Has it ever crossed your mind that one day, a computer might be replacing you? If you’ve seen and read enough science fiction, then you’re aware of how possible this is right now. An increasing number of companies already use artificial intelligence to do many of the tasks traditionally done by humans.
It’s no wonder why businesses choose to incorporate AI for automating workflows, ensuring a smoother end-to-end process. However, the speed and efficiency of AI doesn’t always translate into humans becoming obsolete in the workplace. In most cases, AI frees employees from doing tedious work and allows them to work on more meaningful tasks.
Read on to learn more about the wonders of AI. In this article, you will learn more about what AI is, what it can do, and how you can integrate it into your workforce through digital transformation.
What Is AI?
Also known as artificial intelligence, AI is an umbrella term for a vast array of computer systems that can perform various tasks, including those that normally require human intervention. AI is a means to copy human intelligence and ultimately transfer this to machines.
Types of AIs
There are various types of AI currently being used in different industries. They are typically classified according to how they function in general. These types include the following:
- Strong: They are sometimes referred to as artificial general intelligence (AGI). You may know them as the flashy robots that appear in different science fiction movies. As the term implies, AGIs have a certain degree of intelligence that can help them with problem-solving. This ability aids them in their usual functions within their respective industries.
- Weak: These are also known as narrow AI. Compared to strong AI, the “weak” types have a limited number of functions they can perform within a given instance. Normally, the tasks they’re assigned do not require intensive problem-solving skills. In most scenarios, they don’t even have to display even the simplest degree of human intelligence.
AI Appearances
To date, there are already numerous instances of AI that you may not even realize are AI. Some of them have already been in place for more than a decade. Here are some of them:
- Email spam filters
- Phone answering machines
- Drones for farming and monitoring
- Prediction tools
- Image recognition programs
- Cars with self-driving functions
- Conversational bots
Benefits of Including AI in Businesses
The fast-growing technology of AI enables numerous businesses to take advantage of its benefits on different scales. These benefits are not limited to cloud-based and cloud-dependent industries.
Easier Data Collection
AI makes data mining much faster and easier. All you have to do is to set the required parameters, and you’re good to go. Because it works continuously, you don’t have to worry about missing business-relevant data in the process. In some cases, it even helps you discover insights that have not been found during the previous searches. When this happens, it can provide you with the upper hand in the market.
Effortless Automation
Automation significantly decreases the time needed to complete business processes. In the food industry, this is helpful during the packing of different food items. It also helps in maintaining the optimal temperature to prevent the products from going stale during storage.
AI makes it possible to automate monotonous tasks. For humans, it’s a normal tendency to make mistakes from time to time. This happens when you have to perform the same set of tasks for a prolonged period. You also have to consider the fatigue that sets in because of long work hours. With AI, you don’t have to worry about this aspect. AI can complete the same process thousands of times in a fraction of the time and without any errors.
Factors To Consider Before Including AI in Your Company
Start by defining what your company needs. Depending on the type of technology required, you may opt for systems that can operate with machine learning. If your company needs extra layers of online security, you may consider having a system with deep learning already imbued in it.
Aside from determining if it’s suitable for your professional needs, you may also ask yourself if the systems you’re planning to develop are sustainable in the long run. Just because the AI is up and running doesn’t mean it won’t need updates and maintenance from time to time.
Consider the way your company is operating. How will the integration of AI affect the entire process? You may have to look at the bigger picture when considering how and when to implement AI.
Jobs That AIs Can Replace
Keep in mind that even if your job is on this list, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are obsolete. Instead, make this an opportunity to modify the current processes to accommodate changes related to this.
Proofreading
Proofreading is a very straightforward task that checks for basic spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors in text. Even if certain materials need intensive proofreading, rarely will you encounter a case that AI can not handle quicker or more accurately than a human.
Sales
AI can automate salespeople’s tasks depending on the task structure of the company. If it requires ushering customers to their desired location, there’s already an available system that can cater to this need. The same is true if you’re looking for a specific product in a physical store.
Market Research
Data mining bots are excellent at tasks like market research. In some instances, they can do this better than humans because AI can be more extensive and expansive when it comes to research.
Deliveries
AI technology is being used more and more heavily in the shipping industry. Logistics and package tracking incorporate AI to track and route packages all over the world.
Reception
Using AI for reception tasks like answer the phone is nothing new. This technology continues to improve, making digital phone systems capable of handling an increasing number of tasks traditionally done by a receptionist.
Bookkeeping
There are now AI programs that help automate some or, in some cases, all bookkeeping tasks for businesses. These programs can also help with data organization and data analysis.
Customer Support
Customer support is another area where AI is becoming more popular. While chatbots are limited to canned questions and answers, these are effective enough to save both time and resources for customers and business owners.
Preparing for the Change
It’s quite unnerving to think that you’ll be laid off just because it’s more economical and convenient to “hire” AI. However, you can work on adapting to these inevitable changes.
Level Up Your Skills
Upskilling is one surefire way to help you get ahead of the AI revolution. While AI is efficient in performing assigned tasks, adding a skill set beyond what it can do may not be practical. Look for a set of skills that your company needs. At the same time, consider skills that cannot easily be replicated by a computer system.
Consider a Different Industry
In case you’re not keen on leveling up your current skills, looking for other similar fields that require human intervention is also possible. This is a good choice if you’re originally looking forward to a career change in the first place. A good rule of thumb is to avoid industries that focus mainly on linear processes and those that are heavily geared towards manual labor. Instead, consider industries that need heavy critical thinking and analytical skills.
Try a New Profession
Always seek expert advice before you consider changing professions. This is a major decision, so it requires at least an extra pair of eyes to see the situation from an outsider’s perspective.
Financial planning will not hurt, either. This is a good backup strategy if you think your company has a chance of being on the brink of closure because of AI. If you find your company in this situation, consider regrouping, rebranding, or even switching industries altogether.
Wrapping It Up
Since the integration of AI in the workforce is already taking place, there’s no reason to panic. It’s an inevitable event for your business. Stay calm, embrace the change, and adapt to the situation.
AI can help you perform better at what you do now. The key here is to make sure that you’re fully equipped to work with them. While it’s already here on a small scale, its presence will surely be more prominent in the future.
It’s normal to feel unsure of how to deal with AI. Our company can help you get started. Contact us to book an appointment and discuss how AI can work with you instead of replacing you.
