Changing an AI supplier: preparing a project takeover

When changing an AI supplier, inventory the system and its dependencies first. Identify who remains responsible for live operation until the takeover. The new team needs to inspect code, accounts and the completed workflow. A repository copy is one part of the handover.

This guide covers technical preparation. Check rights to materials and each party's obligations in the project agreements; the inventory does not resolve a supplier dispute. Syntalith assesses takeover feasibility after reviewing the system under its maintenance offer.

Inventory the system before changing access

Record owners and access procedures without placing passwords in the inventory. Transfer secrets and change permissions through an agreed channel. Identify live connections that may need updates afterwards.

Reproduce one workflow outside production

Choose a representative case in an appropriate test environment. The successor should identify the version, connect approved sources and complete the agreed task. The test should not send real messages or change customer orders.

Record where knowledge from the previous supplier was needed. A missing instruction may require documentation. An unknown dependency version or an operation that cannot be reproduced needs further investigation before responsibility changes.

Define the handover point and failure response

Set the date and conditions after which the new team receives alerts and acts. Assign cases started before the handover. For workflows that write data, check how duplicate processing will be prevented during the switch.

The plan should describe returning to the agreed previous operating method or using manual handling. Some operations cannot be reversed, so the decision needs to account for their consequences. An operator handover exercise tests whether the successor can respond independently.

What to request in the quote

Separate assessment, remediation, takeover and ongoing support. That reveals whether a proposal covers investigation alone or responsibility for operation. Ask which components remain unpriced and how they will be assessed.

Syntalith needs permission to monitor and make agreed changes. After review, we can define maintenance conditions or work requiring a rebuild. The agent maintenance guide describes ongoing operation. Keep new features in a separate scope so they are not confused with the takeover itself.