Not a demo
A demo shows a possibility. A proof of concept tests it against your real conditions.
Idea to Production · Proof of concept
Prove it before you commit to it.
Contained proofs of concept that show whether an idea works with your data, your users and your systems.
A proof of concept answers one question: should we build this? You get a working prototype, results against agreed success criteria, and a clear recommendation.
- Defined scope
- Success criteria
- Clear recommendation
What a proof of concept is
A small working version, tested for real.
Not the full build
Only the smallest version that can answer the question, so cost and risk stay contained.
A decision tool
It ends with evidence and a recommendation: proceed, adjust or stop.
When it makes sense
Use a proof of concept when the answer is uncertain.
- You are not sure the idea will work with your actual data or processes.
- Several stakeholders need evidence before agreeing to a larger investment.
- The hardest part is a technical question, such as an integration or data quality.
- You want to compare an AI approach against how the work is done today.
How scope is established
Every proof of concept starts with a short brief.
Draft yours here. We refine it with you before any work begins, and nothing is sent until you choose to share it.
Your POC brief · 0/5 complete
Question to answer: - Success looks like: - Data and systems involved: - Who will test it: - Out of scope: -
Nothing is sent from this tool. The brief stays in your browser until you choose to include it in a message.
The process
Five steps, one decision.
- 1
Brief
Agree the question, the success criteria, what is in and out of scope, and who will test it.
You get A signed-off brief.
- 2
Access
Set up scoped access to the data and systems the prototype needs.
You get A safe test environment.
- 3
Build
Build the smallest working version, with a short review each week.
You get A working prototype.
- 4
Test
Run it with real examples and real users and measure it against the criteria.
You get Results you can inspect.
- 5
Decide
Review the results together and decide what happens next.
You get A written recommendation.
Expected deliverables
What you have at the end.
What you get
- A working prototype
- Results measured against the agreed success criteria
- Documentation of what was built and learned
- A stop, adjust or proceed recommendation
- If you proceed: an outline plan and estimate for production
What we need from you
- A clear question and an owner for it
- Real examples or data to test with
- People who will try the prototype
- A short weekly review
Three typical shapes
Sized to the question, not to a price list.
Scope, timeframe and investment are agreed for each proof of concept after a first conversation.
Spark
One idea or one task. Answers: is this worth automating? Typically one working automation or assistant and a short report.
Pilot
One real workflow. Answers: does this work in our process? An integrated pilot with measures and a recommendation.
Proof
A multi-system or higher-stakes use case. Answers: can this meet our security, scale and integration needs? Includes an architecture and risk review.
After a successful proof of concept
From prototype to production.
- 1
Harden
Security, performance, error handling and data protection.
- 2
Integrate
Connect fully to your systems and test end to end.
- 3
Deploy
Launch in stages with monitoring and a rollback plan.
- 4
Improve
Measure, refine and extend.
Questions about proofs of concept
How much does a proof of concept cost?
It depends on the question and the systems involved. You receive a written scope and price before any work starts.
How long does it take?
The timeframe is agreed in the brief and depends on scope, access to data and availability of testers.
What if the result is negative?
That is a valid and valuable outcome. You avoid a larger investment and keep what was learned.
Who owns the prototype?
Ownership is agreed in writing before work starts.
What would you like to prove?
Send us your question. We will help you turn it into a proof of concept with clear success criteria.
Or call +1 (719) 621-6500 · [email protected]