Tally the Results: The Structural Lock-In Scorecard

The Five Questions Scorecard

For each question, determine if the answer indicates “Ceiling possible” or “Floor only”:

Question 1: Can AI Replicate This In Six Months?

• YES → Floor only
• NO → Ceiling possible ✓

Question 2: Is Switching Cost Greater Than 12 Months of Fees?

• NO → Floor only
• YES → Ceiling possible ✓

Question 3: Does the Product Become the System of Record?

• NO → Floor only
• YES → Ceiling possible ✓

Question 4: Is There a Services and Implementation Layer?

• NO → Floor only
• YES → Ceiling possible ✓

Question 5: Does Data Gravity Compound Over Time?

• NO → Floor only
• YES → Ceiling possible ✓

Classification

The Critical Rule

If the answers are ambiguous, it’s middle. Pass.

Ambiguity is a signal, not a challenge to overcome. Companies with clear structural positions have clear answers to these questions.

This is part of a comprehensive analysis. Read the full analysis on The Business Engineer.