Artificial intelligence is no longer just a pipe dream—it’s now part of everyday life in many companies. But anyone who implements AI quickly realizes that the requirements for such systems differ significantly from those of traditional IT solutions. It’s not enough to simply describe functions; instead, issues such as data quality, transparency, ethics, and accountability take center stage.
In this article, you'll learn how the requirements for AI systems differ, what new perspectives are becoming important in this context, and how a structured approach—for example, based on IREB® or ISO/IEC 42001, which provides clarity and certainty.
What distinguishes traditional IT from AI?
Traditional IT systems follow fixed rules. Functions are described, processes are defined, and results are verified. Requirements can be formulated precisely: what should happen, when, how, and by whom?
With AI systems, it’s different. That’s because these are systems that learn, recognize patterns, and make decisions on their own. Their behavior is often probabilistic rather than deterministic. This presents new challenges:
- Results may vary depending on the data available.
- Decisions are not always transparent and easy to understand.
- Training data and its quality have a significant impact on system behavior.
- There is a risk of discrimination, bias, or unintended side effects.
Therefore, the requirements for AI systems must also be rethought.
New Perspectives in Requirements Management
When companies plan to implement AI systems, they should specifically expand their requirements. Traditional functional and non-functional requirements remain important, but they are no longer sufficient. Additional dimensions must be considered:
- Transparency: How can we make the decision-making process transparent?
- Sustainability: What impact does its use have on people, society, and the environment?
- Data Responsibility: What requirements apply to data sources, anonymization, and training processes?
- Control Mechanisms: How can we ensure that the system behaves as expected?
Requirements like these cannot be addressed simply by working through a checklist. They require interdisciplinary thinking and a structured, methodical approach.
Standards as a Guide: IREB and ISO/IEC 42001
The good news is that there are now proven frameworks available even for the specific requirements of AI systems. Two of them are particularly relevant:
- IREB provides a sound methodological approach to professional requirements engineering. It helps ensure that requirements are clearly gathered, documented, and agreed upon with stakeholders, even in complex projects.
- ISO/IEC 42001 is the new international standard for an AI management system. It provides guidance on ethical, legal, and organizational requirements and establishes the structural foundation for trustworthy AI.
Both standards complement each other. Together, they make it possible to implement AI projects in a transparent, responsible, and purposeful manner.
Conclusion: It pays to think beyond the requirements
Artificial intelligence opens up many opportunities—but it also presents companies with new challenges. Those who formulate requirements for AI systems with a long-term perspective lay the foundation for sustainable success.
Effective requirements management creates clarity, fosters trust, and mitigates risks. It balances technical feasibility with social responsibility—and ensures that AI systems will continue to serve people in the future, not the other way around.
Previous post in this series
Would you like to know why requirements are the foundation of successful projects and how the IREB standard supports this? Then read the article:
IREB Explained Simply: Why Requirements Are the Foundation for Successful Projects
Training Tip: IREB or ISO/IEC 42001 Training Courses at SERVIEW
With the IREB Foundation Level (CPRE FL) training or the ISO/IEC 42001 Foundation trainingat SERVIEW, you’ll be optimally prepared for the specific requirements of AI projects. Learn how to professionally gather, document, and embed requirements within your organization.
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IREB Training
AI & ISO/IEC 42001 Training
