What is an AI readiness check?

An AI readiness check is a systematic assessment of whether and to what extent your company is ready to use AI productively. It evaluates strategy, data, technology, people, processes and culture.

How long does an AI readiness check take?

A typical AI readiness check for a mid-sized company takes 2 to 4 weeks. It covers workshops, data analysis, interviews with key people and a final report with a use-case roadmap.

How much does an AI readiness check cost for SMEs?

Depending on company size and depth between 4,500 and 12,000 euros. German funding programmes can significantly reduce the net cost.

What do I get at the end of an AI readiness check?

A clear maturity score, a SWOT analysis, a prioritised use-case roadmap with ROI estimates and a concrete delivery plan for the next 6 to 12 months.

Do I need an AI readiness check before starting with AI?

It is the fastest and cheapest way to avoid expensive misinvestments. Over 70 percent of all AI projects in SMEs fail due to insufficient preparation in data, processes or change management.

AI Readiness

AI Readiness Checkfor the German Mittelstand

Before you invest in AI we systematically assess where your company stands. Maturity analysis across six dimensions, prioritised use-case roadmap and concrete delivery plan.

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Six dimensions we systematically assess

Without these foundations every AI project fails. We make maturity transparent and deliver the plan to close the gaps.

Strategy & objectives

We assess whether your corporate strategy can carry AI initiatives and where the biggest leverage lies.

Data maturity

Which data do you have, at what quality and how accessible is it? Data is the foundation of every AI solution.

Technology & infrastructure

Assessment of your IT landscape, cloud readiness, ERP integration and prerequisites for scalable AI architectures.

People & skills

Where do your teams stand? Which training, new roles or changes are needed so AI works in daily practice?

Process maturity

Which processes are documented, automatable and suitable for AI support? Without process clarity no AI succeeds.

Use case roadmap

Concrete, prioritised list of the first 3 to 5 AI use cases with effort, ROI estimate and delivery path.

Frequently asked questions

How AI-ready is your company really?

Book a free initial call and find out what the readiness check looks like for your company.

Free initial consultation 06150 184973-0

Subject matter expert

Lars Zimmermann, Managing Director & AI Manager

AI Manager (IHK), Certified Business Administrator (IHK) and Master Metal Construction (HWK). 20 years of industrial experience in the German manufacturing Mittelstand. The content of this page is based on hands-on consulting practice with SMEs in Germany and is regularly updated to reflect current regulation and technology.

AI Manager (IHK)Updated on April 20, 2026