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IJONIS
Enterprise AI

AI Maturity Model

An AI maturity model describes the development stages a company passes through on the path to full AI integration — from initial experiments through productive individual applications to enterprise-wide AI adoption. It serves as an orientation framework to assess the current state and plan the next development step.

Why does this matter?

An AI maturity model prevents companies from over- or under-investing: anyone at level 1 (exploration) should not invest in an enterprise platform. Anyone at level 3 (scaling) doesn't need another pilot project but governance and MLOps. The model provides guidance on which investments fit the current maturity level.

How IJONIS uses this

We use a practice-proven 5-level model: (1) Exploration — identify initial use cases, (2) Piloting — prototypes in isolated environments, (3) Productionization — first AI application in live operations, (4) Scaling — multiple AI applications with MLOps and governance, (5) Transformation — AI as a strategic competitive factor. Each level has clear criteria and action recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

At which AI maturity level are most mid-sized companies?
Most German mid-sized companies are at level 1 (exploration) or 2 (piloting). Some pioneers have reached level 3 (productionization). Levels 4 and 5 are still rare in the mid-market — here lies enormous competitive potential for companies that invest now.
How long does it take to advance from one maturity level to the next?
Typically 6-12 months per level, depending on willingness to invest and organizational change capacity. The leap from level 1 to 2 often happens quickly (one good prototype suffices). The transition from level 3 to 4 takes longer because it requires MLOps, governance, and cultural change.
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