Shirasu Systems launches AI pilot funding decision pack

Shirasu Systems has launched an AI pilot cost illustration and an editable AI Pilot Funding Decision Pack for operating leaders deciding whether to fund or extend an AI pilot.

The free resources include a one-tab cost illustration, an input guide and a two-page fictional decision example. They are available to inspect without purchase or an email form. The paid pack is sold to US buyers for USD $249 as a one-time purchase before applicable tax.

At the centre of the offer is a distinction between released staff time and cash savings. A pilot may create capacity for other work even when payroll and other commitments remain in place, so the fictional example keeps those effects separate rather than treating estimated time savings as cash that can be spent.

The free cost illustration uses fictional figures to introduce that distinction. A separate guide sets out the inputs needed for the calculation, including human handling, review, corrections and ongoing support.

The free two-page fictional decision example outlines a limited pilot with a cash budget, an evidence gap, a downside case and stop conditions. The guide is intended to help teams decide whether they can supply the required inputs before buying editable files.

Paid pack

The paid package adds an editable two-page decision note, a base, downside and upside cost model, an evidence and assumptions register, and pilot and stop-condition records. It also includes instructions, a completed fictional cost workbook, two fictional decisions and a challenge exercise.

The cost model contains 18 input rows for each case. These cover the decision horizon, eligible workload, adoption, human handling, review, rework, labour rates, cash allocation, support, setup, recurring costs and contingency.

Teams are expected to enter their own dated assumptions and compare the cases. Review and support work remain visible in the model alongside the expected operating benefit.

Shirasu Systems said the product does not approve spending or establish a realised financial return, even where the model shows a positive result or a decision note has been completed. The model also uses a constant monthly run rate and does not include a demand forecast, discounting or tax calculation.

Where demand, adoption or costs vary by month, the guidance calls for a shorter decision horizon or for buyers to use their own dated monthly schedule and disclose that limitation. For extension decisions, teams can prepare a new dated note and assess future avoidable costs while identifying sunk or unavoidable commitments separately.

Decision process

The product is structured around evidence gathering before a funding choice is made. Teams should collect sources for model inputs, record missing facts and identify the assumption most likely to change the decision.

The evidence register assigns owners and next actions to assumptions. The decision note then records alternatives and the conditions for continuing, narrowing or stopping a pilot.

Fictional figures and example decisions are kept separate from an organisation's actual observations, evidence and decision-making authority. Buyers remain responsible for supplying evidence for any cost that can actually be removed and for making the funding decision itself.

Licensing terms

One purchase covers one organisation and its staff or contractors working on its behalf for internal reuse on that organisation's pilot decisions. Each additional client organisation requires its own licence, and the source templates may not be redistributed or resold.

The purchase includes access to published product updates for 12 months after purchase, although there is no promised feature or update schedule. Files already received remain usable under the licence after that period.

Documents are supplied in DOCX, XLSX and PDF formats. Compatibility was tested in WPS Writer and Spreadsheets 11.8.2.8498 on Windows, while Microsoft Word and Excel were not tested.

Custom completion, calls and professional recommendations are outside the scope of the pack. Buyers are expected to complete the work using their own facts and assumptions.

Shirasu Systems said it makes self-service document and spreadsheet work packs for automation and AI tasks.