> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jamiewen00.gitbook.io/ai-engineering-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jamiewen00.gitbook.io/ai-engineering-handbook/undefined/system.md).

# System Overview

<figure><img src="/files/sVIA05zxVEL66qGxHQvK" alt="Key Components"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Iterations

1. [Start Simple](/ai-engineering-handbook/undefined/system/start-simple.md)
2. [Enhance Context](/ai-engineering-handbook/undefined/system/enhance-context.md)
3. [Implement Guardrails](/ai-engineering-handbook/undefined/system/implement-guardrails.md)
4. [Add Routing and Gateway](/ai-engineering-handbook/undefined/system/add-routing-and-gateway.md)
5. [Optimise with Caching](/ai-engineering-handbook/undefined/system/optimise-with-caching.md)
6. [Enable Agent Patterns](/ai-engineering-handbook/undefined/system/enable-agent-patterns.md)

**Gradual Implementation**: Don't try to implement everything at once. This step-by-step approach allows you to validate each component before adding the next layer of complexity.

**Trade-offs**: Each step introduces trade-offs between reliability, latency, cost, and complexity. Consider your specific needs when deciding which components to implement.

**Security**: Steps 3 and 6 are particularly important for security. Guardrails and careful agent implementation are essential for production systems.