The use of Artificial Intelligence technology has opened up many areas of opportunity for even the smallest of business. Immediate questions are – what AI technologies will add value to your organisation and where can you use it?
The businesses I talk to are increasingly optimistic about how AI can be used to optimise specific business processes. It is already starting to revolutionise the way we live, work, learn and communicate. If you use search engines, social media platforms and analytics tools; if you travel or take photos with your smartphone, you will have been served by some form of AI. AI and mathematic problem solving formulas known as algorithms have become a central part of our daily lives.
There are several areas where I see AI can help to enhance and deliver new products and services, automate repetitive tasks and help with the preparation of data that feeds decision-making. The deployment of AI technologies is becoming mainstream. Microsoft Azure already has prebuilt API’s for cognitive services and conversational BOT tools that can help get you started.
What industries can benefit from AI technology? In the mining sector I see there is an enormous opportunity for process improvement and risk management. In the health arena, the entire patient journey and experience can be enhanced. In the realm of education, teachers can be supported by advanced and remedial learning tools for students. You will no doubt have your own list.
As with all technology adoption, the goal is to have very clear performance drivers and defined commercial and social outcomes so you can measure success.
The potential touch points for AI are many, and the adoption of these types of technologies will influence and drive the need for new skillsets, roles and capabilities. Businesses need to be prepared for this, including an increased emphasis on enterprise security and governance to ensure all compliance, regulation and risk management requirements are met.
At a recent industry function IDC the global market intelligence company, predicted that by 2022, 75% of new assets in the Oil and Gas sector will be deployed with some sort of AI self-diagnosing and maintenance capabilities. That is a major AI based transformation for that industry.
Every business will need to determine how AI fits with their business model and enterprise architectures.
If you would like to explore where AI technology can deliver commercial outcomes for your business, leave a comment, send me an email or call me.
If you want to read more you may be interested in these information sources:
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-au/overview/ai-platform/
https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2018/12/06/facial-recognition-its-time-for-action/
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/every-leaders-guide-to-the-ethics-of-ai/
https://www.google.com/search?q=designing+ai+systems+that+obey+our+laws+and+values&oq=designing&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j35i39j69i61l2j0l2.4829j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
About the Author Jackie O’dowd: Jackie delivers improved business performance; creator of the realising success Framework, and author of Connecting The Dots – The Blueprint For Strategically Aligned Business Performance. Jackie helps organisations to solve problems and improve organisational capability and performance. With extensive experience across multiple industry sectors such as Petroleum, Manufacturing, Health, Civil & Mining Services, Employment Services, ICT, Oil & Gas, Government and Professional Services, results speak for themselves. Jackie works with organisations that want to realise their potential and get real sustainable results. Connect with her on LinkedIn.