27 May 2026
Treat AI readiness as systems work
The useful question is not simply whether a tool uses AI. It is where AI touches business data, who can approve outputs, what gets logged, and which workflows depend on automated decisions.
Map every AI-assisted workflow
Create a register of AI use cases across marketing, support, sales, operations, reporting, and internal tools. For each workflow, record the purpose, data inputs, provider, human review point, and business impact if the output is wrong.
Watch the August 2026 milestone
European Commission guidance states that the AI Act applies progressively, with major rules becoming applicable around 2 August 2026 and some exceptions for later dates. Timelines and support measures may change, so teams should verify current official guidance before making compliance decisions.
Build controls before the deadline
Practical preparation includes access control, prompt and output review, data minimisation, vendor checks, incident handling, audit trails, and clear ownership for AI-assisted processes. These controls also make the business easier to operate.
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