After you sign up for AI CTRL, a PM from the Expedient Service Delivery team will reach out to you to schedule a project kickoff call. In that call we will plan how we will work with you to implement your AI CTRL solution in two phases:
AI Gateway – A managed service designed to securely connect organizations to AI models (such as OpenAI, Microsoft Azure OpenAI, Google, and others) while centralizing access control, monitoring, and policy enforcement.
Connectors – A tool or service offered by Expedient to securely bridge the gap between your organization's data sources (like cloud storage, servers, or SaaS platforms) and your AI workloads, applications, or analytics environments.
Phase 1: AI Gateway implementation
Q: What is required before the AI Gateway implementation phase can be completed?
A:
You will select a URL.
Most Expedient clients choose a subdomain of their existing public domain
Example: chat.yourcompanydomain.com
In this case you will need to configure the associated DNS “A” record
-OR-
Expedient can provide a subdomain
Example: yourcompany.expedient.cloud
In this case Expedient configures the DNS A record
In either case, Expedient will provide the public IP to be associated with that DNS “A” record
Identify the User Authentication method using Single Sign-On (SSO)
(Preferred) Azure/EntraID, OneLogin or Okta.
Expedient will provide a guide on how to configure either of these
(Other) Expedient to work with clients on alternative authentication.
Q: How long does AI Gateway implementation phase take?
A:
If the URL and SSO are configured appropriately: Approximately 2 weeks from implementation kickoff call if subdomain and SSO are identified before/during kickoff and configured promptly.
If URL or SSO configuration assistance is needed: In cases where configuration of DNS “A” record is delayed or a non-preferred SSO is selected we typically see implementation complete approximately 1 month from kickoff call.
Q: What does the AI Gateway implementation include?
A:
Gateway deployed
Models accessible
Observability configured
DNS name configured and certificate applied
Single sign-on configured
End users able to log in
Phase 2: AI Connector Implementation
Q: What is a Data Connector?
A: It allows AI to “connect” to where your data lives (e.g., SharePoint, file shares, cloud apps)
Q: What is required before the AI connector implementation phase can be completed?
A: You will need to have a gateway that is configured and available, and choose which data connector(s) is needed in your environment. Expedient recommends that your first connector be to SharePoint.
Q: How long does AI connector implementation phase take?
A: A connector to SharePoint can typically be completed within 1 week. Other connectors may take a bit longer. In cases where a connector is needed to a platform where Expedient has not previously done a configuration this can take several weeks.
Q: What does the AI connector implementation include?
A: Typically includes a set of services, tools, and processes designed to securely integrate your organization’s data sources with Expedient’s AI and analytics platforms.
Additional Implementation Questions
Q: Have you identified specific business needs, pain points, or success measures for the AI Chat Gateway/Document Search?
If YES: Please share a high-level mapping of your goals during the kickoff call.
If NO: Start outlining measurable trial goals or use cases, you’d like to validate.
Why we ask:
Clear objectives help define success, keep the project focused, and maximize business value.
Q: Will you have a designated focus group(s)?
If YES: Please identify the groups or departments involved.
If NO: Consider which groups should begin and how you’d like to expand.
Why we ask:
This helps us plan training resources, onboarding, and adoption strategies.
Q: What is your desired timeline for rollout, and are there critical dates or milestones?
Why we ask:
Aligning early ensures the project stays on track with clear expectations.