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★★★★★ Reviewed by AI specialists June 2026 · 12 min read
10
Non-negotiable evaluation questions
3 yr
Total cost comparison period
POC
Required before full contract

Choosing an AI video analytics vendor is a 3–5 year commitment with significant operational, financial, and compliance implications. This framework helps GCC enterprise and government buyers structure vendor evaluation rigorously and avoid the most common procurement mistakes.

The 10 Non-Negotiable Evaluation Questions

  1. Where exactly is video data processed and stored? (Require a written architecture diagram.)
  2. Do you have a physical presence in Saudi Arabia with Arabic-speaking support staff?
  3. Can you provide references from 3 current Saudi or GCC deployments?
  4. What is your documented PDPL compliance position and who provides legal sign-off?
  5. What are total 3-year costs: hardware, software licenses, integration, training, and annual support?
  6. What is the accuracy specification for each detection module under your standard test conditions?
  7. What is included in annual maintenance and what triggers additional charges?
  8. How do you handle model retraining when detection accuracy degrades after site conditions change?
  9. What SLA response times are contractually guaranteed for critical system failures?
  10. What is your data deletion procedure when we terminate the contract?

Proof of Concept Design

Never award a full contract without a proof of concept on your actual site. A successful POC should run for minimum 8 weeks, cover at least one complete Ramadan cycle if during that period, and test all production detection modules. Require third-party accuracy verification — your team counting manually alongside the AI for a defined period — before accepting POC results.

RED FLAGS IN VENDOR PROPOSALS Reject any vendor that: cannot name three current Saudi/GCC reference clients; cannot provide a written PDPL compliance architecture; claims 99%+ accuracy without specifying test conditions; provides only annual SaaS pricing without hardware and integration cost breakdown; or refuses a paid proof of concept before full contract award.

See AI Video Analytics in Action

HOSN AI Technologies deploys Kashef across enterprise and government clients in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. Request a live demo tailored to your site.