Implementing ISO 42001 in 90 Days
TL;DR
A pragmatic 90-day path stands up core AIMS scaffolding: scope, policy & roles, risk register, controls & testing, and assurance loop. Day-to-day, reuse your existing management-system backbone (from ISO 27001 if present) and bolt on AI-specific risk taxonomy, change gates, evidence capture, and review cadence. Download the detailed [90-day checklist CSV](/checklists/iso42001-90-day-plan.csv) for actionable tasks with owners and success criteria.
Key Facts
ISO 42001 requires documented scope, responsibilities, risk mgmt, lifecycle controls, and review.
Existing ISMS processes can host AIMS processes to reduce duplication. [Inference from ISO 42001 + ISO 27001 catalogs]
Risk taxonomy must include AI-specific hazards (e.g., prompt injection, misuse).
Continual improvement requires metrics and CAPA.
Evidence is mandatory: test plans, logs, approvals, reviews.
Implementation Steps
Days 1–30: Scope & policy; role assignments; initial risk register → scope file, policy, RACI, risk log.
Days 31–60: Controls & tests; logging; change gates; supplier checks → test logs, drifts, tickets.
Days 61–90: Management review; internal audit; CAPA; finalize metrics → review minutes, CAPA.
Always: Version everything; keep an evidence index.
Glossary
- AIMS
- AI Management System - systematic approach to managing AI throughout its lifecycle
- CAPA
- Corrective and Preventive Actions - process for addressing nonconformities
- Risk taxonomy
- Structured classification of AI-specific risks and threats
- Change gate
- Control point where AI system changes are reviewed and approved
- Evidence index
- Catalog of documentation supporting AIMS compliance
- Management review
- Periodic evaluation of AIMS effectiveness by senior management
References
- [1] ISO 42001 AI Management Systems Standard https://www.iso.org/standard/78380.html
- [2] NIST AI Risk Management Framework https://www.nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework
Machine-readable Facts
[
{
"id": "f-reqs",
"claim": "ISO 42001 requires documented scope, roles, risk management, controls, and review.",
"source": "https://www.iso.org/standard/78380.html"
},
{
"id": "f-evidence",
"claim": "Implementation must produce evidence such as policies, test logs, and review minutes.",
"source": "https://www.iso.org/standard/78380.html"
},
{
"id": "f-rmf",
"claim": "NIST AI RMF can guide risk management alongside a certifiable AIMS.",
"source": "https://www.nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework"
}
]