Initial Operating Capability

Move from experiment to repeatable operation.

Why this Phase exists

IOC marks the shift from experimentation to real operations. AI systems are now in use by live teams, supporting real decisions, but with limited scope, coverage, or resilience.

This is the most fragile phase of AI adoption. Many initiatives fail here due to unclear ownership, insufficient enablement, or lack of governance.

Reaching IOC is an achievement — sustaining and expanding it requires deliberate execution discipline.

Where this phase fits in the journey

Discover
You are here
Pilot
You are here
IOC
You are here
FOC
You are here
Scale
You are here

Frameworks for this phase

AI Altitude Model

AAM

The AI Altitude Model (AAM) is a staged operating framework that helps organizations understand where they are in their AI adoption journey and what is required to safely progress from experimentation to full operational control and sustained value realization.

Explore Framework

Flight Crew Operating System

FC-OS

The end-to-end operating system that governs how organizations discover, deploy, adopt, and scale AI.

Explore Framework

AI Adoption Operating Model

AAM

A structured model that maps AI initiatives from experimentation to sustained operational impact.

Explore Framework

Commander’s Intent

CI

A clear articulation of intent that aligns teams without prescribing tactics.

Explore Framework

OODA Loop

OODA

A continuous decision loop to observe, orient, decide, and act on AI performance in real operations.

Explore Framework

Operational Viability Index

OV

A composite index that measures whether an AI initiative is ready to operate sustainably.

Explore Framework

Control Tower Governance Model

CT

A centralized governance model that manages AI execution, risk, and value realization.

Explore Framework

Champions Program

CHAMP

A structured network of internal champions that drive adoption inside the business.

Explore Framework

Briefings to master this phase: 

How you know you're in this phase

  • At least one pilot has proven value in real operating conditions
  • There is agreement to move from experimentation to repeatable delivery
  • Ownership shifts from “project team” to an accountable function
  • Leadership commits to supporting ongoing operation, not just innovation

What must be true to move forward

  • AI-enabled workflows are used consistently by a defined group
  • Support, monitoring, and basic governance are in place
  • Performance and adoption are tracked on a recurring cadence
  • The organization can reliably reproduce outcomes without heroics