For CTOs & IT Leadership

AI Compass: Blueprint

Which AI architecture fits your tech stack?

12 technical questions — 5 minutes — a clear architecture recommendation.

AFoundation First

Use standard tools via APIs, minimal custom build. Fits when speed beats control and data sensitivity is low.

points: 0–10

BStructured Scale

Build a governance layer, integrate with existing systems, use managed platforms. Fits with growing complexity and compliance requirements.

points: 11–16

CFull Ownership

Own infrastructure, own models, full data control. Fits when data sovereignty, scaling, and independence are business-critical.

points: 17–24

0/12 questions answered0 points
1

Inventory

Which AI tools are running productively in your company today — with or without IT approval?

2

Data Architecture

How well is your company knowledge structured and accessible — for humans and for AI systems?

3

Integration Base

Which of your core systems — CRM, ERP, document storage, communication — are API-ready for AI integration?

4

Data Security

Where does company data leave your infrastructure today — through AI tools, APIs, or cloud services?

5

Compliance

Can you demonstrate EU AI Act, GDPR, and industry-specific requirements for AI systems today?

6

Vendor Lock-in

How dependent are you on individual AI vendors — and what would a vendor switch cost you in 3 years?

7

Build vs. Buy

Where do you want to build your own AI capabilities — and where are standard solutions sufficient?

8

Data Sovereignty

Must your data and AI models run in your own infrastructure — or is an EU-compliant cloud sufficient?

9

Scalability

Will your planned AI architecture still be viable in 3 years — when usage, data volume, and requirements grow?

10

Team & Skills

Do you have internal competence to build, operate, and evolve AI systems — or do you need external partners?

11

Roadmap

Do you have a prioritised list of AI use cases with clear business cases — or are you starting from scratch?

12

Governance

Who owns AI architecture decisions in your company — and how do you ensure technology and business strategy stay aligned?