Before you ask what it takes
What sets the size of a custom AI build
Five things decide it: the tools it connects, how much of the work it takes on, where it runs, how long it drafts beside your team before it runs alone, and the care it needs after. Your Blueprint names each one for your company, and the investment, in writing, before any work starts.
01 The five things
What moves the size, and what keeps it smaller
The tools it connects
Each tool the system reads or writes, such as your inbox, your books, your calendar, your CRM or a supplier portal, is a connection to build, test and keep working. A tool with a clean way in is quick. An old portal with no way in takes longer, because an agent has to work it the way a person would.
Keeps it smaller: Start with the two or three tools where the work actually happens.How much of the work it takes on
Drafting replies for a person to send is a smaller build than answering on its own. Answering on its own needs the written rules, the log and the inspection period first.
Keeps it smaller: Start with drafts. Promote one kind of work at a time, once it has proved itself.Where it runs
On outside services you approve, or on a private AI server in your office. The private server adds a machine to set up and look after, and keeps client data in the building.
Keeps it smaller: Use the private server only for the work that has to stay in the building.How long inspection runs
Nothing runs alone until it passes inspection on your real work. Varied, busy work takes longer to inspect than one steady kind of request.
Keeps it smaller: Inspect the most common kind of request first, and widen from there.The care it needs after launch
Monitoring, tuning and fixes every month. A system that touches more tools, or acts alone more often, needs more of it.
Keeps it smaller: Fewer connections and a narrower list of what it may do alone keep care light.
02 What stays the same
The rules come with every build, whatever its size
Every build ships with the eight rules in writing, an agent card for each agent, an off switch for each part, and a launch checklist. A smaller build does fewer jobs. It never skips a rule. The eight rules.
03 Questions
Asked and answered
How is a build priced?
Builds are five-figure engagements, scoped and priced in writing in your Blueprint before any work starts. The Blueprint is free.
Can we start small?
Yes. A Blueprint can name one piece to build first and the rest in order, so each part proves itself before the next one starts.
Is the Blueprint free?
Yes. One page, drawn for your company after a walkthrough, and yours to keep whatever you decide.