The operating cost starts after the demo

The article highlights the issue of AI agencies selling promises of automation without fully disclosing the costs and challenges of maintaining these systems. These agencies often focus on the demo, showcasing a controlled and streamlined process, but neglect to discuss the problems that arise when dealing with real-world data and edge cases. For instance, the article notes that AI systems require ongoing monitoring, logs, fallbacks, permissions, and updates, which can be time-consuming and costly. The lack of transparency about these costs can lead to "false productivity," where companies end up spending more time and resources on tuning prompts, adjusting workflows, and fixing mistakes.

The article's critique of AI agencies' sales pitches and demos is particularly relevant in the current tech landscape, where AI and automation are increasingly being adopted by businesses. Companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Google are heavily investing in AI and automation technologies, and many startups are emerging to provide AI-powered solutions for various industries. However, as the article points out, the true value of these systems lies not in their initial setup, but in their ongoing performance and ability to adapt to changing business needs. The article's emphasis on the importance of ownership and maintenance of AI systems is a timely reminder for businesses to approach these technologies with a critical and nuanced perspective.

The implications of the article's message are significant, as they suggest that many companies may be over-investing in AI and automation technologies without fully understanding the long-term costs and challenges. As businesses continue to adopt these technologies, they will need to prioritize proper ownership and maintenance of their AI systems, rather than simply relying on the initial demo or sales pitch. This may involve developing in-house expertise in AI and automation, or partnering with vendors that can provide ongoing support and maintenance. Ultimately, the article's message is a call to action for businesses to approach AI and automation with a more informed and critical perspective.