What determines the cost of AI adoption?
The cost of AI adoption depends more on scope than on technology: how many processes, how many systems it connects to, how ready the data is, how sensitive the process is and how much change management it takes. Operations cost per case. It is cheapest to start in one process and measure the impact before expanding.
Has it become cheaper?
The same kind of solution that cost fifteen million kronor to build fifteen years ago can today get a first working version in fifteen minutes. “Too expensive to test” is no longer an excuse.
What costs money today is something else: making the solution work day to day, every day, and getting people to use it.
What drives the cost?
| Cost driver | Cheaper when | More expensive when |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | One process, one task | Several processes at once |
| Integrations | A manual bridge at first, standard interfaces | Many systems, older systems without interfaces |
| Data | The input exists and is structured | Information is scattered or sits in people's heads |
| Regulation | Internal use with human review | Sensitive personal data, high-risk under the AI Act |
| Operations | Low volume, simple questions | High volume, large input per case |
| Change management | A small team that wants it | Many users, strong resistance |
Which costs are forgotten?
- Operating cost per case: model calls, searches and storage, every time the service is used.
- Monitoring and updates: models are replaced and regulations change.
- Change management: the time it takes before the way of working sticks. See How do you get people to use AI tools?
- Staff time: in the pilot and in training.
How do you keep the cost down?
- Start in one process, with a clear impact to measure.
- Run a scoped pilot before investing in integrations.
- Weigh cost per case against impact per case.
- Expand only when the impact is proven.
- Keep the right to switch model and supplier. See Requirements for AI solutions.
That is the logic behind Prove & expand and our service ladder: a free first conversation, a workshop, a scoped pilot and only then a larger programme. Each step is quoted once the previous one is done.
FAQ
Common questions about the cost of AI
What does an AI pilot cost?
It depends on the process and the integrations. We quote the pilot after a first conversation, scoped to one process.
Is it cheaper to build it ourselves?
The first version is often cheap. Operations, regulation and change management are what cost, whoever builds it.
How do you calculate the impact?
Time per case or per week before and after, times volume, compared with the operating cost.
What would it cost for you?
Bring the process you are considering to a free conversation. We will see what drives the cost in your case.
Book 30 minutes