LEVEL 03 · LESSON 28
Model routing
Route for total task performance, not just the price of one request.
What it is
Model routing selects a model or processing path for a task instead of sending every request to the same model.
Why it matters
Different tasks justify different quality, speed, and cost tradeoffs. Routing can improve efficiency when its decisions are themselves reliable.
A business example
A support system uses a smaller model for straightforward category labels and routes complex multi-policy complaints to a stronger model with human review.
How it actually works
Route using explicit rules, a classifier, or observed task characteristics. Define an escalation path when the initial result fails validation. Evaluate the complete routed system, including errors in routing and added delay. Compare it with a single-model baseline. Make sure every destination has compatible data-handling arrangements and understands the required output format; routing changes more than a model name.
A common misconception
A cheaper model does not guarantee a cheaper workflow if it creates more retries, escalations, or corrections.
ONE SENTENCE TO REMEMBER
Route for total task performance, not just the price of one request.
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
A team routes simple requests to a cheaper model. Total costs rise because many answers need retries and manual fixes. What does this show?
Show the answer
Answer: A.
A cheaper model does not guarantee a cheaper workflow if it creates more retries, escalations, or corrections. Evaluate the complete routed system, including routing errors and added delay, against a single-model baseline.
Take it into your next meeting
Can you identify simple requests reliably enough to route them differently?
One more concept, understood.
Mark this lesson complete to keep your place.