Question 1

What is a Forward Deployed Engineer?

Accepted Answer

A Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) embeds directly with a customer or partner to configure, extend, and operationalize software inside the customer's real environment. At Phiva AI, our Forward Deployed Engineers focus on AI: designing agent workflows, integrating with customer data and systems, and driving adoption until the AI delivers measurable ROI.

Question 2

When should AI startups hire Forward Deployed Engineers?

Accepted Answer

AI startups should engage Forward Deployed Engineers when they have built a strong core product but customers are stuck on integration, configuration, or adoption. Phiva AI's Forward Deployed Engineering service handles the hard last mile so your AI reaches production faster.

Question 3

What services does Phiva AI offer?

Accepted Answer

Phiva AI offers two services: Forward Deployed Engineering as a Service for AI startups deploying into customer environments, and AI Engineering & Integration for teams building production-grade LLM applications, RAG systems, and AI agents from the ground up. We also provide industry-specific deployment for manufacturing and construction environments.

Question 4

Does Phiva AI deploy AI into manufacturing environments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Phiva AI currently has live Forward Deployed Engineering engagements in manufacturing customer environments. We handle ERP and MES integration, shop floor workflow design, PLC data pipelines, and tiered enablement for floor workers and plant managers.

Question 5

Does Phiva AI deploy AI into construction environments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Phiva AI currently has live Forward Deployed Engineering engagements in construction customer environments. We integrate with Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud, design field-first workflows for jobsite use, and enable foremen, superintendents, and project managers separately.

Question 6

Why do most enterprise AI pilots fail?

Accepted Answer

88% of enterprise AI agent pilots never reach production. The failure is almost never the model — it traces to operational and governance gaps: system integration complexity, data that was not ready, no clear internal owner, and security compliance requirements that were not engaged early. Phiva AI's FDE engagements are specifically designed to close these gaps.