What is AI Transformation?

Artificial intelligence (AI) transformation is the revision of business processes to become more intelligent and efficient through the power of AI technology. Over the last two decades, almost all organizations have undergone a digital transformation, integrating digital technologies such as computers, networks, and software to improve business functions. With technology rapidly advancing, AI is the next step in digital transformation.

AI transformation can improve many aspects of enterprise including customer service, IT, and sales. AI has the ability to automate repetitive processes, analyze data to provide insights and run predictive analyses on business operations. A large percentage of businesses report they are already using AI in some aspect of their operations or plan to implement it in the near future.

Steps of AI transformation

Start with small projects

A company moving forward with AI transformation can start with a few small projects that are realistic, while still providing business value. This will help build an organization’s confidence and understanding of AI and create a forward motion toward AI transformation. Organizations can start by utilizing existing AI-powered tools, or find low-cost opportunities to create custom solutions.

Build an AI transformation team

Organizations should start building an in-house team of experts to guide and implement AI transformations. The team should grow as the role of AI increases within a business. This will be more efficient and stable in the long run than outsourcing projects to external experts. Roles to look for include machine learning (ML) engineers, data engineers, data scientists, and AI product managers.

Conduct AI training

Because AI has the potential to influence almost every aspect of business operations, organizations will need to provide widespread training and education about AI tools and systems. Executives, leaders, and AI engineer teams will need to be trained on what changes will be happening, how to guide the transformation, and how AI will affect their roles within the organization.

Develop communications

In order for AI transformation to go smoothly, organizations need to maintain open channels of communication, both internal and external. This will help keep all employees, managers, and stakeholders informed and aligned as the AI transformation moves forward.

Update AI strategy

After an organization has a few AI projects in place, it will have a complete understanding of how and where AI can provide added value to the business. They can use this knowledge to update their AI strategy and keep them moving on the path of AI transformation.

How will AI Transform Organizations?

Automation

Routine and predictable tasks make up a large portion of the workload for many businesses. AI-driven tools are helping them to automate these tasks in order to free up personnel for more involved tasks. For instance, AI has the power to answer and address simple customer support queries and escalate more complicated ones to human representatives. AI can also reduce human error in these routine tasks, leading to higher-quality output.

Decision-making

Decision-making in business is all about collecting and analyzing data in order to understand the problems and opportunities within a business. However, humans struggle with processing large datasets and discovering insights takes careful exploration and visualization. AI is built upon analyzing data, and AI tools can process data and extract digestible insights in seconds. AI can identify patterns and trends, create predictions for future results, and identify opportunities for business growth. This makes it much easier for businesses to tap into the value of their data, and make informed decisions as a result.

Recruiting

Some organizations are using AI to transform their recruiting processes. AI solutions now assist in finding, sorting, and qualifying new job candidates. The traditional process of sorting through applicants by hand is time-consuming and can be subjective. AI can analyze applications and resumes and find the most qualified leads. 

Job shift

As more companies implement AI into their business strategies, the job market will also be transformed. Certain job types will likely be replaced by AI tools in the near future. Focus on business will shift toward jobs requiring creativity, problem-solving, and qualitative skills. AI is also creating a whole new category of jobs such as creating and managing the AI software being used.