Most of the time, plain old programming is the better tool. 1. The rules are clear If every step can be written as a rule, AI is not needed. Use: Code 2. The answer must be exact Math, totals, taxes, and dates should always come out right. Use: Code 3. The same input needs the same result Some jobs should work the same way every single time. Use: Code 4. The answer is already in the data If the system already knows the answer, just ask the system. Use: Query/Database 5. You are moving data around Sending data from one system to another usually does not need AI. Use: APIs 6. Only a few cases are unusual Let code handle the normal work and send the odd cases to a person. Use: Human review 7. A mistake could be costly If getting it wrong matters a lot, keep the risky step under tight control. Use: Human approval 8. No real thinking is needed If the job is just following steps, ICM probably adds very little. Use: Code 9. Your software already does it If the feature already exists and works, adding AI just adds another layer. Use: Existing software 10. You just want to use AI Sometimes the new tool is more exciting than the right tool. Use: Ask why When would you choose NOT to use ICM or AI at all?