Test Driving AI in 3 Steps

One of the most general applications of artificial intelligence is the automation of routine decisions. The automation of routine decisions significantly reduces operating costs, and can help to generate substantially faster growth by remedying bottlenecks in process and distribution before they crop up. The value writ large of AI to operations is to keep the cogs of enterprise running more efficiently than ever before, by intelligent machine decisionmaking.

Automation of decisions with AI also holds a greater strategic importance. Automation may enable a slow and costly model to scale, allowing a business to edge out competitors in existing and new markets. Through these and other avenues, AI can confer a game-changing competitive advantage.

How can I find potential applications for AI in my operations?

1. Find routine tasks. Consider the everyday tasks in which your business or team participate. Choose one that seems routine. A simple example is the categorization of customer feedback into one of several bins. These tasks are good candidates for automation via AI.

2. Identify points of decision. Most routine decisions that require well-defined informational inputs and produce common judgements are excellent candidates for AI. Determine the major decision points that occur during and as a result of the task. Are any particularly clear and distinct? Once you know what the decision points are, research what information your organization uses to make those decisions. The stronger the relationship between this information and the decision made, the better the AI will perform.

3. Run a test. A major benefit of AI is that it is cheap to test and evaluate. There is almost no downside to running an evaluation—and there is incredible potential to lower costs, boost revenue, and transform the power of your organization. Once you understand the usual steps taken in the execution of the task, gather the informational inputs and create an AI to execute the task. Pay attention to outcomes: does the test lend itself to the efficient accomplishment of company objectives? Does it increase employee satisfaction? Does the inclusion of AI in your organization increase its marketability?

Simple and easy—in three steps, you’re up and running with a test use case for AI!

Find a trusted expert

Always rely on an expert you can trust. Artificial intelligence experts do more than produce the software necessary for the task. They explain how the software works, help to build the right internal coalition, and create an organizational strategy for the effective execution, should a roll-out be in order. Getting in touch with an expert is the most effective way to find out how AI can go to work for you now.