AI Agent Deployment Checklist

Deployment checklist overview

The deployment checklist has three stages: pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment. Complete each stage before moving to the next so your first agent starts with clear boundaries, clear ownership, and clear approvals.

Pre-deployment checklist

Complete these steps before your first agent runs. They make the rollout safe, visible, and easy to manage.

Tool access tasks:

• Identify the first tools your agent will use, such as HubSpot, Slack, Gmail, or Xero
• Connect only the tools needed for the first agent
• Give the agent only the access it needs for the job
• Confirm a safe test action works before launch
• Keep the first rollout narrow: one agent, one job, clear boundaries

Approval and control tasks:

• Define who approves actions before the agent changes data or sends anything externally
• Start with approval required for write actions and outbound messages
• Set a spend cap before launch
• Review the agent plan together so everyone understands what it will and will not do

Ownership and visibility tasks:

• Assign one owner for the rollout
• Assign department leads who will review agent output in their area
• Confirm every action and cost can be reviewed after launch
• Run one test plan and confirm the activity log is easy to follow

Exit criteria: Tools connected, approvals set, spend caps on, ownership clear, activity visible.

Deployment checklist

Once setup is complete, launch one agent for one well-bounded job. The goal is a calm first rollout, not maximum coverage.

First-agent selection tasks:

• Pick a repetitive, low-risk job with a clear outcome
• Choose a use case the team already understands
• Make sure the task fits inside the tools and approvals already set
• Confirm who will review the first proposed actions

Launch tasks:

• Describe what you need in plain English, including the trigger, result, and approval expectations
• Review the plan before the agent runs
• Launch the agent with approvals turned on
• Review the first few proposed actions with the owner or department lead
• Check that the agent shows clear context before asking for approval

Early review tasks:

• Check activity and cost closely in the first few days
• Review approvals and declines to spot unclear instructions
• Tighten the brief or boundaries if the agent proposes the wrong action
• Keep notes on what the team trusts, questions, or wants changed

Exit criteria: Agent is running, approvals are working, activity is visible, and the owner is confident in the next run.

Post-deployment checklist

After the first agent is stable, keep the review loop tight and expand carefully.

Ongoing review tasks:

• Check the activity log weekly
• Review approvals, declines, and errors on a regular cadence
• Monitor spend against caps weekly
• Collect feedback from department leads monthly
• Update the agent brief when the job or expectations change

Expansion tasks:

• Add closely related jobs in the same team before expanding across the business
• Reuse the same approval pattern for each new agent until trust is established
• Assign a clear owner for every new agent
• Roll out to the next team only after the current agent is trusted
• Keep each new launch narrow and specific

Optimization tasks:

• Remove access the agent does not need
• Adjust approvals when the current pattern is working well
• Improve the plain-English brief so the agent has clearer instructions
• Use what you learn from one agent to shape the next rollout

Exit criteria: The first agent is trusted, review habits are in place, and the next rollout has a clear owner and scope.

Frequently asked questions