Embarking on an Automation or Artificial Intelligence (AI) project can be an exciting journey that promises improved efficiency, increased productivity, and significant cost savings. However, it's not without its challenges. Understanding the right information is critical in ensuring a successful project outcome. Here are the top 10 pieces of data you must know before starting your project.

1. Project Objectives

Every project begins with clear objectives. Why are you embarking on this AI or Automation project? What do you hope to achieve? Whether it's to increase efficiency, reduce costs, or make data-driven decisions, a clear understanding of your goals is essential. These objectives should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).

2. Current Process Understanding

To automate a process or implement AI, you need to understand the current process thoroughly. This involves knowing what tasks are done, how they are performed, who does them, and how often. Document these processes using tools like flowcharts or process maps for better visualisation.

3. Data Availability and Quality

AI thrives on data. The availability and quality of the data you have or can collect will largely determine the success of your project. You'll need to know what data is available, where it's stored, how it's formatted, and if there are any privacy or security concerns associated with it.

4. Technological Infrastructure

The technology infrastructure you have in place will play a crucial role in your AI or Automation project. Assess your current system's capacity to integrate with new technology, and consider whether you need to upgrade your hardware, software, or even internet connectivity.

5. Business Readiness

AI and automation can significantly alter the way your business operates. You need to assess your organisation's readiness to embrace these changes. This involves understanding your team's tech proficiency, their attitudes towards AI and automation, and the ability of the organisation to adapt to new processes and technologies.

6. Budget

Before embarking on a project, you need to know your budget constraints. You'll need to consider the cost of the technology, the potential need for infrastructure upgrades, training costs, and ongoing maintenance and support costs.

7. Potential Risks

Any project comes with potential risks. Identifying these risks early on can help you mitigate them. Some common risks in AI and automation projects include data privacy breaches, technology failure, resistance from employees, and cost overruns.

8. Regulatory Compliance

Depending on your industry, there may be specific regulations regarding AI and automation that you must comply with. These can cover everything from data protection and privacy to ethical considerations around AI use. Being aware of these regulations from the start can prevent costly compliance issues down the line.

9. Project Timeline

Creating a realistic project timeline is essential. This includes understanding how long it will take to implement the technology, train your team, and fully integrate the new system into your current processes. Remember, AI and automation projects often have a learning curve, so it's crucial to factor this into your timeline.

10. Expected Return on Investment (ROI)

Lastly, you should understand the expected ROI for your project. This involves calculating the financial benefits that the AI or automation project is expected to bring in terms of cost savings, increased productivity, and improved efficiency. Remember to take into account both the direct and indirect costs and benefits of the project.

Embarking on an AI or automation project is a significant investment, and understanding these key pieces of data can help ensure your project is successful. Start with clear objectives, understand your current processes and readiness, and ensure you have the necessary data and technological infrastructure in place. Be mindful of your budget and timeline, and stay informed about potential risks and regulatory compliance requirements. Lastly, keep your eye on the expected ROI, as this is your ultimate measure of success. With these data points in mind, you will be well-equipped to launch an AI or automation project that can bring transformative benefits to your organisation.

To discover how Envisago can help you scope and implement your Automation or AI solution, book a call with us today.