EFFICIENCYAI

AI Business Analysis & Requirements

80% of AI failures aren't technology failures - they're analysis failures. We apply rigorous BA methodology specifically to AI projects, ensuring requirements are right before a single model is trained.

The problem

Every AI consultancy can build a model. Almost none can write the requirements that ensure the model solves the right problem.

The AI consulting market is full of firms that jump straight to implementation. The result? 80% of AI projects fail - not because the technology doesn't work, but because the requirements were wrong, the objectives were unclear, or the organisation wasn't ready.

EfficiencyAI leads with analysis. We bring decades of business analysis rigour - requirements engineering, process mapping, stakeholder alignment, acceptance criteria - and apply it specifically to AI projects. The result: AI that's built to solve the right problem, scoped so vendors can deliver accurate pricing, and governed so it stays on track.

AI Requirements Engineering

Requirements gathering workshops specifically for AI/ML implementation projects
User stories adapted for AI systems - including data requirements, model performance criteria, and human-in-the-loop specifications
Specification documents that AI vendors can actually scope against - no ambiguity, no surprise invoices
Non-functional requirements for AI: scalability, latency, explainability, bias thresholds, drift monitoring
Acceptance criteria definition for AI/ML outputs - defining what 'working AI' looks like in business terms

AI Use Case Discovery & Prioritisation

Structured identification of where AI adds genuine value (not where it's fashionable)
Use case prioritisation with ROI estimation and business impact scoring
The 'spreadsheet test' - if you can't do it in a spreadsheet first, AI won't save you
90-day AI roadmap with prioritised opportunities

Agentic Workflow Analysis

BPMN process mapping adapted for agentic AI systems
Bounded autonomy requirements - defining where AI acts independently vs. where humans must remain in the loop
Escalation path design and human-AI handoff mapping
Governance framework recommendations aligned with UK AI regulatory landscape and EU AI Act compliance

AI Vendor Analysis & Translation

Impartial evaluation of AI vendor proposals - we translate what they're actually offering vs. what your business actually needs
Platform and technology recommendations with benchmarking
Interview and negotiation support for AI vendor procurement
We have no vendor partnerships or referral arrangements - guaranteed impartiality

AI Business Cases & Financial Analysis

FP&A-grade financial analysis applied to AI investments
ROI modelling, total cost of ownership, and honest payback period estimates
Cost estimation based on current UK market rates at different scales (£5k, £25k, £50k, £100k+)
When AI is NOT worth the investment - we'll tell you honestly

AI Testing & Quality Assurance

UAT planning for AI/ML systems - including drift testing, bias audits, and performance benchmarks
Post-deployment quality assurance and acceptance sign-off
Ongoing model monitoring requirements definition

Who this is for

SMEs exploring AI but unsure where to start - need structured analysis before committing budget
Companies with stalled AI pilots that need better requirements to get back on track
Organisations about to commission an AI vendor and want rock-solid requirements first
Boards and leadership teams needing an independent AI strategy review
Agencies managing AI projects for clients who need embedded BA support

Why choose us

Requirements written so AI vendors deliver accurate pricing - no ambiguity, no surprises
Independent, impartial analysis - we don't sell AI products
The 80% failure prevention service - get the analysis right and the AI follows
Guaranteed NDA as standard
Senior expertise from day one - no juniors learning on your project

Transparent pricing guidance

Focused AI requirements engagement£2,500–£5,000
Ongoing fractional AI BA (2 days/week)£4,000–£8,000/month
AI vendor assessment£3,000–£6,000

All engagements start with a free consultation. Pricing depends on scope, complexity, and number of stakeholders involved.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between an AI consultant and an AI business analyst?

Most AI consultants focus on the technology - selecting models, building pipelines, deploying solutions. An AI business analyst focuses on the business problem first: defining what success looks like, writing the requirements, ensuring stakeholder alignment, and governing the project through to delivery. We bridge both worlds.

Do I need requirements engineering before starting an AI project?

Absolutely. The 80% failure stat exists precisely because most companies skip this step. Without clear requirements, vendors build what they think you need - which is rarely what you actually need. Proper requirements save money, reduce risk, and dramatically increase the odds of success.

How do you write acceptance criteria for AI systems?

We define success in business terms, not just technical metrics. That means specifying acceptable accuracy thresholds, false positive/negative tolerances, response times, edge case handling, human-in-the-loop triggers, and bias limits - all tailored to your specific use case and industry.

Can you help with a stalled AI project that's already underway?

Yes - this is one of our most common engagements. We conduct a requirements gap analysis, identify where things went wrong, rewrite the specification, and work with your vendor (or find a new one) to get the project back on track.

What does a 90-day AI roadmap include?

A prioritised list of AI opportunities ranked by business impact and feasibility, clear next steps for each opportunity, resource and budget estimates, data readiness requirements, and a recommended implementation sequence. It gives you a concrete plan, not a vague strategy deck.

Let's talk about AI requirements for your project

Book a Free Consultation