The same sentence "finished" may have different understandings.
A video, a Q&A system, and a software feature all require specific completion standards. Generating tools can speed up production, but customer acceptance still depends on needs, usage and inspection conditions. Small teams have limited time, and the greater the need to explain what the outcome will be before starting.
Write down five things before starting the project
- Goals and purposes: Who uses the results, in what environment they are used, and which problem is to be solved.
- Delivery sample: Lists files, features, quantities, formats and scope of demos that can be inspected.
- Dependence on both parties: who provides information, accounts, equipment or feedback, and how to adjust arrangements when they are lacking.
- Modifications and additions: Record modifications within the original scope and new requirements beyond the agreement respectively.
- Handover and maintenance: agreed version, access rights, follow-up maintenance scope and problem recording method.
Sample checks should cover failure cases
The video can check the picture, text and playback environment; the Q&A can check the basis, wrong answers and handover to a person; the software can check normal input, invalid input and fault recovery. Check items must be reproducible by both parties. A demonstration is no substitute for acceptance under real use conditions.
The interview with Nanjing Ring Technology involved on-site application and customer acquisition issues, and other cases also show that delivery relies on professional experience. This article proposes a general checklist based on this, which is not intended to be the actual contract terms of the reported companies, nor does it replace professional review of specific projects.
Keep a record of your own time
Recording production, manual review, communication and modifications separately can help determine whether the next order can still be delivered within the same scope. If scope continues to change, adjustments should be confirmed before adding work. The purpose of the process is to reduce misunderstandings, but there is no guarantee that the customer will close the deal or that the project will be profitable.
Extended reading: Delivery Agreement of AI Video Service; Nanjing Huanxing Technology Case.