01 Sep How AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science can revolutionise your small business
Our lives in the modern world revolve around technology – everything we do is influenced by it from the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep. We are entirely reliant upon technology – that is, after all, what allows our lives to run efficiently and to the quality at which we have become accustomed. Technology has gradually penetrated the workplace too, and its presence is only going to become more prominent as it continues to evolve and advance – in the process further improving our lives.
AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science
Some of the biggest advances in technology the world has ever seen is the arrival of AI (Artificial Intelligence), Automation, and Data Science. These are the first technological advancements that require little to no human influence and allow the tech to take over.
AI and Machine Learning were once portrayed as science fiction, and this has persuaded many small business owners to disregard it under the impression that it is way out of their reach, when in actual fact its application is just as – or maybe even more – relevant to them. AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science don’t merely refer to robots with minds of their own (although, at its most innovative and expensive, that is what AI is capable of -, due to its rather grandiose title people make this misconception) – in a small business AI would refer to a logical computerised automated process that would operate inside your CRM.
Machine Learning is a form of AI that allows the system to learn and improvise from its experiences without specific programming to do that job – that is where Data Science comes in. Through Machine Learning you can develop an algorithm that will analyse data automatically for you, allowing you to simply analyse the results without having to change the parameters of the data that the algorithm is looking for.
Confused? I would be surprised if you weren’t! In layman’s terms, a form of AI and Machine Learning will analyse countless types of data to pre agreed parameters, allowing you to change the way your team work or approach a task in order to get the best outcome.
The difference between AI and Machine Learning is small but important – AI focuses on computer systems that try to replicate human skills, whereas Machine Learning processes data, recognising patterns to develop algorithms. AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science are the future of every industry in the world – companies can be sure they get the most from their team by making non-creative tasks automatic, saving on time, and money.
In a time when businesses are barely hanging on due to the long-term effects that the last year of inconsistent business has caused, why wouldn’t you utilise AI to its fullest abilities? You can guarantee the most efficient and productive workforce possible by bringing it in to support your existing team, or even perhaps to replace some of them. As we said, let the machines do the mundane, and allow your team to be creative and provide the delicate touch only a human can produce.
Are they a threat or a benefit?
Understandably, there are many business owners that are – to say the least – apprehensive at the thought of placing responsibility and ultimately the success of their organisation in technology, and that is completely understandable.
The human touch is far superior, isn’t it?
Not in every circumstance, no. The benefits of technology having a vital role in your organisation are clear – consistent effort from the first minute of the day to the last (with no sick days, no dentist appointments or annual leave requirements, the list goes on and on!). But, AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science will have a large impact on the very DNA of your organisation, and will affect customer experience and the way that you communicate with others in the industry. As nerve racking as it can be to make such an important change, you cannot ignore the sheer brilliance of technology – its capabilities will guide your business to a much more efficient future, you will be able to complete tasks at a much faster rate, and, for the first time, you will be able to guarantee a high standard of service, because a computer doesn’t base its quality of work on mood (the quality is the same from the first time to the thousandth) – this level of consistency is what the modern age yearns for.
Let’s take administration, for example. The duties of an administration assistant/ manager have many constraints to contend with. Technology has the power to remove that burden completely, in turn allowing them the time needed to undertake tasks that involve creative influence. Once you introduce tech to one part of your organisation you can then concentrate your energy on areas of the business that aren’t as easily influenced by technology (such as sales and marketing teams).
Handing the responsibility to technology in regard to your administrative duties is a great way of making your organisation far more accessible. Traditional ways of doing things require a human analyst to manually process the data – an exercise that (depending on the size of your organisation) can take days and in the end still not be as thorough as you would like it to be. However, your digital solutions will do that for you in a much more efficient way.
The challenges
The successful implementation and integration of AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science will take extensive preparation, and you must also budget for the costs that come with the implementation and the time it is going to take to make it successful. Your new digital environment must have every workflow eventuality programmed into it – your employees currently have all that valuable information stored in their brains; meaning that you will need to communicate with them to find out the most efficient ways of doing everything (if you don’t know already).
Innovation can take time to be realised, and it may be a while before you see any benefits (cost savings and efficiencies), but don’t be concerned, because if you have spent time implementing and managing the solution correctly you will soon be reaping the benefits.
Transition gradually! To benefit your team and business this is essential! Staggering the implementation will give your users time to learn the new features and ensure that they are familiar with them. Take things as slowly as possible – the faster you go the less likely your system is going to manage the change. A fast, one-time implementation will have the opposite effect from that desired – it will slow down production and make work function inefficient.
Despite these challenges, some of the largest corporations in the world are making the migration to a workplace where AI, Machine learning, and Data Science work in unison with their human counterparts. This technology offers a unique opportunity, as it allows us to become closer than we ever have before to perfection. Doesn’t that sound good?
AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science – for all their influence already – will soon become key parts of every business in the world. It is essential that you welcome this transition at your own pace, so don’t rush, take your time and you will discover all they have to offer. Whether you are a small or large business this applies to you!
In the following article, we will explore the benefits of the technology we have already discussed above and go into a little more detail about Data Science and its particularly welcome presence in the modern workplace.
The future of modern business
Our experienced and knowledgeable team of experts will help your business to embrace the technology that has the power to revolutionise your workplace, ensuring you flourish in the digital age. A correctly implemented and adequately maintained Digital Transformation will enable your team to move into a prosperous future of growth and productivity with technology as a powerful ally. Contact us now and find out how we can help you transform your digital landscape into one that aligns with not only your vision for the future but also the future of computing all over the globe.
Contact us now to find out how we can help you!
