3.4 · The Approval Workflow — From Idea to LiveDownload

Build Your Approval Workflow

⏱ 10 minCourse 03

Use this section's key principles to build or upgrade your organisation's AI approval workflow. The framework below summarises the Eight Gates model and the key questions at each stage.

The Eight Gates — Quick Reference

Gate 1: Problem Definition
  • ◆Is the problem clearly documented?
  • ◆Is the current-state cost quantified?
  • ◆Is the AI hypothesis specific and testable?
Gate 2: Data Feasibility
  • ◆Are data sources identified and quality assessed?
  • ◆Is the legal basis for data processing confirmed?
  • ◆Are there any data gaps that could block the project?
Gate 3: Ethical Review
  • ◆Five-Dimension Framework score above 12?
  • ◆No legal or organisational red-line violations?
  • ◆Risk mitigation plan for any weak dimensions?
Gate 4: Build vs Buy
  • ◆Build/buy analysis documented?
  • ◆Vendor risk assessed if buying?
  • ◆Customisation requirements realistic?
Gate 5: Pilot Design
  • ◆Pilot scope and duration documented?
  • ◆Success metrics defined in advance?
  • ◆Baseline measurement methodology in place?
Gate 6: Risk Assessment
  • ◆All material risks identified?
  • ◆Mitigations documented?
  • ◆Residual risk accepted by appropriate authority?
Gate 7: Stakeholder Sign-Off
  • ◆All required approvals obtained?
  • ◆Works Council consulted if legally required?
  • ◆Board sign-off for high-risk AI?
Gate 8: Post-Deployment Monitoring
  • ◆Performance metrics defined?
  • ◆Monitoring cadence and escalation triggers documented?
  • ◆Named owner assigned for ongoing oversight?