What actually matters
AI readiness isn't about having the latest GPU cluster or hiring PhDs. It's about having clean data, clear problems, and realistic expectations.
- You have a specific problem worth solving — not "we need AI" but "we spend 40 hours a week on X"
- Your data is accessible — it doesn't need to be perfect, but it needs to be queryable
- You have executive buy-in — someone with budget authority believes in this
- You can define success — what does "working" look like in measurable terms?