Navigating RAG in Production: Who Owns What (And Why It Matters)

By aligning technical theory with practical implementation, the roles of Engineering, Product Management (PM), and Program Management (PgM) can be clearly delineated within the Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipeline. Engineers are responsible for the design and development of the underlying algorithms and infrastructure, ensuring that the technical components function effectively. The Product Manager defines service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance metrics, guiding the product vision and ensuring that user needs are met. Meanwhile, the Program Manager oversees operational governance, coordinating efforts between teams to ensure timely delivery and adherence to project timelines. This framework clarifies ownership and accountability, connecting technical solutions with business outcomes. It enables Engineering, PM, and PgM roles to collaborate effectively, ensuring that the RAG pipeline remains reliable, accurate, and cost-effective.