AI ambition without readiness creates expensive demos. Leaders should evaluate whether the organization can adopt and operate AI—not just whether a vendor demo looks impressive.
Start with workflow clarity: which processes are repetitive, measurable, and already documented enough to improve? Then examine data access, security constraints, and whether someone will own quality after launch.
Governance matters early. Define acceptable use, review loops, escalation paths, and what should never be fully automated.
A readiness assessment is not bureaucracy. It is how you protect budget and create a transformation sequence the business can absorb.