After helping 50+ enterprises deploy AI solutions, we've noticed a pattern: the projects that succeed aren't necessarily the ones with the best technology—they're the ones with the best execution framework.
The 90-Day Framework
The most successful enterprise AI deployments follow a structured approach that balances speed with thoroughness. Here's what we've learned works best:
Days 1-30: Foundation
The first month is about getting the basics right. This includes stakeholder alignment, data audit, and establishing success metrics. Many teams skip this phase in their rush to show results, but it's the foundation everything else builds on.
- Conduct thorough data quality assessment
- Define clear, measurable success criteria
- Establish governance and compliance frameworks
- Build the cross-functional team
"The enterprises that succeed with AI aren't the ones with the most data or the biggest budgets—they're the ones with the clearest vision of what success looks like."
Days 31-60: Build & Validate
With foundations in place, the second phase focuses on rapid iteration. We build minimum viable solutions, test them with real users, and iterate based on feedback. The goal isn't perfection—it's learning.
Days 61-90: Scale & Optimize
The final phase transitions from proof-of-concept to production. This includes performance optimization, integration with existing systems, and training end users. By day 90, you should have a working system delivering measurable value.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with the right framework, there are common mistakes that can derail your AI initiative:
- Starting with the technology: Always start with the business problem, not the solution.
- Ignoring change management: Technology adoption is as much about people as it is about systems.
- Pursuing perfection: Good enough, deployed, beats perfect, delayed.
- Underestimating data work: Plan for 60% of your effort to be data-related.
The enterprises winning with AI today aren't necessarily the ones with the most advanced technology—they're the ones who've mastered the execution playbook.