Artificial intelligence, also referred to as AI, has long been the holy grail of futurists, science fiction authors, and fantasists alike. Even before we established the concept of computer science, the notion of mechanized entities capable of learning, thinking, and acting on their own was a popular subject for science fiction. This is especially true of cautionary tales.
While AI stories predate this work of art, the earliest popular demonstration in the common zeitgeist is the silent film Metropolis. Released in 1927, this movie is now almost 100 years old. It deeply explores the idea of intelligent technology, its impact on our society and the ethics involved in creating machinery that is capable of awareness.
We’re not here to discuss science fiction robots that can think and feel just like people. We’re not even going to discuss the menacing software displayed in the Terminator or Matrix franchises. A discussion about the repercussions of AI does merit a conversation, but we’re not there yet by any stretch of the imagination. What we’re here to discuss today is AI as we currently know it:
Demystifying Contemporary AI
You may not even be aware of it, but you interact with some form of AI every day. When you talk to your phone, Siri, Alexa, or perform a search on Google, you are relying on artificial intelligence. AI directs your searches based on your past search history as well as what you’re inputting at that very moment. It compiles data from users and learns their interests and habits. It then uses this info for marketing and other purposes.
AI also exists in the business and consumer sectors. When we think of AI, though, our thoughts wander to science fiction. So, what exactly is it that we have that we’re calling AI?
AI, or Machine Learning, is any form of software or hardware technology that is capable of learning from input and results. It then uses the ability to make intuitive predictions based on what it has learned. This includes abstractly solving problems based on past tasks. It will then adjust its approach to tasks and become more efficient and effective at making decisions. It is clever, but not conscious. AI is a powerful tool that businesses are using every day!
Tireless Workers
With AI capable of basic accounting functions, administration, and CRM (Customer Relationship Management), you can eliminate many historically time-consuming tasks. Over time, you’ll have less unnecessary staff and less overhead.
Arguably, AI isn’t quite smart enough yet to handle dealing with an angry customer on the phone or in a chat, as anyone who’s tried to talk to these so-called bots will attest, but they are very well-suited for simpler tasks.
AI can learn customer habits, allowing it to be a handy assistant to CRM, PR, and customer service employees. AI can recall information about customers and instantly suggest go-to solutions that make sense. Efficiency is the name of the game.
Redundant tasks, such as appointment setting, cold calling, or pesky reoccurring jobs, can also be handled by AI. This frees up skilled employees to deal with people directly as they are trained to do.
Artificial Intelligence can be useful for business planning and logistics management. It learns from markets, business climates, and current events. It is capable of making accurate predictions and connecting relationships that analysts may not be able to notice. This makes AI programs excellent tools for business analysts, traders, and marketing experts as well.
AI vs. Outsourcing
Outsourced work is often of subpar quality, as reflected in the associated reduced price. AI responds instantaneously to notifications from customers and provides personal replies. It prioritizes deadlines with no emotional opposition or fatigue. AI works 24/7 and doesn’t need breaks or time off. AI doesn’t need holidays, vacation pay, or anything of the sort. It never stops. It never gets bored, and it provides a far better, less emotionally charged customer experience. It learns from operating and repetition. While a little bit of patience may be necessary when AI is put into place, it learns remarkably faster than people. This is not because it’s smarter than people, but because its “brain” is designed specifically for the tasks at hand.
This Has Potential, Where Do I Start?
If the prospect of a tireless, intuitive business automation tool like this sounds intriguing, your next step is to figure out what your business needs are. Do a little research. Read up on how Artificial Intelligence works and compare platforms you’re interested in. Get a feel for what this technology is and where its prime applications lie. Look into where it’s used now and notice the day-to-day things that are powered by AI. You’ll be surprised by how prolific it is.
We specialize in business technology and are avid proponents of business automation. We can even provide you with advice on how to integrate Artificial Intelligence with your current staff. After all, we want to help you grow your business, not find ways to lose valuable employees. Contact us today to find out more.
