AI readiness assessment: a 10-point checklist
A business is ready for AI when it has a clear goal, usable data, suitable tools, capable and willing people, and governance in place. This 10-point checklist covers data, tooling, team, strategy and governance so you can judge your readiness — and see what to fix first — before investing.
The 10-point AI readiness checklist
- Clear business goal. You know the outcome AI should improve (cost, revenue, service).
- A prioritised use case. You’ve identified at least one high-value, well-defined use case.
- Usable data. The data the use case needs exists, is accessible and reasonably clean.
- Data governance. You know who owns data and can use it compliantly (GDPR).
- Suitable tools & systems. Your systems can integrate with AI, or you know the gap.
- Team capability. Someone can lead adoption, and staff are open to it.
- Leadership backing. Decision-makers support the investment and change.
- Realistic budget. You can fund a pilot and, if it works, a build.
- Governance & risk view. You’ve considered risk, oversight and compliance.
- A way to measure success. You’ve defined the metrics that prove ROI.
Scoring your readiness
Count how many points you can confidently tick. 8–10: you’re ready to pilot or scale. 5–7: address the gaps (often data or tooling) alongside a small quick win. 0–4: shore up foundations — usually data, goals and leadership — before investing heavily. For an instant, structured score, use the AI ROI Calculator; for a consultant-led deep dive, see the AI readiness assessment.
Get a proper readiness assessment
Alugence’s AI readiness assessment turns this checklist into a costed plan. Book yours.