Choose a focused project when the finish is clear.
A project fits a bounded implementation with a recognizable result: connect one workflow, build a defined assistant, or evaluate a specific model. Agree on deliverables, inputs, responsibilities, and acceptance tests.
Decide what happens after handoff. Software dependencies, source documents, access permissions, and business processes can change even when the initial project is complete.
Choose a partnership when the work continues.
An ongoing AI operations partnership fits a business that needs continuing implementation, maintenance, and improvement across agreed priorities. It provides a way to plan the work and review what should happen next.
Define monthly capacity, support coverage, prioritization, and the handling of requests that exceed scope. A recurring fee should come with understandable responsibilities.
Make the boundaries visible.
- Implementation: what new capability is being built?
- Maintenance: which existing components are included?
- Support: who can request help, through which channel, and during what coverage?
- External costs: who pays for software, hosting, model use, and travel?
- Ownership and access: what happens at handoff or the end of the engagement?
Let the work determine the arrangement.
A discovery phase can help when the correct scope is not yet clear. A project may later lead to an ongoing partnership, and an existing partnership may require a separately scoped larger implementation.
Compare the arrangement with your actual priorities and the people available to use the result. Explore WAIV’s AI operations partnership or discuss the work with us.