In today’s AI landscape, growing businesses face a crucial question: how to invest in AI capabilities that deliver genuine business value while managing risk and resources. While traditionally presented as a simple “build or buy” choice, the emergence of AI agent platforms has created new opportunities. Here’s a practical framework to help you navigate these choices.
Three Approaches to AI Adoption
1. Ready-Made Solutions: Off-the-shelf AI products built for specific business tasks (like Grammarly for writing or HubSpot for marketing automation)
2. Custom Development: Building AI solutions from scratch – typically only feasible for larger enterprises with significant technical resources
3. AI Agent Platforms: Using platforms that let you combine and configure multiple specialized AI agents for your specific needs. This newer approach lets businesses create tailored solutions by connecting different AI capabilities without deep technical expertise.
Key Decision Factors
When evaluating your approach to AI, consider:
Strategic Value
– How central is this capability to your competitive advantage?
– What level of control do you need over the solution?
– How unique are your business processes?
Practical Considerations
– Current technical expertise in your team
– Integration needs with existing systems
– Data security and compliance requirements
– Time to value
– Budget constraints
Future Requirements
– Expected growth and scaling needs
– Potential for new use cases
– Need for flexibility as technology evolves
Understanding Your Options
Ready-Made Solutions Work Best When:
– You need proven solutions for common business tasks
– Quick implementation is a priority
– Your processes match standard industry practices
– You have limited technical resources
– Cost predictability is important
Custom Development Makes Sense When:
– You’re creating unique competitive advantages
– You have highly specialized processes
– Deep integration with proprietary systems is needed
– You have strong technical capabilities
– You can justify significant investment
AI Agent Platforms Are Ideal When:
– You need more flexibility than single-purpose tools provide
– Your needs span multiple AI capabilities
– You want to combine different AI functions in unique ways
– You need to adapt solutions as your business grows
– You want to access new AI capabilities as they emerge
Implementation Guidelines
1. Start with Strategy
– Define clear business outcomes
– Identify specific success metrics
– Ensure alignment with business goals
– Map current processes and pain points
2. Assess Readiness
– Review data quality and accessibility
– Evaluate existing systems
– Consider team capabilities
– Identify training needs
3. Choose the Right Approach
– Map requirements to available options
– Consider both immediate and future needs
– Evaluate total cost of ownership
– Assess implementation complexity
4. Plan for Success
– Start with focused pilot projects
– Establish clear governance frameworks
– Create feedback loops
– Monitor business impact
Future-Proofing Your Investment
Consider these factors to ensure long-term value:
1. Flexibility: Choose solutions that can grow with your needs
2. Data Foundations: Build strong data practices to support AI capabilities
3. Team Development: Invest in developing AI literacy across your organisation
4. Risk Management: Implement appropriate controls and oversight
Next Steps
Success with AI requires clear strategy, careful planning and robust governance. Contact Acuity for an initial discussion about your AI journey and how we can help you navigate these decisions effectively.
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