Scope and measures
Select a bounded use case, a baseline and acceptance criteria.
AI Proof of Concept Projects
An AI proof of concept is a small, bounded project that tests whether one AI idea delivers value with your real data, systems and constraints. Umbrella Tech scopes, builds and evaluates these for Australian organisations, with defined users, acceptance criteria and controlled access. You finish with evidence for a clear decision: build it, change it or stop.
The problem
The challenge we help you address
A demonstration can look impressive without proving it works with real data and constraints. Without agreed measures, a pilot drifts and nobody can say whether it succeeded.
The outcome
What the engagement should deliver
You receive evidence for a go, revise or stop decision. A successful AI proof of concept also identifies the engineering and governance work needed before production use, so the next stage can be planned properly. Ideas often come out of an AI Readiness Assessment or an AI Consulting engagement.
How we can help
Pilot build
Create the workflow with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Automate or custom code, using appropriate data and access controls.
Evaluation
Test answer quality, usefulness, failure cases and effort with real users.
Decision report
Record results, limitations, running costs and the work needed for production.
How we deliver
How a proof of concept runs
01
Choose the use case
Agree one problem, the users involved and what success looks like.
02
Prepare data and access
Arrange test data and accounts with only the access the pilot needs.
03
Build and test
Build the smallest version that can answer the question, then test it with real tasks.
04
Decide
Compare results against the criteria and recommend the next step.
Security and governance considerations
Pilots still touch real information, so they need the same care as production: least-privilege access, no unnecessary personal data, logging and a clear end date for test accounts. We record these choices so a successful pilot can move to production under your Governance & Compliance requirements.
Frequently asked questions
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What is an AI proof of concept?
A short, bounded project that tests a specific AI idea against agreed measures before larger investment. An AI POC answers whether the idea works; an AI pilot project then tests it with a wider group in daily use.
When should a business run an AI proof of concept?
When an idea looks promising but its value, data needs or risks are uncertain. It is especially useful before committing to licences, custom development or changes to a core process.
Does a successful pilot mean the system is production-ready?
No. Production may require stronger access controls, monitoring, resilience, support and broader testing. The pilot report identifies those requirements rather than assuming they are complete.
How long does an AI proof of concept take?
It depends on the use case, data preparation and the number of systems involved. We agree a fixed scope and timing during discovery so the proof of concept stays bounded.
What are the main security or governance considerations?
Access to real data, handling of personal information, what the AI service does with inputs and who approves the move to production. We document these decisions in the pilot report.
Test your idea
Tell us the idea you want to test and how you would judge success, and we will help scope a proof of concept.