Start with work, not the model
A compelling demo usually shows one clean input and one clean output. Real operations include incomplete information, exceptions, permissions, and someone who must take responsibility when the answer is wrong. Map those conditions before choosing a tool.
Make the boundary explicit
Decide which steps are deterministic, which benefit from AI assistance, and which require a person. A useful workflow often prepares a recommendation or draft rather than making an unchecked decision.
Pilot with real cases
Test representative examples, including messy and adversarial ones. Measure time saved, correction effort, error rates, and whether the people using the system trust it enough to keep using it.
Plan the handoff
Document inputs, outputs, escalation, access, monitoring, and who can change the workflow. The system is only as good as its day-two ownership.
This is a practical perspective, not a claim about a completed client engagement.
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