Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising industries and changing the way businesses function. However, incorporating AI into an organisation is intricate and multifaceted. To aid in navigating this shift towards transformation, I have outlined the five stages of AI maturity that companies typically experience. Understanding these stages can assist in evaluating your company’s position and determining the steps to progress to the next stage.

Stage 1: Awareness

During this phase, companies are just starting to realise AI’s potential. There is enthusiasm surrounding the opportunities presented by AI, although actual hands-on experience is limited. Companies at this stage often engage in discussions about AI and explore potential applications but may lack concrete strategies. The primary challenge here lies in moving beyond the hype to implementation.

Stage 2: Active

Companies in the Active stage have begun experimenting with AI technologies. This phase involves trials and pilot projects that promote a culture of learning and experimentation within the organisation. These companies may introduce AI models into their operations and test them out to gain insights. The focus is on understanding how AI can be integrated into existing workflows and bring added value, encouraging you to embrace the learning process and the progress you’re making.

Level 3: Operational

When a company reaches this stage, it marks a step forward in AI maturity. Businesses at this level have incorporated machine learning (ML) into their day-to-day operations. They likely employ specialised ML engineers and data scientists to oversee and manage models, construct data pipelines, and ensure data versioning. They have the infrastructure in place to support ML with AI-driven processes aiding in information processing and decision-making tasks. This phase focuses on honing capabilities and achieving results from AI applications.

Level 4: Systemic

At the Systemic stage, AI isn’t just an additional feature but a fundamental element of business strategy. Companies creatively use machine learning to disrupt business models and develop value propositions. Unlike the hype observed at the Awareness stage, businesses at this level possess an AI infrastructure that empowers them to enact changes. The emphasis lies on scalability and deep integration of AI into the business framework, inspiring you with the possibilities of strategic AI use.

Level 5: Transformational

The pinnacle of AI maturity is represented by the stage where AI becomes essential for business operations. Companies at this level—like Google, Facebook, and Amazon—employ AI for tasks that underpin their business models.

For instance, Google handles a volume of data, Facebook manages content and ads, and Amazon and Netflix provide suggestions. AI plays a role in optimising systems, improving customer interactions, fostering innovation and sparking our imagination with its possibilities.

Conclusion

Understanding the stages of AI development is not just informative but also empowering. It enables your organisation to map out a trajectory towards advanced and impactful AI use. Whether your business is at the stages of its AI journey or utilising ML models, recognising your position can guide strategic planning and investment choices. As AI progresses, so should your strategy for incorporating it into your enterprise to fully leverage its potential for growth and innovation.