AI readiness is less about buying a tool and more about identifying a valuable, governable problem. This guide helps leaders assess the foundations before committing budget.
Start with a business outcome
Define the operational result first: shorter response times, fewer manual errors, faster document handling or better access to knowledge. A clear outcome makes technology choices easier to evaluate.
- Name the workflow to improve
- Choose a measurable baseline
- Identify the people affected
Assess your information
Useful AI depends on accessible, current and appropriately controlled information. Review where the relevant data lives, who owns it and whether teams trust it.
- Map source systems and documents
- Confirm access and privacy rules
- Check quality and update frequency
Choose a contained first use case
Begin with a focused process where people can review the output. This lowers risk and creates evidence for a wider programme.
- Keep a human decision point
- Define acceptable and unacceptable answers
- Review performance before expanding
