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Dynamics Matters Podcast Ep 102: Unlocking value with Artificial Intelligence
With special guest Sam Smith, Cloud Solution Architect, HSO
✔ How to adopt AI in a structured way
✔ The impact of AI on staff roles
✔ Should you try AI now, or wait?
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm in recent years, and organisations are investigating ways to harness its potential. Or even to figure out what the extent of that potential is. Front of mind is how artificial intelligence can make operations easier, and increase value to their business and customers.
The shift in customer expectations
Customer expectations, especially in customer service, are changing. With the rise of chatbots and conversational AI, customers now expect to interact with technology in a more natural, human-like way. This shift in interface design has led to increased demand for AI-driven solutions that can provide meaningful results through natural language interaction.
The evolution of AI
The rapid evolution of AI technologies, particularly large language models like GPT-3.5, comes just a year and a half ago, provided access to advanced AI capabilities was prohibitively expensive for most companies. However, today, there is a growing ecosystem of tools and methods to leverage these foundational models.
The need for enterprise policies
While AI adoption is on the rise, many organisations are still in the process of defining their AI policies. Some enterprises have taken a cautious approach, focusing on data security and control. There's a need for clear guidelines to ensure that AI is used effectively and responsibly within organisations.
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Quick wins with AI
Microsoft Cognitive Services provides helpful GitHub repository examples for various industries. For instance, firms can use AI to unlock internal intellectual property (IP) by extracting valuable insights from unstructured data. This not only streamlines operations but also enhances productivity.
Data governance is key
To make the most of AI, organisations must have strong data governance practices in place. The quality of data directly influences the effectiveness of AI models. Tools like Copilot, which can build semantic indexes across internal documents, require well-organised data sources to deliver valuable insights.
Augmenting human intelligence
Will AI make human roles redundant? No. AI will enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. For example, if a developer uses Copilot to speed up coding tasks, they still play a vital role in refining and improving the AI-generated code.
Delivering more value
The consensus was that AI will empower individuals within organisations to deliver more value. Rather than rendering jobs obsolete, AI will elevate the level of efficiency and expertise. Employees can focus on higher-level tasks, decision-making, and creative problem-solving.
Getting started with Copilot
For organisations looking to use tools like Copilot, the first step is to ensure your data is ready first. Without connected and well governed data to learn from, the value of AI is diminished. Consider also gaining access to AI workspaces and experimenting with available models is a valuable next step. Engaging with end-users to understand pain points and tailor AI solutions to specific use cases will be crucial for success.
Adopt AI now, or later?
AI is rapidly transforming the way organisations operate, interact with customers, and solve problems. It's no longer a question of whether to adopt AI but how to do it effectively. There is a need for clear policies, data governance, and a mindset that views AI as a valuable partner in achieving business objectives. As organisations embrace AI, they can unlock new levels of productivity, creativity, and value delivery.