AI strategy for companies: a 30-day pilot plan
Four phases to move from interest in AI to a decision supported by the results of a focused trial.
An AI strategy for a company should connect a business need with a process, an owner and a way to measure results. A 30-day pilot can help with a focused task when data and approvals are ready. This is a planning model, not a guaranteed implementation timeline.
The pilot's purpose is to decide whether to continue, what to change and what to stop. A trial that shows a process brings no benefit can save you from an unnecessary expansion.
Days 1 to 7 define the problem
Choose one process and describe how it works today. Who starts it, which material is used, who checks it and where is the output delivered? Measure several ordinary cases to establish a baseline.
Then define the objective and limits. For a weekly report, the objective might be faster drafting while retaining complete source coverage. A limit might be that the report cannot be distributed without the owner's review. Also record cases where AI should not be used.
Days 8 to 14 build a small trial
Prepare the materials, instructions and output format. If technical integration is needed, test it in a trial environment. Give participants the same template and a set of criteria so results can be compared.
Include an easy case, an ambiguous case and a case with missing information. Do not judge the solution only on a demonstration where everything works. Document errors and what changed after each review.
Days 15 to 21 use it under supervision
A small group tests the process on approved tasks. Record preparation and review time, corrections and cases that return to manual work. Ask users where they slowed down and which information was missing.
If issues arise involving privacy, access or unauthorised actions, pause the relevant part and review it. The calendar should not take priority over acceptance criteria.
Days 22 to 30 make the decision
Compare the trial cases with the baseline. If time savings disappear after corrections, the process needs to change. If the output is useful but users cannot repeat it, documentation or training may be missing.
The decision might be to continue with the same team, revise the process or expand on a limited basis. For expansion, assign a maintenance owner, user support and the necessary budget. Success with one task does not prove that the solution works everywhere.
Calculate the full cost
Include licences, configuration, training, review and maintenance. Time freed up has value, but it does not automatically become a cash saving. You need to understand whether it enables more useful work, reduces delays or improves service.
For example, a team might draft faster but need an additional review. The decision should weigh both, rather than only the minutes saved in the first step.
Create a reusable decision record
Close the pilot with a page covering the problem, process tested, materials used, results and limitations. Add the decision, responsible person and review date. This creates a clear basis for the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Are 30 days enough to adopt AI?
They can be useful for a narrow trial. Complex integrations, data preparation and approvals may take longer.
Who should lead the pilot?
Someone who understands the process and is accountable for the result, with technical and functional support as needed.
Define your pilot with Lumina
Tell us the objective, the process and the team that will use it. Lumina helps you structure the first step towards practical AI adoption.