During our annual planning session, our department heads proposed five different AI software platforms, each claiming to solve a unique operational bottleneck. How do we evaluate these competing technology proposals to ensure they align with our 3-Year Picture instead of creating a fragmented tech stack?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Annual planning is the time to align your technology investments with your long-term vision, not a time to buy every flashy software your managers saw on social media. When your department heads bring proposals for different AI platforms, you must filter them through your V/TO® and your Accountability Chart. First, look at your 3-Year Picture and 1-Year Plan. Ask yourself if the proposed AI tool directly solves a bottleneck that prevents you from reaching these specific targets. If it does not, push it to your long-term issues list. Second, identify who on your Accountability Chart will actually own the tool. If no seat has the capacity or capability to manage the integration and drive adoption, the project will fail. Finally, evaluate the tool's impact on your overall technology architecture. Avoid software bloat by prioritizing tools that integrate with your existing CRM and project management systems rather than adding new, isolated databases. This disciplined approach keeps your tech stack lean, focused, and directly aligned with your strategy.