How to scope an AI feature inside existing software

CodeAstra Tech · Engineering decision guide

Start with the problem

Choose a narrow task that users already perform, such as summarising a support thread or extracting a document field. Define what useful output looks like before choosing a model.

Define the scope

Check where source data lives and which user is allowed to access it. The model request must inherit the application’s permissions rather than become a shortcut around them.

Check the failure cases

Create representative examples, including incomplete inputs and adversarial instructions in documents. Compare outputs against a baseline and define when the feature should abstain.

Make the decision

Roll out with usage limits, feedback and a fallback workflow. Treat the generated response as untrusted input before it reaches downstream systems.