Model vs Workflow Fit Checklist
Shift the evaluation from model capability alone to the full operating system required for useful AI-supported work.
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The exact sections inside the download.
Frame the operating decision
What must the model be good at for this workflow? What does the model need to know, and where does that context come from? Use the combined view to name the business outcome, source of truth, and owner who will decide whether to proceed.
Set the control boundary
How will the system detect weak, unsupported, or risky outputs? Does the model cost match the value and frequency of the workflow? State the risk to avoid, review or escalation route, and record needed to keep the workflow controlled.
Commit to the first move
Can the model be used inside the required permissions, UI, and approval path? What level of model capability is justified by the workflow? Record the smallest safe scope, baseline, owner, evidence, decision date, and next action.
Decision summary
What level of model capability is justified by the workflow? Which parts should remain deterministic, manual, or tool-based? Summarize the proposed move, operating benefit, and the evidence that supports it.
Evidence and control
Which validation, review, or fallback controls must surround the model? 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 specific workflow rather than the general AI category.
Reasoning, summarization, classification, extraction, generation, voice, or tool use.
Latency, privacy, cost, accuracy, review burden, integration, or reliability.
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.