Public benchmarks rarely reflect enterprise reality. They are useful for general capability, but they do not answer the question that matters: which model is safest and most effective for our workflows?
Benchmark the scenarios you actually run
Enterprise benchmarking starts with scenario design:
- Use real task flows and prompts, not toy examples.
- Include risk scenarios: policy guidance, operational decisions, and tool-enabled actions.
- Test multi-turn flows, not just single responses.
Define clear baselines
A benchmark is only useful when it compares against something meaningful:
- Current production model or provider.
- Human baseline performance where available.
- Smaller or cheaper model as a cost baseline.
Track not just accuracy but latency, cost, refusal rates, and tool correctness.
Use mixed evaluation methods
Combine automated metrics with human review:
- Automated scoring for precision, groundedness, and schema validity.
- Human rubrics for tone, usefulness, and safety nuance (see evaluation rubrics).
- Adversarial tests for injection or unsafe responses (see red teaming).
Define decision gates up front
Benchmarks should lead to clear decisions: which models move to pilot, which are rejected, and which need additional controls. Connect this to procurement and governance pathways (see procurement playbook and risk appetite).
Enterprise benchmarking is not about chasing the highest score. It is about choosing models that fit your risk, cost, and operational reality.