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Cost governance
What belongs in an enterprise AI cost baseline
Combine subscriptions, API usage, idle capacity, and administration time before deciding what to optimize.
2026-06-19 · 6 min read
Subscription fees are only the start
Total AI cost also includes API usage, duplicate procurement, idle capacity, access administration, purchasing effort, and support time. A useful baseline should identify ownership and purpose.
Establish comparable dimensions
Start with employee, team, project, model, and month, then add Agents, tasks, and outcomes as data maturity improves.
Optimization is not simple cost cutting
Prioritize duplicate, idle, and unexplained spend while protecting investment that improves business quality and speed.
Apply the method to your operating environment
Book an architecture conversation around your models, team, cost, and data requirements.
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