Insights

Not AI news. These are the decisions our clients are actually weighing before they spend anything, written the way we would explain them on a call.

AI agent vs. workflow automation
When does a process need an agent, and when is deterministic automation better?
Most processes described as "agent work" are better served by ordinary automation. The distinction is whether the process requires judgment under uncertainty.
Build vs. buy for AI software
When should an organization build custom AI software instead of buying a product?
Build when the workflow is a differentiator and no product fits it closely. Buy when the workflow is common and the product is maintained by someone else.
Why AI pilots fail to reach production
What separates a demo that impresses from a system people use every day?
Pilots fail on ownership, data access, and adoption far more often than on model quality. Production readiness is designed in from the first week.
How to calculate AI automation ROI
How do you decide whether an AI project is worth doing before you build it?
Estimate current cost in hours and error rate, subtract the cost of running and maintaining the system, and be honest about the adoption curve.
How much does AI consulting cost?
What do workshops, Copilot setups, custom builds, and monthly partnerships cost?
Published RootedAI price ranges and timelines: workshops from $750, assessments and Copilot setups from $1,000, custom builds from $1,000, partnerships from $1,000 a month.