Before every rehearsal, MAIA runs a Pre-flight Readiness Check. This is a quick confirmation that you're set up for a productive session — not a test you can fail.
What You Need Before Starting
- 30 to 120 minutes of uninterrupted time. A rehearsal takes 30 to 120 minutes, depending on how deeply MAIA needs to simulate your decision. At certain stages MAIA works without visible output, and deep analysis can take half an hour or more. Stay with the session — findings appear as soon as each stage completes. You can step away and come back — your progress is saved after every completed step, and you can return from your Dashboard to the step you left
- A stable internet connection. MAIA processes your decision through multiple analysis stages in sequence. If your connection drops, MAIA holds your session state briefly, but extended disconnection will cause the session to time out. Don't start a rehearsal on unstable WiFi.
- A clear decision to rehearse. You'll describe your decision in your own words. The more specific you are, the better the analysis. "Should we acquire CompanyX?" is better than "growth options." See how to write a strong decision description.
- A purchased rehearsal. Starting the pipeline uses the Decision Rehearsal you bought. If you don't have an unrun rehearsal on your account, buy one from the Dashboard first — $89, flat.
Optional But Helpful
- Documents to upload. Financial reports, strategic plans, board decks, analyst coverage — anything that grounds the analysis in your actual situation. You can upload during the early pipeline stages using the 📎 paperclip button.
- Connected data sources. If you've authorized Salesforce, Google Drive, Slack, or other sources, MAIA will search them for relevant context. Connecting sources is optional — MAIA works without them.
The Two Buttons
"I'm Ready — Begin Rehearsal" starts the pipeline and marks your purchased rehearsal as run. There is no undo.
"Not Now" returns you to the Dashboard with no charge. Your rehearsal stays unrun and available. You can come back and start it anytime.
When Your Rehearsal Counts as Run
Your rehearsal is marked run the moment you click "I'm Ready." Not when you open the app, not when you browse the Dashboard, not when you connect data sources. Only when you commit to running the pipeline. Everything before that button click costs nothing.