What changes the price.
The model is rarely the main cost. Scope follows the business system around it: the work, connected tools, controls, and evidence needed for a dependable release.
Workflow and data
Inputs, decisions, exceptions, data quality, and access determine how much mapping and preparation the work needs.
More branches or unreliable source data add validation, fallback, and review work.
Systems and controls
Integrations, authentication, permissions, approvals, audit history, and human override define implementation depth.
More connected systems and higher-risk actions require stronger controls and QA.
Evaluation and rollout
Accepted outputs, edge cases, monitoring, documentation, adoption, and support shape production readiness.
A daily operational system needs more evidence and ownership than a contained first release.
When AI is not the right investment.
If the workflow is still unclear, the data is inaccessible, or the risk is too high for the available budget, I will recommend fixing the operation first.