Pilot Testing
A limited-scope trial of an AI system in a controlled environment to assess performance, risks, and governance controls before full-scale deployment.
Definition
A pre-launch phase where the AI is run on a small subset of real users, datasets, or workflows, under close supervision. Pilot testing validates technical performance (accuracy, reliability), governance measures (logging, escalation), and user experience. Results inform adjustments—threshold tuning, process refinements, additional guardrails—before expanding to production. Pilot outcomes are documented in pilot-completion reports required for governance approval.
Real-World Example
A logistics company pilots its delivery-route optimization AI on a single city’s fleet of 20 trucks. During the two-week pilot, they monitor fuel savings, on-time delivery rates, and incident logs. Governance teams review the pilot report—confirming no safety incidents or policy breaches—before approving nationwide rollout.
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