Training Module

AI System Lifecycle & Inventory

Define AI system scope, set lifecycle boundaries, and maintain an AI system inventory aligned with ISO/IEC 42001

Abstract data streams and layered system timelines visualising the scope, lifecycle stages, and inventory of AI systems within a governed, traceable system landscape.

Are your AI system boundaries clearly defined and traceable?

Clear AI boundaries are the foundation of credible governance. This module shows how to define AI system scope, lifecycle limits, and a traceable inventory aligned with ISO/IEC 42001.

Abstract data streams and layered system timelines visualising the scope, lifecycle stages, and inventory of AI systems within a governed, traceable system landscape.

Are your AI system boundaries clearly defined and traceable?

Clear AI boundaries are the foundation of credible governance. This module shows how to define AI system scope, lifecycle limits, and a traceable inventory aligned with ISO/IEC 42001.

Abstract data streams and layered system timelines visualising the scope, lifecycle stages, and inventory of AI systems within a governed, traceable system landscape.

Overview

When AI capabilities are embedded across products and services, boundaries blur and inventories become unreliable. Without clear definitions, governance weakens and assurance findings follow.

This module establishes a structured approach to defining AI system boundaries, distinguishing management system scope from individual system scope, and setting meaningful lifecycle checkpoints. Participants learn how to design and maintain a traceable AI system inventory with clear ownership, defined metadata, and embedded update routines. The focus is on creating defensible traceability from system definition to risk, controls, and monitoring activities.

Applicable environments

This module applies to organisations implementing or operating a AI Management System (AIMS) in line with ISO/IEC 42001. It focuses on how the standard’s requirements are interpreted and applied in practice within real organisational contexts.

The content is relevant for organisations seeking certification as well as for those using ISO/IEC 42001 as a reference framework to structure responsibilities, processes, and controls in the AI management domain.

Target audience

  • People involved in designing, building, operating, or improving an AIMS aligned with ISO/IEC 42001

  • Executives and department heads accountable for the effectiveness and performance of an AIMS

  • Those responsible for processes, policies, applications, risks or risk controls related to AI

  • Auditors of ISO/IEC 42001 who want to deepen their understanding of management-side best practices (not audit technique)

Decision support

Is this module for you?

Agenda

  • What ISO/IEC 42001 needs from “scope” at the AI system level

  • Defining “AI system” consistently for inventory purposes

  • Lifecycle boundaries that matter for governance and assurance

  • Designing the AI system inventory

  • Inventory governance and maintenance routines

  • Using the inventory as a backbone for audit-ready implementation

  • Case-based workshop

Show detailed agenda...

Learning outcomes

Key outcomes

  • Apply criteria to identify AI systems and describe their purpose and operating context

  • Define lifecycle boundaries for AI systems, including development, deployment, maintenance and retirement

  • Build a maintained inventory of AI systems with minimum metadata and ownership assignments

Additional capabilities

  • Distinguish between AIMS scope definition and AI system identification to avoid conflation

  • Design ownership, change and maintenance routines for the AI system inventory

  • Create traceability links from the inventory to risk assessments, impact/harm evaluations and operational control activities

Materials

Learning materials

  • Slide deck

  • Participant workbook

Templates & tools

Practical, reusable artefacts to apply the module directly to your organisation.

  1. AI system inventory management process

  2. AI system identification checklist

  3. AI system inventory register

  4. Lifecycle boundary and accountability canvas

  5. AI prompt set for AI system inventory management

Confirmation

  • Certificate of completion

Module ID

HAM-AI-S-01

ISO standard

Standard clause

4: Context of the organisation

Domains

Target audience

Public delivery

Live virtual

Duration

7 h

List price

CHF 550

Excl. VAT. VAT may apply depending on customer location and status.

Delivery

Live virtual delivery

This module is delivered live online and combines conceptual framing, discussion, case work and direct interaction with the instructor.

A public cohort is currently not scheduled. If you register your interest, we will notify you when a new public cohort is scheduled or suitable delivery options become available.

Custom delivery options

For organisations with specific constraints or learning objectives, the module can be adapted in format or scope, including in-house delivery and contextualised case material.

Not sure if this module is right for you?

Send a short message and describe your context.

Not sure if this module is right for you?

Send a short message and describe your context.

For an optimal learning experience

Prerequisites & preparation

This module is designed as part of a modular training approach. Topics are deliberately distributed across modules and are not repeated in full, in order to avoid unnecessary redundancy. Each module is self-contained and can be taken on its own. Where prior knowledge or experience is helpful, this is indicated below so you can decide whether any preparation is useful for you.

Assumed background

This module assumes general familiarity with management system implementation concepts and documented information discipline. Participants should also be comfortable with basic AI lifecycle terminology at a conceptual level (no technical depth required).

Helpful background includes:

  • Understanding of management system scope concepts and boundary thinking

  • Familiarity with registers, ownership, and change control as governance tools

  • Basic awareness of how AI-enabled capabilities are developed or sourced (build/buy/embedded)

Preparatory modules

Foundational modules (depending on background)

Useful if you are new to the underlying concepts or want a shared baseline before attending this module.

AI Systems & Architectures

Core AI concepts, AI system types, AI agents, and the technical building blocks behind modern AI-enabled products and services

7 h

AI Systems & Architectures

Core AI concepts, AI system types, AI agents, and the technical building blocks behind modern AI-enabled products and services

7 h

Supporting modules (optional)

Helpful if you want to deepen related skills, but not required to participate effectively.

System Framing

Analyse organisational context, stakeholders and system boundaries to support effective management systems

7 h

System Framing

Analyse organisational context, stakeholders and system boundaries to support effective management systems

7 h

Continuous learning

Follow-up modules

After completion of this module, the following modules are ideal to further deepen your competence. If you are looking for a structured learning path, modules can also be taken as part of a professional track.

Continuous learning

Follow-up modules

After completion of this module, the following modules are ideal to further deepen your competence. If you are looking for a structured learning path, modules can also be taken as part of a professional track.

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Ready to improve your management systems?

We support continuous improvement by embedding ISO requirements into everyday practice and daily operations.

Office scene with people standing, walking and sitting

Ready to improve your management systems?

We support continuous improvement by embedding ISO requirements into everyday practice and daily operations.

Office scene with people standing, walking and sitting

Ready to improve your management systems?

We support continuous improvement by embedding ISO requirements into everyday practice and daily operations.