Data Leaders members can access the full post and connect with peers via the Data Leaders Hub.

Proofs of concept (POCs) provide organisations with a structured way to test ideas, validate technologies, and align teams. However, to succeed, POCs must be carefully planned and executed with the right stakeholders and a clear focus on business priorities. During a recent Data Leaders peer discussion, a roadmap emerged giving practitioners a set of tactics with which to to run POCs more effectively and ensure they deliver tangible value.

1. Identify Use Cases That Solve Real Problems

Begin the process long before any official meetings are held to collect requirements by observing business teams in action. By listening and observing, latent pain points emerge without the need to be articulated. Avoid focusing on technical issues and instead focus on the experience of the user.

2. Translate Requirements to a Test Case

Home in on issues and processes that can be simplified and demonstrably make users’ lives easier and better. An example provided during the discussion was that of a project that used AI to recommend the “next best action” to sales representatives based on customer behaviours and market events. This not only saved sales representatives time, but also increased their success rate and earning potential.

3. Define Success Upfront

Establish clarity around what constitutes success at the outset to maintain alignment and provide direction. Without this definition, projects risk losing focus and may fail to resonate with stakeholders. Tie success metrics to business outcomes, such as cost reductions, revenue increases, or operational improvements, rather than technical achievements.

4. Keep the POC Focused and Manageable

Define a narrow and realistic scope for the POC to prevent complexity from derailing progress. Limit the timeline to two or three months to maintain urgency and allow for rapid iteration. Break the POC into smaller milestones to ensure incremental progress and reduce risks. This approach helps deliver steady, visible results while allowing adjustments as needed.

5. Balance the POC with other Stakeholder Responsibilities

Balance stakeholder input with their regular responsibilities by engaging them at key moments, such as during feedback sessions or milestone reviews. Minimising disruptions allows stakeholders to contribute meaningfully without detracting from their core work. Provide regular progress updates to maintain alignment and refine the approach based on early findings.

6. Let Stakeholders Showcase Results

Present POC results in a way that resonates with the organisation. Allow business stakeholders to take ownership of presenting outcomes to highlight how the POC helped them achieve their goals. Focus on the value delivered, rather than the technical details, to make the message relatable and impactful. Time the communication of results to align with key organisational events, such as quarterly reviews or strategic meetings, to maximise visibility and ensure the outcomes are widely recognised.

7. Scale and Drive Change

Use early wins to build a coalition of champions who can advocate for the solution across the organisation. Stakeholders who have experienced the value firsthand are well-positioned to inspire adoption and encourage buy-in from others. Provide comprehensive training to ensure teams can seamlessly integrate the solution into their workflows, reducing resistance and maximising impact. Align the outcomes of the POC with broader organisational priorities to ensure long-term relevance and scalability.

Ensure you get stories like this and many more interesting insights from data and analytics leaders like you – directly to your inbox – by signing up to our newsletter. Would like to become a member? Get in touch!