# AI implementation decision worksheet

From TheTechStack: https://www.thetechstack.com/guides/build-buy-or-extend
Version: September 16, 2026. Blank planning template; not a readiness certification.

## The decision
- Workflow and team:
- Current process and baseline:
- Desired improvement:
- Decision owner:
- Current systems and source owners:

## Requirements that can rule out an option
- Who may access which information:
- Allowed actions and required approvals:
- Evidence users must be able to inspect:
- Acceptance criteria and failure scenarios:
- Retention, deletion, export, and access revocation requirements:
- Budget and operating owner:

## Compare each option
Repeat for process improvement, existing platform, specialist product, and custom workflow.
- Option:
- Requirements met, with source links and checked dates:
- Requirements unmet:
- Unknowns requiring a tenant check or vendor demonstration:
- Integration and maintenance work:
- Cost assumptions (same volume and time period for every option):
- Licensing + usage + storage/retrieval + implementation + human review + ongoing support:
- Proposed test, expected behavior, reviewer, and actual result:
- Exit and export plan:

## Next step
- Preferred approach and why:
- Evidence still missing:
- Conditions that would change the decision:
- Next test and owner:
- Decision review date:

Do not count planned tests as passed checks. Resolve missing evidence before expanding a pilot.