Start with ordinary software
If rules or deterministic processing solve a step reliably, a model call may add cost and uncertainty without value.
Match the model to the job
Evaluate smaller models on simple work and reserve stronger models for tasks that benefit. Measure quality as well as latency and cost.
Reuse accepted results
Cache safe-to-reuse outputs, version the inputs and keep accepted translations separate from audio generation.
Give someone the controls
Use client-owned provider accounts where practical, monitor usage and document budgets, alerts and the conditions for escalation.