Everyone knows that any AI/data/automation project will fail when the first step is coding. However, it will also fail even when the first step is planning.

The first step must always be a commitment to change.

The best deliverable in the world fails when it gets to the accounting veteran and the first thing they ask is, “Is this able to give us the old report?”

After that, it’s a slow spiral back to the old way of doing things. Check back with that company 6 months after the project has “finished” and you’ll see the same company from 6 months before the project started.