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How do you evaluate an AI implementation provider?

Ask a provider to explain inputs, deliverables, limits and acceptance for one of your workflows.

The short answer

Clarify role, project status and public evidence. Technical vocabulary is not a substitute for relevant delivery scope.

Try it in three steps

  • Give candidates a sanitized (with identifying personal or client details removed) workflow brief.
  • Request comparable scopes and quotes.
  • Check case evidence and delivery responsibility.

A practice prompt

Before you start

Compare fictional quotes for scope rather than recommending real vendors.

Practice material (fictional)

A configures one spreadsheet-checking workflow with review instructions. B gives a low starting price without scope, tool costs, maintenance or deliverables.

Replace placeholders in the prompt with this material, or append the material if there are no placeholders. Reading time excludes doing the exercise.

Organize the proposal by problem, deliverables, cost, acceptance, maintenance and unknowns without scoring self-promotional claims.

What to look for (not a recorded test result)

Clarify B before comparing. A also needs acceptance details; a description alone does not prove reliable delivery.

If it goes wrong

Ask for role and records when team outcomes or demos are presented as personal production delivery.

Check your result

You can compare actual services rather than branding and starting prices.

References and scope

The links below support the concepts or product navigation. The steps and exercises are our teaching suggestions, not official certification or measured customer outcomes. Product interfaces and availability may change. References checked on 2026-10-17.

Start with one task

Describe the current process and its slowest step. The initial conversation is free.

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