AI Vendor and Platform Evaluation Checklist
Avoid choosing platforms only by feature demos. Compare vendors by data handling, integration model, tool support, observability, cost, and governance fit.
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The exact sections inside the download.
Frame the operating decision
How does the platform handle privacy, retention, training, and residency concerns? Does the platform support the actual operating process? Use the combined view to name the business outcome, source of truth, and owner who will decide whether to proceed.
Set the control boundary
Can it read, write, and authenticate with required systems safely? Can approvals, permissions, logs, and escalations be enforced? State the risk to avoid, review or escalation route, and record needed to keep the workflow controlled.
Commit to the first move
Does pricing fit workflow frequency, value, and risk? Strong fit, partial fit, risky fit, or not recommended? Record the smallest safe scope, baseline, owner, evidence, decision date, and next action.
Decision summary
Strong fit, partial fit, risky fit, or not recommended? Which gap could become operational debt? Summarize the proposed move, operating benefit, and the evidence that supports it.
Evidence and control
What control, contract, or architecture choice reduces that risk? State the source, review boundary, accountable owner, and condition that would require revision or pause. Keep the decision receipt with the workflow record.
Next review
Record the decision owner, evidence source, review date, and the explicit condition to scale, revise, defer, or stop. Confirm how the resulting decision will be communicated, implemented, and retained in the operating record.
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Frame the decision
Name the real operating need before designing a solution.
Name the provider, product, or architecture option.
Tie evaluation to a real workflow, not a generic capability.
Name who decides whether this platform fits the operating architecture.
How to use it
Start with one real decision.
Complete the canvas with the workflow owner, then use the blank areas to expose missing context and controls.