Artificial intelligence aims to replace certain duties with technology and automation in order to abolish them completely!
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| [Artificial Intelligence(AI)] |
For more than 5 years, I've been engaged in Quebec's artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. Because I've spent virtually all of my professional life working in technology, it's only natural that I was soon won over by the potential afforded by artificial intelligence.
Like many others, I quickly realized the enormous potential of this technology for a wide range of sectors. After doing some in-depth research on the issue, I knew it was going to be a game-changer that would turn the corporate world on its head!
Today, I believe that the majority of Quebec and Canadian businesses recognize that time is running out and that now is the moment to act. However, I recognize that the various processes involved in making the transition to AI might be overwhelming, and it is perfectly OK to seek assistance.
In my last blog article, I discussed "who" should present your AI cases to your company in order to increase your odds of finishing them and, more significantly, achieving the necessary results. This month, I'll help you organize your early AI initiatives and find areas where they might have a big impact!
The number of use cases is so large that navigating them might be difficult. The first thing to keep in mind is that you need to look at your company with fresh eyes, if not entirely new ones. The goal here isn't to create a hyper-detailed map (mapping) of all your activities in order to optimize microtasks, or to rearrange your operations to make little improvements here and there.
Rather, the objective is to completely remove specific duties by using technology and automation to replace them! It's a totally different mindset, but it's necessary if you want to take advantage of the potential presented by digital transformation and automation of your processes. Artificial intelligence allows us to do things differently and, in many cases, to replace humans in situations when they are not performing at their best.
Here are some suggestions for initiating a technological transition with AI that may pique your interest. These are frequently minor classic successes that can be applied to a wide range of industries:
1. Consider digitizing your data if you're dealing with a lot of paper in your company.
2. Do you handle essential business procedures with Excel spreadsheets? If that's the case, keep in mind that not all of the information in these files can be used to improve your processes or create your initial AI initiatives. You must cease using Excel as a management tool and ensure that your business data is stored in a database designed for this purpose. Excel is nothing more than a spreadsheet!
3. If you're still relying on your eyes for quality control, it's time to make the switch! Humans aren't very adept at regularly inspecting items for flaws or verifying their proportions.
4. If your activities are planned by people, it is almost probable that they are not ideal. When it comes to calculating and evaluating a large number of variables, the machine will always be superior and, more importantly, far faster.
Now, if you're stumped as to where to seek for your first AI project, follow a few easy guidelines. Begin by examining the areas of your company model where you generate a lot of money, i.e., the procedures that pay well.
Then search for the high-cost procedures that are costing you money. These two areas are typically good places to start if you want to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve your life. The explanation for this is simple: technology, on average, will provide you with profits of 3 to 5 percent. Clearly, initiatives with such advantages are considerably simpler to profit from when applied to highly profitable or highly expensive operations.
Also, consider what is harming your company. What are the weak points of the system? Which of your duties has grown overly reliant on people and may benefit from automation? Once you've answered these questions, you'll have a better knowledge of your company model and the areas where technology may make a significant difference!
There is one more topic I'd want to address with you. On LinkedIn, I'm frequently approached with this exact particular question: is it simple to become an expert in AI? No, that is not the case. Does not become an expert in AI if he or she wishes to, at least not without first completing the appropriate coursework, which include at least a master's degree and, ideally, a PhD or postdoctoral degree in the area.
The idea that taking a few online courses on Udemy or Coursera can help you become a competent data scientist is, unfortunately, a myth. Be cautious and thoroughly check the CVs of so-called "AI specialists" that you recruit or that your suppliers offer you.
Essentially, you must remember that technologies have matured, and they must be viewed as a critical ally in your company's success. The world is changing at dizzying pace, making it more important than ever to make a technology transformation to safeguard the long-term viability of your company model.
All you have to do now is surround yourself with capable partners and devise a strategy for realizing the full potential of AI and new technologies. Be brave, be creative, and get started before it's too late. In truth, no business can afford to fall behind in the digital transformation race!
The author Hugues Foltz is the Chief Strategy Officer at Vooban, Québec City's fastest-growing AI development startup.