Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a top priority for 96.4% of executives according to the ‘Big data and AI Executive Survey 2019,’ conducted by NewVantage Partners. While 80% of the executives interviewed for the report identified AI as the most impactful disruptive technology, the implication of this technology remains a mystery for many organizations.

Rob Thomas, the General Manager of IBM data and AI recently outlined a framework for AI adoption in a report from O’Reilly Media “The AI Ladder”. The report uses the term “AI Ladder” to describe a series of steps a business must climb before becoming AI-enabled and attain measurable business value from the transition. The report helps organizations determine where they are placed in the ladder (maturity level). By scrutinizing and understanding the stage of maturity, the business can then deploy the AI ladder as a framework.

Here are basic principles AI ladder,

1. Begin with identifying the business problem that you are attempting solve

2. Recognize your organization’s data requirements

3. Cultivate the right skills to required leverage AI capabilities

4. Aim for algorithmic trust and data integrity to ensure credibility

5. Identify the need for change in your organization’s cultural and business model?

The foreword in the report quotes O’Reilly Media Founder and CEO, Tim O’Reilly; “Everyone is talking about AI these days, but most companies have no real idea of how to put it to use in their own business.” According to O’Reilly, there needs to be a cultural shift in mindset that accompanies the adoption of any new technological approach. He also believes that each new technological revolution breeds new visionary business leaders.

The AI Ladder is based on idea that the success of an AI platform depends solely upon data and effective data management. Data is the fundamental building block for AI enablement. With Big data in the picture, proliferating sources and volumes of data can be combined with massive computing power. According Randy Bean, a contributor for enterprise and cloud at Forbes, AI has emerged from decades of nascent experimentation as a foundation of data collection, organization, and analysis the foundation upon which AI capabilities and algorithms are deployed.