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AI Projects and the 80/20 Reality

Picture this: a business owner walks in and says,

I just need an AI solution that works. I don’t want to talk about data models or governance. Just make it go.

That’s a familiar moment for anyone in IT services. And honestly, it’s a fair request.

Business owners aren’t asking for “AI enablement” or “data architecture.” They’re asking to solve a problem, such as faster quoting, fewer manual steps, or better decisions. The challenge is, even the smartest AI in the world doesn’t know your business like you do.

So when we’re asked, “Can you build this?”, the right answer isn’t a lecture or a caution flag. It’s something like this:

That’s a common use case. Yes, we can solve it. We can bring 80% of the solution.

The other 20% comes from your team, your knowledge, your data, and your workflows.

It will like take about two months and around $20,000 to get it done right.

That’s what seasoned IT partners do. We don’t blow smoke. We translate vision into scope, align expectations, and make AI practical.

Why That 20% Matters

That last 20%, consisting of the data cleanup, the subject expertise, and the “why we do it this way,” is what turns a demo into a dependable system. Skip it, and you get a shiny proof-of-concept that dies in production.

At Zeytech, we help you start smart, prove value fast, and grow confidence along the way without over-engineering things. It’s the same partnership model we use for everything from automation to app development, because good technology shouldn’t be magic. It should be the result of close collaboration.

The Zeytech Way

  • We listen first. Every business has its own 20%.
  • We right-size the effort. You don’t need a research lab to get results.
  • We move fast, but stay grounded. Our goal is usable progress, not endless exploration.

Whether it’s automating reports, improving scheduling, or adding AI to decision workflows, our Midwest-rooted approach keeps things practical. No buzzwords or bloat, just results.

Bottom Line

AI isn’t an off-the-shelf miracle. It’s a co-built solution with 80% proven expertise and 20% your know-how.

When both sides bring their parts, the result is something worth the investment: a working, reliable system that makes your team faster, smarter, and more confident.

Ready to talk with someone that will understand what you’re asking for? Let’s connect to go over your business plans and how partnering with Zeytech can help you reach your goals.