How do I find an AI implementation company?

The AI vendor market is crowded with firms that produce strategy decks without building anything. Here is how to identify the ones that actually deliver working systems.

What to Look for in an AI Implementation Partner

• Working deliverables, not reports -- ask for case studies where you can see the actual system built, not just the ROI claimed
• Fixed-price project options -- firms confident in their scoping process offer fixed-price engagements; firms that only do time-and-materials are pricing for uncertainty they have not done the work to eliminate
• Structured discovery -- the best firms do a scoping audit (1-2 weeks) before quoting a build; firms that skip this are guessing
• Onshore team -- AI implementation requires close collaboration during scoping and iteration; offshore communication lag compounds on projects where the requirements are evolving
• Specificity about your tech stack -- a generalist AI firm that has never integrated with your CRM or ERP will cost you more in discovery than a firm with direct experience

Red Flags to Avoid

• No references where you can speak to the actual client who received a working system
• Proposals that jump to technology selection (GPT-4, Claude, LangChain) before understanding your workflow
• No written scope document before a contract is signed
• Offshore-primary teams with a US-facing sales layer

How Code and Trust Approaches Implementation

Code and Trust is an onshore AI implementation firm based in Mt Pleasant, SC. Every project starts with a 2-week AI workflow audit that produces a written scope and fixed-price estimate before any build work begins. Contact us to start the conversation.