Think Ahead

// AI_READINESS

AI-Readiness
Checklist

Are you ready for your first AI pilot?

Your organization has potential for AI, but there are a few things to arrange before starting a pilot.

Go through this checklist to ensure your first AI experiment has the best chance of success. Check off what's already done, and focus on what still needs attention.

// STEP 1

Data Inventory

Do you know what data you have and where it is?

I know which data sources are relevant for my pilot idea (CRM, ERP, documents, etc.)I know where this data physically resides (cloud, on-premise, external system)An owner has been assigned per data sourceData quality is sufficient (no major pollution, missing fields, duplicates)Data is exportable or accessible via API

Tip: No perfect data needed, but you must know what you have. Start with a small, clean dataset for your pilot.

// STEP 2

Process Mapping

Do you understand the process you want to improve?

I have chosen a concrete process (not "something with AI", but specific)I can describe the current process in 5-10 stepsI know where the pain points are (time-consuming, error-prone, boring)I know who currently performs this process and how oftenI can explain what "better" looks like (faster, more accurate, more consistent)

Tip: Choose a process you already have a grip on. Automating a messy process results in automated mess.

// STEP 3

Privacy & Security

Are you allowed to use this data for AI?

I know if the data contains personal information (GDPR-relevant)I have checked if data can be sent to external AI services (or needs anonymization)I know which data absolutely cannot leave the organizationThere are agreements about which AI tools may be usedIT/Security is involved or informed about the pilot plan

Tip: Ask this early. Nothing more annoying than a pilot that stops because privacy wasn't aligned.

// STEP 4

Stakeholders

Who needs to be involved?

There is an owner/sponsor driving the pilotEnd users (who will use it) are involvedThere is budget or commitment for a pilotManagement is informed and supportiveSomeone with technical knowledge is available (internal or external)

Tip: Involve end users early. They know where the real pain is and determine whether it will be adopted.

// STEP 5

Success Criteria

How will you know if it works?

I have formulated concrete goals (e.g., 50% faster, 80% accurate)I know how to measure this (before/after comparison, sample)I have a timeframe in mind (e.g., 4 to 6 weeks pilot)I know when the pilot is "successful" and when we stopThere is a plan for after the pilot (further develop, scale, or learn and stop)

Tip: "It should just work" is not a criterion. Be specific, then you can actually learn from the pilot.

// SUMMARY

Ready for your pilot?

Data

Process

Privacy

Team

Goal

Everything checked?

You're ready to start an AI pilot. Schedule a conversation to work out your idea.

A few points still open?

Focus on those first. A well-prepared pilot has a much better chance of success than starting quickly.

Much still unclear?

Then first check out the AI Transformation Roadmap to build a stronger foundation.

Need help with your pilot?

Want to brainstorm about your pilot idea or get help with execution? Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation.

roel@thinkahead.digital +31 6 24963800 LinkedIn

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AI-ReadinessChecklist