AI implementation requires a strategy. Employing the latest AI technology seems like a natural step for organizations looking to stay competitive, but if the organization isn’t ready, AI won’t deliver the expected benefits. Evaluate each of the following areas to determine if your organization is ready or how to get there.
Data is the foundation of effective AI. Outputs hinge on correct and comprehensive data. This involves establishing clear policies and procedures for data collection, storage, and utilization. It also requires integrating and consolidating data from disparate sources to create a unified dataset for AI processing.
Additionally, consider where data lives across the organization (digital vs. non-digital). A company may have valuable data on paper that, if digitized, would be a great source for AI. Until that data is digitized, however, an AI solution won’t have what it needs to function and deliver expected results.
Consider how AI can be leveraged with the technology that already exists. That might look like using AI to analyze data or business processes to find inefficiencies. Many ERP cloud applications offer a starting point for AI integration as well. Explore the potential for APIs and custom-built AI platforms. Determine if the current infrastructure can support the computational demands of AI and scale to accommodate future growth.
Build a dedicated AI team to lead and champion AI implementation from the start. There are likely pockets of untapped talent across the organization who are excited about innovation and can see the project through to deployment. In smaller organizations, some roles may be combined, while larger organizations may have more specialized positions.
Additionally, digitize knowledge of those reaching retirement. Experienced employees have valuable, tacit knowledge that isn’t always documented. This includes past successes and challenges, process nuances, client relationship insights, industry experience, and more.
How AI is introduced and positioned significantly influences adoption. This is where a set of strong AI guiding principles comes into play. People will wonder how AI will affect their jobs. Proactively address skepticism and aversion regarding AI’s impact on organizational roles and responsibilities.
Create a comprehensive training plan to equip employees to work with AI systems. A smaller pilot project can demonstrate AI’s benefits and introduce AI in a manageable way. Consider starting small to prove how AI will add value.
Consider how AI will impact current processes and policies. Perform a detailed analysis of current processes to identify where AI can further drive efficiency. AI-specific processes and policies (and changes to current processes) should be well documented and understood across the organization. Develop clear guidelines for AI usage and ensure stakeholders understand their responsibilities after changes are made.
Evaluating each of these areas puts organizations in a good place to start exploring potential AI tools, whether it’s a prebuilt solution or something built in-house. Our team helps organizations develop a strategy and implement AI solutions to meet current and long-term goals. To chat more, email us at info@trenegy.com.
Trenegy is a non-traditional consulting firm based in Houston, Texas.