline design based on client feedback. Details: The design will outline specific data sources, connection points, and transformation steps, tailored to your analytics needs.
Implemented Data Pipeline Solution
A fully functional, deployed data pipeline built using Hex's connectors, connecting all specified data sources into a unified data foundation. This deliverable eliminates technical complexity, enabling your team to access and utilize data for analytics without requiring dedicated engineering support. Format: Deployed solution accessible via Hex platform (or your specified environment), accompanied by a setup summary (PDF). Quantity: 1 operational pipeline + 1 setup summary document. Revisions: 1 round of post-deployment adjustments (e.g., tweaking connectors or data mappings) within 30 days of delivery. Details: Includes testing and validation to ensure data accuracy and pipeline reliability, with a handover session to demonstrate functionality.
Data Integration Playbook
A concise guide detailing how to maintain, update, and scale the implemented data pipeline. This playbook empowers your team to manage the unified data foundation independently, covering common troubleshooting steps, best practices for adding new data sources, and instructions for leveraging Hex's tools effectively. Format: Digital document (PDF). Quantity: 1 playbook. Revisions: 1 round of revisions to address client-specific questions or clarifications. Details: Approximately 10-15 pages, including screenshots, step-by-step instructions, and a glossary of key terms related to your pipeline setup.

Example projects