Should We Use This AI Tool?
A simple decision tree for small businesses: pairs with the Simple AI Policy and AI Tool Evaluation Checklist
Full detail: Simple AI Policy One-Pager, AI Tool Evaluation Checklist | 13-Small-Business-AI-Toolkit/Should-We-Use-This-AI-Tool-Decision-Tree.pptx
New AI tool you're considering
Will this task involve customer, financial,
health, or confidential information?
NO: no sensitive data involved
YES: sensitive data involved
Does it cost money, or need
a company card to sign up?
Go ahead and try it. Tell [Owner/Manager] which tool you're using.
Have you run the AI Tool
Evaluation Checklist: clean?
Don't sign up yet: find a different tool or get clearer answers first.
Get [Owner/Manager]'s OK on the purchase, then go ahead.
Does the vendor's plan promise, in writing,
not to train on your data, and to keep it private?
Don't use it for this task yet. Keep it manual, or find a different tool.
Get [Owner/Manager] to review and approve the written agreement before entering any data.
Approved? Go ahead, but always double-check outputs before they reach a customer or a decision.