Checklist: Being AI-Ready in 4 Weeks

Many companies want to use AI but do not know where to start. This 4-week checklist gives you a concrete roadmap to make your company AI-ready.

Week 1: Identify Processes

• List all repetitive processes with more than 10 hours of effort per month
• Rate each process by automation potential (high, medium, low)
• Identify the top 3 candidates for a pilot project
• Document the current state: throughput time, error rate, people involved

Week 2: Check Data

• Record what data exists for the top 3 processes
• Check data quality: completeness, consistency, format
• Clarify data access rights and data protection requirements
• Create a data inventory with sources and formats

Week 3: Prepare Team and Budget

• Designate an internal project owner (process owner)
• Inform affected teams about the planned AI project
• Define the pilot project budget (CHF 15,000-30,000)
• Set 2-3 measurable success criteria

Week 4: Evaluate Partners and Start

• Contact 2-3 AI partners for initial consultations
• Compare offers by: experience, price, data hosting, timeline
• Select the partner and define the project plan
• Start the pilot project

Conclusion

AI readiness is not rocket science. In 4 weeks, you can lay the groundwork for a successful AI pilot project. The most important step is the first: Start with the process analysis today.