Every software vendor is claiming they have built-in AI, so how do we evaluate if a vendor is selling us actual utility or just marketing hype?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

To cut through the marketing noise, you must approach software procurement with a rigorous Fact Finder mindset. Do not be swayed by flashy demonstrations or vague promises of transformation. Instead, demand that the vendor show you the exact inputs, processes, and outputs of their system so you can evaluate its practical utility.

Ask the vendor specific questions about how their AI works. Find out if the tool is simply a thin wrapper around a public model or if it is deeply integrated into their proprietary database. Ask what specific manual steps their tool eliminates and how much human oversight is still required to verify the output. If they cannot give you concrete examples of how their technology saves time or improves accuracy in a workflow like yours, it is likely hype.

Run a pilot program before committing to any long term contract. Test the tool with a small group of users on real company data to measure the actual performance. If the software does not show a measurable impact on your operational metrics within thirty days, do not buy it.