Most companies investing in AI today face a harsh reality: 70% of projects fail to meet ROI targets. The difference between success and failure often comes down to what happens in the first three months. The timeline matters because this period determines whether your organization builds momentum or burns budget.
Days 1-30: Discovery and AI Readiness Assessment
The first month focuses on understanding your current state. Expect artificial intelligence consulting services teams to conduct a comprehensive AI readiness assessment across three areas: technical infrastructure, data quality, and organizational capability.
Your consultant will audit existing systems to identify integration points. They’ll evaluate whether your data pipelines can support AI implementation or need reconstruction. According to McKinsey’s 2025 research, 78% of enterprises now use AI in at least one business function, but only 30% report successful deployment. The gap exists because teams skip this foundational work.
During discovery, consultants interview stakeholders across departments. These conversations reveal where automation creates the most value and where resistance might emerge. One manufacturing client reduced quality control costs by 35% after consultants identified three inspection processes ripe for computer vision deployment.
The deliverable at day 30 is a strategic roadmap. This document outlines which AI use cases to pursue, what infrastructure changes are required, and a realistic budget. IBM’s 2024 study showed companies achieve an average ROI of 3.7x on AI investments, but only when they start with clear objectives.
Days 31-60: Strategy Development and Governance Framework
Month two shifts from analysis to planning. Your consulting team builds detailed implementation plans for prioritized use cases. This phase includes technical architecture design, vendor evaluation if needed, and timeline creation.
The governance framework becomes critical here. Consultants establish policies for data access, model testing, and decision authority. Research from BCG indicates that successful AI transformations allocate 70% of effort to people, processes, and culture, not just technology. Your consultant should be developing training programs and change management plans during this period.
Expect to see proof-of-concept work begin. Rather than waiting for perfect conditions, strong artificial intelligence consulting services teams launch small pilots to validate assumptions. A retail client tested demand forecasting AI on three product categories before scaling to their full catalog. The pilot revealed data quality issues that would have derailed a full deployment.
Budget conversations intensify in month two. Companies achieving results commit 20% or more of digital budgets to AI initiatives. Your consultant will help justify these investments by mapping costs to expected outcomes. Financial services firms, for example, reduced loan processing times by 70% and increased accuracy by 90% through AI implementation.
Days 61-90: Pilot Launch and Initial AI Implementation
The final month moves from planning to execution. Your first AI pilot goes live, typically in a controlled environment with clear success metrics. This isn’t full production yet—it’s a structured test that proves the technology works in your specific context.
During this phase, artificial intelligence consulting services teams focus on measuring results against benchmarks. They track technical performance metrics like model accuracy and system latency. They also monitor business metrics such as processing time, error rates, and cost per transaction.
Consultants use this period to refine the AI deployment approach. Issues that surface during the pilot get addressed before scaling. A logistics company discovered their warehouse staff needed mobile access to AI recommendations rather than desktop terminals. This insight saved months of rework later.
Change management becomes visible in month three. The consulting team runs training sessions, documents new workflows, and establishes support channels. They’re preparing your organization for broader AI adoption beyond the pilot.
The 90-day milestone should include three deliverables: a functioning pilot demonstrating measurable value, a refined roadmap for scaling AI across additional use cases, and an internal team trained to maintain momentum. Companies that reach day 90 with these elements in place have an 85% higher probability of achieving their AI strategy goals.
Beyond the First Quarter
The first 90 days with artificial intelligence consulting services sets the foundation for long-term AI success. Companies that treat this period as pure planning miss opportunities. Those that rush to production without proper groundwork face technical debt and organizational resistance.
The most effective approach balances analysis with action. Your consultant should be delivering tangible progress each month while building the infrastructure for sustainable AI implementation.
Ready to start your AI transformation with a partner who understands the first 90 days matter most? Learn how AIMonk’s consulting approach delivers results from day one.