Choose the pattern
Compare AI delivery patterns, not just products
Understand when an assistant, embedded feature, workflow automation, retrieval layer, or custom application changes the operating burden.
What this guide should leave behind
The team can explain why a delivery pattern fits the workflow and what new ownership, integration, testing, and support it creates.
Work the evaluation in this order
- 01
Compare the smallest pattern first: a bounded assistant for a person, an approved feature inside an existing system, or a controlled automation between systems.
- 02
Treat retrieval and connected-data features as new information paths. Verify source permissions, freshness, scope, citation behavior, and removal.
- 03
Treat autonomous or custom applications as software systems. Define identity, authorization, logging, testing, versioning, failure handling, monitoring, and change control.
- 04
Estimate the whole operating footprint, including configuration, administration, integration, review time, support, training, records, and exit work.
Evidence worth seeing
- The selected pattern is the least complex one that can test the job.
- Connected data does not silently expand a person's access.
- Automated actions have approval, limits, logs, and rollback appropriate to their impact.
- The team has an owner for changes in models, prompts, connectors, permissions, and provider behavior.
Know when general guidance stops
Use qualified engineering and security review for custom code, agents that take actions, sensitive retrieval, high-volume automation, public outputs, or integrations that can change business records.