Separate interpretation from authority
A model can classify intent, extract structured information, summarize context, or propose an action. The system should still decide whether that action is permitted.
This keeps natural-language flexibility without turning probabilistic output into unrestricted authority.
Fail closed on important actions
When required context is missing, a critical action should stop or request review rather than inventing a value. Approval boundaries should be visible in the workflow, not hidden inside prompts.
The same principle applies to pricing, permissions, payments, and production changes.
Make AI observable
AI-assisted workflows should emit normal operational events that can be inspected alongside non-AI actions. Inputs, decisions, approvals, failures, and outcomes need a traceable lifecycle.
That makes evaluation possible: the question is not whether the model sounds intelligent, but whether the workflow improves measurable operational outcomes safely.