Ask the Experts: Can AI transformation drive organisation-wide productivity?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly improve organisational productivity by transforming various business processes. Recently, Steven James, Business Development Director, and Dana Hasan, lead AI consultant, explored the question: Can AI transformation drive organisation-wide productivity?
They discussed the challenges of implementing AI and how businesses can apply it in real-world scenarios.
This raises an important question: Is AI merely a tool for automating tasks, or does it offer deeper strategic benefits that could reshape how businesses operate and compete?
Overcoming Challenges in AI Implementation
Steven James: What challenges could hinder AI from driving productivity across organisations?
Dana Hasan: “When considering the potential challenges of implementing AI to drive productivity, it’s crucial to address a few key areas. First, the initial investment for AI solutions can be quite substantial. Organisations must carefully evaluate how well these tools integrate with their existing systems to avoid unnecessary expenses. It’s not about overhauling existing systems but about selecting AI tools that can smoothly integrate with current workflows. This approach helps manage costs while still leveraging AI’s benefits effectively.”
“Another important factor is integration with existing systems. Ensuring that AI tools can work seamlessly with what’s already in place often requires additional IT support and resources. Additionally, cultural resistance can be a hurdle. Employees might be hesitant to adopt AI due to concerns about job displacement or a lack of understanding. Proper training and clear communication about AI’s benefits are essential to overcoming these challenges.”
Enhancing productivity with AI
Steven James: How can AI help automate routine tasks while maintaining quality?
Dana Hasan: “AI can indeed boost productivity by taking over repetitive tasks. For instance, in HR departments, AI can manage common queries about policies, freeing up time for both employees and HR staff. Personally, I’ve found that using Microsoft Copilot to take notes during meetings has been incredibly helpful. It lets me stay engaged in discussions without worrying about missing important details.”
Data quality and security
Steven James: Is data privacy different when using enterprise solutions like Microsoft Copilot compared to public AI tools like ChatGPT?
Dana Hasan: “Well, enterprise solutions like Microsoft Copilot keep data within the organisation’s secure environment, which helps protect sensitive information. Unlike public AI tools, these enterprise solutions don’t use the data to train future models, which means they offer enhanced data privacy and security.”
Measuring AI’s impact on productivity?
Steven James: What metrics should organisations use to measure AI’s impact on productivity?
Dana Hasan: “I’ve found that tracking key metrics, like the time taken to complete tasks and their associated costs, can be really useful for organisations. AI can save a lot of time, especially for tasks that don’t involve approvals or creativity. For instance, in customer service settings, AI can quickly sort through calls and provide agents with summarised information. This not only speeds up response times but also boosts customer satisfaction. It’s amazing how AI can streamline processes and make a real difference in efficiency.”
Having a clear AI strategy?
Steven James: How crucial is it to have a clear AI strategy before starting this transformation?
Dana Hasan: “Having a well-defined AI strategy is crucial before diving into AI implementation. Having a clear strategy helps align AI projects with the customer’s specific business goals, helps allocate resources efficiently, manages potential risks, and ensures a smooth transition to AI-powered processes.”
“An effective AI strategy should take into account the organisation’s goals, vision, and objectives. It’s important to decide on the right platforms and tools—whether to use pre-built solutions or develop custom ones—and to ensure that data quality and security are top priorities.”
Addressing Risks in AI Implementation
Steven James: What risks might arise from relying on AI to boost productivity, and how can we address them?
Dana Hasan: “I’ve noticed several risks associated with AI implementation. For one, automating tasks with AI might lead to job losses in certain sectors. It’s important for organisations to offer training programmes to help employees transition into new roles. I also think about the potential for bias in AI; it’s crucial that AI tools are designed to make fair and unbiased decisions, especially in areas like recruitment where AI might be used to screen candidates. Additionally, safeguarding data security and privacy is essential. Organisations need to be proactive in protecting their data from leaks and unauthorised access to keep it secure.”
Customer Zero: Hitachi Solutions
Steven James: Can you share some examples of AI and how it’s improved productivity within Hitachi Solutions as customer zero?
Dana Hasan: “I’ve seen several real-world applications of AI at Hitachi Solutions. For instance, with Microsoft Copilot, employees can concentrate more on discussions rather than taking extensive notes. Copilot can summarise meetings and identify tasks, which can then be automatically created in project management tools like Azure DevOps. This kind of automation reduces the administrative burden on project managers and boosts overall efficiency. AI’s ability to automate task creation and assignments is a great way to streamline processes and enhance productivity.”
Join the conversation
To explore these AI topics in more depth and see AI in action, join us for our upcoming roundtable event in Manchester on the 2nd of October. Register here to be part of the conversation, connect with industry experts, and gain valuable insights into how AI can drive organisation-wide productivity.
