AI Readiness Quick Test

1. Can you find a specific customer record in under 60 seconds, from any device?

Right now, not when Sarah is in the office.

2. Do you know every system and location your data lives in?

CRM, accounting, drives, laptops, paper. All of it.

3. Have you tested a backup restore in the last six months?

Not assumed it works - tested.

4. Are your top three business processes documented step by step?

Sales, onboarding, fulfilment - written down, not just in someone's head.

5. Are your core systems cloud-based or accessible via API?

Check how your systems can share data securely. On-premise systems can support AI when suitable access and controls are in place.

6. Has your leadership team had a structured AI discussion in the last 90 days?

Not a passing mention of ChatGPT - a proper conversation about implications.

7. Do you know whether your staff are already using AI tools at work?

ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Grammarly. Almost certainly yes.

8. Can you name an internal AI champion who is curious, competent and respected?

Choose someone who understands the business and can work with colleagues. An IT manager can fill this role.

9. Have you addressed staff concerns about AI affecting their roles?

Honest conversation, not vague reassurance.

10. Do you have a formal annual training budget that gets spent?

If staff development is ad hoc, AI capability will be too.

11. Can you articulate your business strategy in a single sentence?

"We help X achieve Y better than Z because of W."

12. Do you have a prioritised list of your top five business problems?

Problems that cost you money, customers or sleep - not annoyances.

13. Have you reviewed a technology vendor contract in the last 12 months?

AI vendor contracts are written by their lawyers, not yours.

14. Does your leadership team understand GDPR Article 22?

It governs automated decision-making. Ignorance is a liability.

15. Do you have budget tolerance for a first AI project that may need iteration?

If every pound must deliver immediate ROI, you will declare failure prematurely.

16. Do you know your current cost per transaction, lead or customer?

"It feels faster" is not a business case.

17. Have you quantified the cost of your three most time-consuming manual processes?

Hours × salary. That is your AI business case.

18. Does your cyber insurance cover AI-related incidents?

Check your policy wording and exclusions with your insurer or broker. Cover varies by policy.

19. Could your business operate for 90 days if your primary AI system went down?

AI dependencies create single points of failure.

20. Have you defined what success looks like for your first AI project?

"Save five hours a week on invoices" - specific, measurable.