Automation follows defined rules. Applied AI can help interpret variable information. Many operational systems need both, with clear boundaries between them.
Use rules when the decision is explicit
When the same conditions should produce the same action, a deterministic workflow can be easier to test and maintain. An approved order triggering an invoice is a typical example.
Use AI where information needs interpretation
Requests, emails and documents may require classification, extraction or a suggested response. Define which sources the model can use and how its output will be checked.
Separate a recommendation from an action
A model producing a recommendation is different from a system executing it. Determine permissions, validation, approval and escalation before connecting AI to business actions.
Evaluate realistic cases
Test routine inputs, ambiguous requests and failures. Measure the behaviour that matters to the process and preserve human review where judgement or material risk requires it.
Discuss the operation first.
Describe the process and its constraints. We can help determine whether the next step is a product, software, an integration, automation or applied AI.
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