How do you manage working with AI/ML teams?

In previous companies, the AI guys took a really really long time for research (over a year for a first version, insane). I'm working on a new product and to move quickly, we mostly worked with off-the-shelf libraries to get initial results before we go into deep research. What other tips do you have for shipping AI products out quickly? --- I also wrote more about my experience here if anyone's interested: https://guybarner.medium.com/goo...