A practical recap of the decisions that matter after the demo ends.
Over the past six weeks, we have looked past the AI sales pitch and focused on the choices that determine whether a promising tool becomes a dependable business system.
Here is the short version to keep beside you before the next contract is signed.
- What exact job and measurable outcome do we need?
Start with the work, volume, inputs, and result—not the technology.
- Is the vendor stable—and can production customers prove it?
Look beyond investor logos and ask for comparable references.
- Are we using the right model, size, and routing approach?
Use frontier capability where it earns its cost, not by default.
- Can we control version changes and what data enters the model?
Put version notice, testing rights, and data boundaries in writing.
- What will the full cost be at real and peak volume?
Model 12 and 36 months, including the bill behind the bill.
- Are our documents, owners, and human checks ready?
Clean the source material before wrong answers scale.
- If the pilot fails, can we leave cleanly?
Keep the first commitment short and confirm export and exit rights.
Pilot in a way that is easy to unwind. Define success before launch, compare the real monthly invoice with the projection, and keep two credible alternatives in view for any critical vendor.
One useful step this week: Mark each question yes or no for your current AI project. Every “no” becomes an agenda item to resolve before you sign—or scale.
Bonus tip: Use a simple pause rule: if two or more answers are still “no,” do not expand the deployment yet. Resolve the gaps while the project is still small and reversible.
Want a second set of eyes on your AI plan?
Ian would be glad to walk through the checklist with you before a pilot, renewal, or long-term commitment.
Talk with Ian: Schedule a Conversation with Ian
