Delivery / Northbound Frontier
What makes an AI pilot ready for production?
A convincing example is a starting point. Daily use needs a broader set of checks.
Evaluate beyond the happy path
Test normal inputs, missing information and cases where the right response is to ask for help. Record the evaluation set and the criteria used to judge results. Revisit it when prompts, models or connected information change.
Define the limits of action
Give the system only the access needed for its task. Identify the actions that require a person to approve them. Plan what happens if an integration fails or an output is uncertain.
Name an operational owner
Someone needs to understand alerts, review incidents, control spending and decide when to roll back. Document these responsibilities alongside the system. Include the people using the workflow in release preparation.
Release against agreed criteria
A production decision should consider evidence, stakeholder approval and a support plan. A phased rollout can expose problems at a manageable scale. Continue measuring the result after release.