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A Practical Guide to Achieving Business Efficiency with AI

Oct 16, 2023 | min read
By

Mikaeri Ohana

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, where innovation knows no bounds, harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an essential aspect of modern business strategy. The intersection of AI and business has given rise to a new era of possibilities, but navigating this landscape requires more than just tech-savviness; it requires a strategic mindset that aligns AI initiatives with overarching business goals. This article delves into a conversation aimed at shedding light on the core principles of seamlessly integrating AI into the world of business.

The importance of shared understanding

Let’s start with a subtle yet crucial point – the importance of shared understanding. Just as a well-conducted symphony relies on a shared musical vocabulary, so does the successful implementation of AI requires a common language across the organization. This vocabulary holds even greater importance for leadership as they steer the company towards adopting and embracing AI solutions.

Education emerges as a cornerstone in this journey. Understanding the foundations of AI isn't just for developers; it's a business-wide necessity. With education comes empowerment – the ability to discern how AI aligns with specific business objectives.

Data is AI's lifeblood

Efficiency is a ubiquitous term in business discussions, but measuring AI’s efficiency is far from one-size-fits-all. An intriguing point surfaces here – the idea of AI as a solution-finder, capable of tackling real-world issues with ingenuity. Imagine, for instance, using AI to streamline a cumbersome process or solving intricate problems with finesse. It's all about aligning AI's capabilities with your specific pain points, a realization that underscores the depth of AI's potential impact.

Of course, the adage "garbage in, garbage out" holds. Data is AI's lifeblood; without quality data, even the most sophisticated algorithms fall flat. While starting from scratch is an option, there might be better options: leveraging existing data to refine AI models is often the more intelligent approach.

Discussing artificial intelligence (AI) in the current scenario is a complex task, especially considering that numerous organizations are in the initial phase of structuring and organizing their data. Proper data management is an ongoing challenge and is the fundamental foundation for the successful implementation of any AI-based solution. Therefore, it's essential to recognize and evaluate the organization's maturity in terms of data preparation and processing before venturing into more advanced and sophisticated technologies. This strategic approach not only prevents premature failures but also ensures a smoother and more efficient transition into the era of artificial intelligence.


Allowing people to
experience AI in their
day-to-day workflows

unveils its tangible
benefits and fosters
a culture of experimentation
and feedback.

Bridging the gap between theory and practice

Now, let's talk practicality. Pilot projects, akin to hackathons, are suggested as a way to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Allowing people to experience AI in their day-to-day workflows unveils its tangible benefits and fosters a culture of experimentation and feedback. This aligns perfectly with the ethos of agile development and iterative improvement, which are the bedrock of modern software engineering.

By actively participating in these intensive, solution-driven events, participants immerse themselves in real-world challenges where AI can offer innovative solutions. This experiential learning helps them identify precisely where AI fits best within their professional landscape, enabling a deeper understanding of how to harness its potential effectively. Furthermore, hackathons often reveal previously unconsidered applications of AI, broadening perspectives and encouraging creative integration in various domains

The real AI value proposition

Speaking about the value proposition with AI, we have a crucial element for any business success: understanding clients' pain points is paramount. AI isn't a magic wand; it's a tool to alleviate and address challenges. The company can pivot AI initiatives to provide real value by evaluating whether AI can expedite clients' processes.

AI should be seen as a path, much like technology itself. The primary focus should be on the pain point being addressed (or the process that will be restructured) and the impact it brings. The essence of any technological adoption lies not in the tool but in its application and the tangible differences it can make.

It's not about optimizing AI in isolation;
it's about optimizing the entire value chain.

This segues into the concept of value stream mapping, a practice that transcends AI specifics and resonates throughout the organization. It's not about optimizing AI in isolation; it's about optimizing the entire value chain.

This is a practical, results-oriented approach to AI in business. It underscores the importance of synergy – among teams, objectives, and AI capabilities – in steering the ship toward success. The dialogue isn't just about technological prowess; it's about imbuing technology with purpose and aligning it with the essence of business strategy. In a world where technology can often feel like an enigma, we hope to offer a blueprint for clarity, blending innovation with pragmatism to unlock AI's true potential to change the business world.


Mikaeri Ohana

Mikaeri Ohana

Data Scientist, CI&T