This is an important and often highly technical question. Standards such as ISO/IEC 42001 are designed to provide organizations with a governance framework that helps them assess, manage and monitor their AI systems. The standard establishes requirements, principles and controls that organizations can use to evaluate whether their AI systems are operating as intended and whether appropriate safeguards are in place. While no standard can guarantee that an AI system will always perform perfectly, ISO/IEC 42001 helps organizations implement the governance, policies, processes and oversight needed to manage AI responsibly.
Like any business process, success begins with defining clear objectives and expected outcomes. Organizations must establish policies, procedures and performance criteria, then apply the appropriate technologies and controls to support those requirements. When these governance measures are implemented effectively, organizations can gain greater confidence that their AI systems are aligned with business objectives, operating within established controls and supporting responsible AI practices. Ultimately, the standard provides a structured framework for demonstrating that AI is being managed in a controlled and accountable way.