Artificial Intelligence is transforming business, technology, and daily life. While leading innovators pursue the creation of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), most enterprises struggle to develop an AI strategy that achieves measurable results. Further complicating matters is the ever-increasing pace of change that continues to occur in the field of AI. In 2025, rapid advancements in agentic AI and deep reasoning models are yet again disrupting the industry.

Since 2016, Forty8Fifty has been helping clients successfully navigate the waves of technology. From strategy and architecture to enterprise-scale implementations, we offer technology workshops and solutions that successfully deliver what’s next for your business.

To help organizations cut through the noise and move from theory to action, here are seven steps every organization should consider when preparing to integrate AI into its operations.

1. Have You Established a Strong AI Foundation?

McKinsey and Company found that almost all companies are investing in AI, but only 1% believe their program has reached maturity. Their research uncovered that the most significant barrier to scaling AI is not the employees, but the leaders. Before diving into use cases or tools, it’s critical to align all teams and decision makers on core AI concepts. Begin by asking yourself these questions:

  • Do your teams share a common vocabulary around AI?
  • Are you tracking current trends in the AI marketplace, such as Agentic AI or deep reasoning models?
  • Do you understand how emerging AI tools are disrupting traditional workflows?

A shared understanding across stakeholders builds the groundwork for informed decision-making and reduces risk.

2. Have You Identified and Prioritized AI Use Cases?

Not all AI applications offer equal value. The key is to focus on what matters most to your organization. Identify and prioritize what your company is looking for with these questions:

  • Have you explored both general productivity and industry-specific AI use cases?
  • Are you evaluating market trends and competitor adoption?
  • Do you have a framework to identify, rank, and prioritize use cases?

Tip: An outside perspective can be instrumental in uncovering high-impact opportunities that align with your goals.

3. What Does Your Data Look Like?

Without a robust data foundation, even the most advanced AI initiatives will fall short. One study found that just 8.6% of companies are fully AI-ready, with proper data infrastructure, governance, and scalability in place. Ask yourself:

  • Is your data secure, governed, and accessible?
  • Are your data platforms mature enough to support real-time processing and model training?
  • Do you have policies in place to ensure data privacy and compliance with relevant regulations?

AI is only as effective as the data that powers it, and working with an outside team can accelerate data organization and readiness.

4. Have You Explored Common AI Solution Patterns?

Choosing the right technical approach for your company and needs is essential. Before selecting your solution, familiarize yourself with the industry by investigating the various AI formats, such as:

Mapping these patterns to your objectives ensures a fit-for-purpose implementation.

5. Have You Researched the AI Vendor Landscape?

It’s projected that the AI market will grow by 26% this year alone. With new platforms emerging weekly, vendor evaluation can be a daunting task. Narrow down your research by asking yourself and vendors:

  • Do you know how to differentiate between innovation and hype?
  • Are you evaluating vendors based on functionality, scalability, and trust?
  • Do you have a plan to avoid vendor lock-in?

Partner selection plays a major role in long-term AI success. Ensure you don’t waste your investment on the wrong setup. While many vendors give exceptional advice, Forty8Fifty Labs takes it one step further with a fully custom, proof-of-value (POV) process and service. The POV process starts with identifying and quickly assessing your proposed use case, capturing key business goals, evaluating the necessary data, and documenting the metrics for evaluation. We then prepare your POV environment and commence with the POV development phase. Finally, the POV outcomes are assessed and recorded, with subsequent planning that may include preparing a scale-out plan for production implementation. Learn more about our service here.

6. How Will You Implement Governance and Security Early?

Introducing AI also presents new risks, just as with any other new technology. Some of the risks associated with AI include: poor strategic alignment, a lack of skills to support initiatives, biased models, and data misuse. Secure your setup early by exploring:

  • Have you identified the key risks associated with AI adoption for your organization?
  • Are you developing an AI governance program to ensure its ethical and trustworthy use?
  • Do you understand the regulatory implications in your industry?

Strong governance protects your organization while fostering trust among stakeholders, employees, and customers.

7. Do You Have a Clear and Defined Practical Roadmap?

A successful AI strategy needs a phased, business-aligned roadmap that prioritizes both quick wins and long-term impact. Start by asking and identifying high-value, low-risk opportunities that demonstrate early ROI, like automating routine tasks or improving customer support, with these questions:

  • Have you identified AI “quick wins” that can deliver early ROI?
  • Are you aligning your AI roadmap with strategic business priorities?
  • Do you have a cadence for revisiting and updating your AI strategy as the landscape evolves?

To stay on track, tie each initiative to one task “owner,” establish clear business goals and measurable KPIs. Build flexibility into your roadmap to adapt as technologies and regulations evolve, and define roles across IT, data, and business units to ensure accountability. Regularly revisit your roadmap to refine priorities, measure impact, and maintain alignment with your broader digital transformation strategy. A well-scoped roadmap will transform your AI adoption from a concept to an advantage.

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?

AI is advancing rapidly, but with the right plan, your organization can move even faster. The key is having a roadmap that connects real business priorities with achievable outcomes. At Forty8Fifty Labs, we help organizations harness the potential of AI to drive progress. AI Development Team meets you where you are, aligns your teams, and charts a clear path forward so you can proceed with confidence. Contact us today to learn more.

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