A government agency plans to implement a new AI-driven solution for automating risk analysis.

In the CPMAI-aligned approach, before committing to an AI solution, teams perform a structured AI go/no-go assessment to determine whether AI is actually the right tool compared with traditional analytical or rules-based methods. This assessment looks at data readiness, technical feasibility, business value, risk, and alignment with stakeholder expectations. It is also where the project scope is clarified and boundaries are set: what problems AI will address, what remains non-AI, and what success looks like in measurable terms.

CPMAI and PMI-style AI guidance emphasize that you should not jump directly into model building or specific architectures before you have answered the fundamental question: “Is AI the appropriate approach here, given our data and constraints?” The go/no-go assessment explicitly compares AI options with conventional solutions, evaluates whether available data is sufficient and usable, and highlights ethical, regulatory, and operational risks. This process provides a transparent, evidence-based decision that helps gain acceptance from stakeholders because they see that AI was chosen (or rejected) after a systematic evaluation. Therefore, performing a comprehensive AI go/no-go assessment focusing on technology and data factors is the method that best meets the objective.