AI: A Learning Opportunity

Few topics are more widely discussed and less understood than Artificial Intelligence. While few would debate the fact that AI has the capacity to impact so many aspects of business, whether it is a threat, opportunity or potential strength remains to be seen. What can organizational leaders do now to get a handle on this generational topic?

I recently read with interest a report on AI authored by my long-time colleague and friend Andrew Paparozzi. Andy’s research focuses on ways in which business leaders are organizing their efforts to learn all they can about where and how AI can help facilitate certain aspects of their business.

Breaking out different applications by business function is a good place to start. For example: marketing, sales, operations, customer research and analytics, market analytics, HR, including hiring and employee development, customer service, risk assessment and management and corporate dashboards to monitor business performance, to name a few.

To get off and running, consider having each member of your senior leadership team take on an area of your business, put together an ad hoc team and research AI applications that may have a positive impact on that functional area of the business. Have them report back to the senior team with their findings. Also, consider creating a research library inside your organization that would include reports, publications, pod casts, blogs, etc. on the subject of AI. Make “AI update” a standing item on departmental and management meeting agendas.

In short, the best way to get started on your AI journey is to get started. Begin by prioritizing which areas to focus on first (many report that content generation used for marketing purposes is a good place to begin). Choose one to three potential applications and go from there. Document what you are learning and test new applications. Also, consider forming a peer network of businesses who are on a similar journey so that you might compare and discuss what you are learning.

The potential for AI related tools to redefine processes for business in general and manufacturing in particular is nearly incalculable. Getting started now will pay big dividends in the future.

For more information and a list of additional resources, contact me at joe@ajstrategy.com