# AI Build vs Buy Scorecard

Score each item from 1 to 5.

| Dimension | 1 means buy | 5 means build | Score |
| --- | --- | --- | ---: |
| Workflow specificity | Generic workflow | Unique workflow | |
| Data sensitivity | Public/internal | Confidential/restricted | |
| Integration depth | Standard integrations | Custom multi-system workflow | |
| Strategic differentiation | Commodity | Core advantage | |
| Change rate | Vendor roadmap acceptable | Needs fast internal iteration | |
| Operating capacity | No owner/team | Team can operate production system | |
| Compliance evidence | Vendor docs enough | Custom evidence required | |

## Decision Guide

- 7-14: buy or configure.
- 15-24: buy plus workflow automation or integration.
- 25-31: build a thin custom layer around APIs.
- 32+: consider custom system/private deployment if the business case is real.

## Full-Cost Check

- License/API cost:
- Implementation cost:
- Maintenance owner:
- Security review:
- Integration cost:
- Monitoring/evals:
- Exit cost:

## Decision

- Buy:
- Configure:
- Extend:
- Build:
- Revisit date: