How Do You Know If Your Company Is Ready For AI?

rian Hughes

Vice President Sales/Business Devlopment at Brain Corporation, responsible for sales for our floor care divison.

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Regardless of the size of the company or industry in which it operates, adding automation into a business environment can mean a significant shift in the way an organization conducts itself. Artificial intelligence (AI) and the machines and software that utilize it are no exception; in fact, Deloitte found that 90% of companies surveyed thought cognitive technologies (like AI) would have a role in shaping company strategy. The inclusion of new tech requires some thoughtful consideration above and beyond what’s being touted as the latest and greatest.

Businesses interested in embracing AI are often motivated by specific factors, including the ability to save time and money, create more efficiencies in getting certain tasks completed or be an industry leader with a technology-first mindset. According to TechRepublic, one study found that 49% of respondents saw increased competitive advantages with machine-learning initiatives. However, that does not inherently mean a business is prepared to modernize its approach. Several questions need to be asked and answered first before a transition to robotics and AI-enabled technology can be added to the mix successfully. As the VP of business development and sales at an AI and robotics software company, here's how I recommend approaching the process:

Position The Plan With Staff

A major concern among both workers and employers I've seen is the growing reliance on technology in business to get the job done more efficiently. A perception looms that utilizing autonomous machines will eliminate the need for a human workforce, or drastically reduce it. Recent reports suggest a different reality. A 2017 study from McKinsey about the future of the workplace and automation suggests between 9% and 26% of work hours in the countries studied could be automated by 2030. However, this does not necessarily indicate a net loss of jobs. Instead, it could create an environment where employees are encouraged or required to adapt their skill sets to keep up with the influx of AI technology.

Organizations considering AI and robotics must recognize the fear of job elimination workers are likely to experience. It could be beneficial to focus on the fact that in some cases, the addition of AI doesn't necessarily change how things are done. For instance, delivery robots and inventory pickers that utilize AI are the same machines with which employees already have familiarity. The only change is that the work is done on its own without a human operator.

Employees could then be freed up to use their time elsewhere, like assisting customers or learning new skills that can be used on the job. I see positioning AI tools as a strategy for improving productivity and opening up job opportunities for employees as a necessary factor for successful implementation.