Appendix D: Decision Frameworks¶
All decision flowcharts and comparison matrices from the Gems, consolidated for quick reference.
Connector Selection (GEM-023)¶
Does a prebuilt MCP connector exist?
├── YES → Use MCP prebuilt (3 clicks)
└── NO → Do you control the API?
├── YES → Multiple agents? → YES → Build MCP server
│ → NO → Governance needed?
│ ├── YES → Custom Connector
│ └── NO → HTTP Node
└── NO → OpenAPI spec available?
├── YES → Custom Connector
└── NO → HTTP Node
Knowledge Source Selection (GEM-008 + GEM-026)¶
Content in SharePoint, < 500 files?
├── YES → Search quality OK after format optimization?
│ ├── YES → SharePoint Native ✅
│ └── NO → Need filtering or custom chunking? → Azure AI Search
└── NO → Content in databases/APIs/multiple sources? → Azure AI Search
Content in Fabric (warehouse/lakehouse/PBI)? → Fabric Data Agent (GEM-028)
State Persistence (GEM-001)¶
Org has Dataverse license?
├── YES → Dataverse (production-grade)
└── NO → Prototyping? → SharePoint List (zero licensing friction)
Need max performance? → External HTTP API
Debug Mode (GEM-004)¶
Development/UAT → Keyword Inline (instant, in-chat)
Production → App Insights (silent, persistent, queryable)
Stakeholder demo → Adaptive Card Panel (visual, polished)
Persona Adaptation (GEM-002)¶
Tone-only adaptation (3-5 personas)? → Branched Instructions
Different knowledge per persona? → Multi-Agent Routing
Query-specific adaptation needed? → Dynamic Prompt Tool
Multi-Language (GEM-005)¶
IT maintains Entra profiles well? → Graph API detection + persist
Quick deploy, no infrastructure? → LLM auto-detect from input + persist
Regulatory language requirement? → Explicit user choice
Form Collection (GEM-006)¶
1-2 fields → Sequential Questions
3-6 fields → Adaptive Card
3-6 + validation → Card + sequential correction (Hybrid)
7+ fields → Split into 2 cards
Handoff to Human (GEM-010)¶
Internal/enterprise → LLM Summary (email/Teams async)
Teams-centric org → Context Card to Teams channel
Customer-facing → Omnichannel live transfer
Regulated Flows (GEM-027)¶
3-5 steps, simple consent → Fully Manual topic
5-7 steps, user needs help → Hybrid (deterministic + generative clarification)
7+ steps, multi-session → State Machine with Power Automate
Proactive Messages (GEM-014)¶
Event-driven automation → Platform Triggers (GA, recommended)
Simple Teams notification → PA + Teams Card
In-conversation follow-up → Bot Framework API
Cost Control (GEM-012)¶
Immediate savings → Response length capping (instructions)
Understand costs → App Insights token tracking
Hard limit (safety net) → Turn counter (30-40 max)