Define the value contract before deployment
Record the baseline, expected outcome, target, measurement method, value owner, finance validator and expected cost before success is declared.
Separate value stages
Expected, approved, measured, validated and realised value are different states and should not be added together as though they are equivalent.
Use explicit attribution
Distinguish direct, modelled and inferred attribution so executives understand how strongly an outcome can be connected to AI.
Align cost and outcome periods
Compare cost, tokens, outcomes and value over the same period and reporting currency.
Measure unit economics
Track cost per outcome, tokens per outcome, value yield and marginal efficiency rather than total spend alone.