The journey
The AI implementation journey
AGORA does not sell an AI tool. It helps the organisation move from uncertainty to AI operations that are controlled, demonstrable and sustainable.
Six questions, six stages
Each stage answers one of the questions an organisation has to be able to answer about the AI it uses, and leaves something in place.
Stage 1 of 6: Understand
Where are we using AI today?
Recognise the starting point.
See the stage: UnderstandDeliverables
- The signs the organisation recognises, shared with leadership.
- The questions the assessment has to answer.
Stage 2 of 6: Assess
What risks and opportunities do we have?
Know where you stand.
See the stage: AssessDeliverables
- Free assessment: a written response, with observations and up to three priorities.
- 4-week assessment: the initial AI landscape and the assessment findings.
Stage 3 of 6: Prioritise
What should we prioritise?
Turn the assessment into decisions and a roadmap.
See the stage: PrioritiseDeliverables
- Inventory of AI initiatives and uses.
- Map of data, owners and gaps.
- Prioritisation criteria.
- Initial risk classification.
- Owners and decision model.
- Prioritised 90-day roadmap.
Stage 4 of 6: Govern
What controls and owners do we need?
Build policies, accountability and controls.
See the stage: GovernDeliverables
- AI usage policy.
- Systems inventory.
- Risk classification.
- Responsibility matrix (RACI or equivalent).
- Controls with an owner.
- Defined evidence.
- Decision and review body.
Stage 5 of 6: Operationalise
How do we build governance into operations?
Turn governance into organisational execution.
See the stage: OperationaliseDeliverables
- A decision model and approval workflows for new AI uses.
- Control points embedded in the procurement and development cycle, each with an owner.
- Defined evidence produced by each control and where it is recorded.
- A review cadence and reporting to leadership.
Stage 6 of 6: Monitor and scale
How do we monitor and scale sustainably?
Maintain control as AI adoption evolves.
See the stage: Monitor and scaleDeliverables
- Review cadence.
- Change log.
- Control follow-up.
- Inventory updates.
- Verifiable reports.
- Criteria to scale or stop uses.
Not a compulsory process
You do not have to go through the six stages in order, or engage work at every stage. An organisation with systems already in production can come in at Govern or Operationalise; one that is just exploring usually starts by understanding and assessing.
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to go through the six stages in order?
No. An organisation with systems already in production can come in at Govern or Operationalise; one that is just exploring usually starts by understanding and assessing. We do not sell closed packages that force going through the stages consecutively.
What can be engaged at each stage?
Stage 01 is not an engagement: it is recognising the problem. Stage 02 is covered by the free assessment and by weeks 1 and 2 of the 4-week assessment; stage 03, by weeks 3 and 4. From 03 to 06, the four solutions come in, each in its own stretch.
How long does it take?
The initial assessment is four weeks. What follows depends on the scope the assessment itself recommends, and that call is the client's, not ours.
Does the free assessment tell us which stage we are at?
Yes, as guidance: a person at AGORA reads your answers, locates the starting point and proposes up to three priorities, which show which stage to continue with. It does not calculate a score or a maturity level.
Does AGORA sell software or AI models?
No. We do not resell platforms or licences: that removes the conflict of recommending what suits us to sell. Technical execution is carried out by the organisation's teams and their vendors; AGORA leads, documents and holds the line on judgement.
Does AGORA certify or guarantee compliance?
No. We do not issue certifications or third-party audits. The control catalogue was built on ISO/IEC 42001, the EU AI Act and NIST AI RMF as reference frameworks, and that does not imply certification or automatic compliance.
Get started
Want to know which stage your organisation is at?
Twelve questions, human review and a written response by email within 24–48 business hours. No automated score and no commercial commitment.