AI ConsultancyInternational · London

Preparing

Readiness desk

Most delays come from things that were not ready, not from code. Start with the data-readiness checklist, then filter the notes below.

Data-readiness checklist

Know where your data lives

List every system holding customer, product or content data: spreadsheets, apps, inboxes.

Know who owns each source

A named person or role can approve access and changes.

Fields are consistently named

The same thing (e.g. postcode) is recorded the same way everywhere.

Duplicates are under control

You could tell how many real customers or items you have.

Personal data is identified

You know which fields identify a person and why you keep them.

A lawful reason is recorded

You have noted why you hold each kind of personal data.

Access can be removed quickly

When someone leaves, their access to every source can be withdrawn.

Export is possible

Data can be exported in a common format such as CSV.

Backups exist and were tested

A restore has been tried, not just assumed.

Content is ready

Text and images for screens or pages exist, or someone is assigned to write them.

Practical notes