AI adoption succeeds or stalls on the basics. This checklist covers them, in order, for UK businesses in 2026. (dgm implements osFoundry as an independent partner.)

The checklist

Use case

  • One specific, measurable use case chosen (not “do AI”).
  • Baseline captured — current time, cost or error rate.
  • Success metric defined.

Data

  • Data the use case needs identified.
  • Data quality assessed (messy data is the usual constraint).
  • Sensitivity checked — personal/special-category data flagged.
  • Minimisation — only the data needed will be used.

Pilot

  • Small pilot scoped with real data and users.
  • Fixed timeframe.
  • Measured against the baseline.

Governance

  • UK GDPR addressed — lawful basis, DPIA if needed, ADM safeguards.
  • Human oversight of significant outputs.
  • AI use policy in place.
  • Sector rules checked (FCA, MHRA, etc.).

Skills & people

  • Who runs it identified.
  • Training/capability planned (funding exists).

Integration & scaling

  • Integration with real systems planned.
  • Scaling plan for what works.

The most overlooked item

Data readiness. AI is only as good as the data it works with, and messy, scattered or sensitive data is the most common real constraint — more than the model. Check it early, minimise the personal data involved, and you’ll save time and reduce compliance risk. (See how to prepare your data for AI.)

Proportionate for SMEs

An SME can run a lightweight version: one use case, a quick data check, a small pilot, a one-page AI use policy, and a named owner. The aim is to cover the bases, not create bureaucracy.

Where osFoundry and dgm fit

dgm works through this checklist with you and implements on osFoundry — usage-priced (cheap pilots), bring-your-own-key and multi-model (no lock-in), self-hostable in your own cloud or an EU region for UK data control (it publishes US/EU/JP regions, not a UK one), with audit logging and transparent configuration for the governance items.

dgm is an independent integration partner with zero integrations so far. To work through the checklist for your first use case, book a consultation with dgm. General information, not specific advice.