The best answer is B. Evaluate the scalability of current non-AI solutions . In PMI-CPMAI, the project manager should not assume that AI is the right answer simply because the problem is important or data-rich. The methodology emphasizes first determining whether an AI approach is actually needed and comparing it with non-cognitive or non-AI alternatives before moving deeper into data planning or implementation. PMI’s official exam content outline includes conducting AI go/no-go assessments , separating cognitive from non-cognitive tasks , and aligning the solution approach to the real business need. It also stresses that understanding the AI pattern involved helps teams choose the right data strategy and scope responsibly. Predictive maintenance is a recognized AI pattern area, but that still does not remove the need to assess whether a simpler existing solution can scale sufficiently.

Option A matters, but data suitability should be examined after the team has confirmed that AI is justified. Option C is part of business-case work, and Option D is even later because operationalization planning only makes sense once AI has been chosen. Since the question asks what should be done first while weighing existing alternatives, PMI-aligned logic supports evaluating whether the current non-AI approach can already meet the need at scale.