Scaling & Proving AI
Many organisations already have AI underway: a proof of concept, a system built with a vendor, or something in production.
These services help you assess whether it is ready to scale, get an independent view of the initiative, evaluate how good the system actually is, or get a stalled build into production. They sit alongside Getting Started with AI, which covers first exploration and first builds.
Services
Which service is right for you?
Four services for organisations that already have AI underway. Each covers a different situation. Click or tap to see full details.
Not sure which fits where you are right now? That is completely fine, and it is exactly the kind of thing a free intro call is for.
A structured review of an existing proof of concept, vendor-built system, or live system against what it takes to scale. This is not a greenfield opportunity assessment. We look at whether the data, evaluation approach, ownership, integration path, and operating model will hold up once the work leaves a controlled trial. The outcome is a clear readiness verdict and a prioritised list of gaps.
Deliverables
- Readiness assessment across data, evaluation, ownership, and operating model
- Clear verdict on whether the initiative is ready to scale
- Prioritised gap list with practical corrective actions
- Recommended next steps, including stop or pause where that is the honest answer
Timeline
Typically a focused engagement over one to two weeks, depending on system complexity and access.
When to choose this
You have a proof of concept or early production system and need to know whether it is ready to scale, before you commit more budget or expand usage.
An independent review of one programme, system, or initiative already under way. We assess objective, evidence, architecture, evaluation, delivery ownership, production path, and material risks. The outcome is a clear verdict that is not tied to defending the original decision: continue, redirect, pause, or stop. What can be kept is named clearly; what cannot is named just as clearly.
Deliverables
- Executive verdict: continue, redirect, pause, or stop
- Evidence base and limitations of the review
- What is working and worth retaining
- Material technical, delivery, and operating gaps
- Prioritised decisions and corrective actions
- Questions to put to internal teams or suppliers
Timeline
Typically two to four senior consulting days over one to two elapsed weeks, scoped after a short fit conversation.
When to choose this
Progress, quality, value, or production readiness is disputed or unclear, and you need an independent view before committing further.
Defining what “good enough” means for the business task, then evaluating the existing system against that standard. We look at quality, failure modes, business value, and the strength of the evidence behind current claims. This is evaluation of something that already exists, not a greenfield feasibility study and not a second opinion on the programme path.
Deliverables
- Agreed success criteria for the business task
- Evaluation findings with evidence and limitations
- Assessment of quality, value, and material risks
- Clear recommendation on whether the system meets the bar
- Recommended next steps if gaps are found
Timeline
Scoped to the system and evidence available. Typically a short, focused engagement rather than a multi-month programme.
When to choose this
You need measured evidence of how well an existing system performs against what matters to the business.
Diagnosing why an existing build or near-production system is not shipping, then fixing the blockers that matter. This may include evaluation gaps, integration issues, data pipeline problems, ownership confusion, or quality shortfalls. It is rescue of something that already exists, not a greenfield implementation from a clear use case.
Deliverables
- Root-cause diagnosis of why the system is not in production
- Prioritised fix plan for the blocking issues
- Hands-on remediation within the agreed scope
- Path to a production-ready state your team can operate
- Documentation and handover for what changes
Timeline
Highly variable depending on the state of the system and the blockers found. Scoped after an initial diagnosis.
When to choose this
You have invested in a system that should be live, or nearly live, and it is stuck. You need it fixed and shipped, not restarted from scratch.
Each one above sketches what that service typically involves, not a fixed menu. Many situations draw on more than one, or sit between them.
If your situation looks different, get in touch and we will talk through what fits.
Is this for you?
Who this is for
Organisations that already have AI underway: a proof of concept, or something in or near production. Company size and sector matter less than whether there is real work to assess, evaluate, or get into production.
You do not need a large in-house AI team. You do need an existing system or initiative to look at.
If you are still deciding where AI should be applied for the first time, start with Getting Started with AI instead.
When something else fits better
These services are for proving and scaling what you already have. If you need something else:
- New to AI, or still identifying where to start: Getting Started with AI
- Roadmaps, programme direction, and organisational readiness: AI Strategy
- Custom AI and machine learning systems: AI & Machine Learning
- Governance, oversight, and regulatory readiness: AI Governance & Compliance
FAQ
Common questions
What is the difference between Second Opinion, Evaluation, and Scale Readiness?
Second Opinion asks whether the initiative is on the right path overall: continue, redirect, pause, or stop.
Evaluation measures how good an existing system is against criteria that matter to the business: quality, value, and the strength of the evidence.
Scale Readiness asks whether the organisation and operating model can take the initiative beyond an early stage without stalling. It is not a greenfield opportunity assessment.
How is Production Rescue different from Implementation on Getting Started with AI?
Production Rescue fixes and ships an existing system that is stalled or not reaching production. Implementation on Getting Started with AI is a build from a defined idea, with no existing system already stuck. If you are starting from a clear use case and nothing is already built, Getting Started is the better fit.
We are new to AI. Is this the right page?
Probably not. These services assume you already have a proof of concept, live system, or build under way. If you are still identifying where AI fits, start with Getting Started with AI.
Will you always recommend continuing the programme?
No. Stop, pause, or redirect are valid outcomes. A second opinion or evaluation is there to give clarity, not to defend the original decision.
How much does this typically cost?
It depends on scope and which service you need. Smaller reviews are shorter and more contained than a production rescue. The best starting point is a free introductory call so we can give a realistic indication for your situation.
Already have AI underway?
Book a free intro call and we will talk through what fits.