The 6S method
Six steps for putting AI into practice safely. They're the same steps we teach in our AI masterclass and run every month in the AI Implementation Partnership.
The 6S method runs Safeguard, Spot, Select, Shape, Systemise and Scale. Guardrails come first, opportunities are ranked before tools are chosen, and every idea is piloted with real work before it's rolled out to the team.
The six steps, in order
- 01
Safeguard
Set the guardrails before anything else. Agree which data AI tools can see, which tools are approved and where a person checks the output.
What you end up with
An AI use policy and data boundaries your team can follow
02Spot
Find the opportunities in the work your team already does, then rank them by value and readiness on an opportunity matrix.
What you end up with
A ranked shortlist of processes worth changing
03Select
Choose the platform and tools against clear criteria, starting with what you already pay for.
What you end up with
A tool decision with costs and trade-offs written down
04Shape
Give AI the business context it needs, from approved documents and templates to a simple company brain.
What you end up with
Shared context and templates that make results consistent
05Systemise
Pilot before you automate. Test with real work, record the results and only then turn it into a repeatable process.
What you end up with
A tested pilot with a record of what worked
06Scale
Roll out to the wider team once the pilot meets the agreed conditions, then repeat the cycle on the next process.
What you end up with
Adoption across the team and the next process on the roadmap
Why is Safeguard the first step?
We have engineered Azure platforms for PROTECTED Queensland Government information, where data boundaries and human review aren't optional. The 6S method brings that discipline to AI in businesses of any size.
In practice it means an AI use policy, approved tools and clear data boundaries before staff use AI on client or business information. It's usually done in the first month, and it's what lets the later steps move quickly.
Read the PROTECTED platform case study
Where can you use the method?
Learn it in a day
Our AI masterclass walks business owners through all six steps with their own documents. You can read what attendees said below.
InnovateX AcademyRun it with us
The AI Implementation Partnership runs the 6S cycle every month with your team, against a rolling 90 day roadmap.
The partnershipGet direction only
The Fractional Chief AI Officer retainer uses the method to set direction and guardrails while your team delivers.
The retainer“I strongly recommend Todd's masterclass to those seeking to enhance their AI capabilities.”
Questions about the 6S method
What is the 6S method?
The 6S method is InnovateX Solutions' six-step approach to putting AI into practice. It runs Safeguard, Spot, Select, Shape, Systemise and Scale, so guardrails are agreed before any tool touches your data and pilots are tested before they're rolled out.
Why does Safeguard come first?
Because the expensive AI mistakes are data and trust mistakes. Agreeing which data AI can see, which tools are approved and where a person checks the output takes a few weeks at most, and it makes every later step faster.
Do we have to use new tools?
No. Select starts with what you already pay for, such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, and only adds a tool when the case is clear.
How long does one cycle take?
It depends on the process. In the AI Implementation Partnership we run the cycle against a rolling 90 day roadmap and review progress monthly.
Where does XAF fit?
XAF Connected Architecture is our enterprise architecture framework, used on architecture and government work. The 6S method is how we put AI into practice. Larger programs use both.
Book a 30-minute call with InnovateX
Bring the technology or AI decision that has waited longest. You'll leave with a recommended next step, even if that step is a referral to someone better suited.