What Is Artificial Intelligence?
The concept of AI can seem incredibly complex, but it all comes down to inputs and outputs. An AI is developed by feeding it massive amounts of data, which it processes using various algorithms. This process is called machine learning. Once the input data has been metabolised, the AI is ready to produce outputs.
Take the example of generative AI models like ChatGPT or Gemini. These models have been fed vast amounts of data from all across the internet. When you prompt the AI with a question or request, it can draw on this input data to produce an output, like the answer to a question or an image design. Chatbots follow the same principle, using previous communications data (as well as targeted programming) to help them respond to queries in a human-like manner.
The Benefits Of AI In The Workplace
1. Reliable Performance Of Repetitive Tasks
In many workplaces, repetitive manual tasks amount to a necessary evil - they need to be done, but they’re not particularly enjoyable and can harm productivity. Through the automation of repetitive processes, such as data input or filing, AI can be used to streamline the completion of these activities. This leaves you and your team with more time to focus on tasks that require a human touch.
2. Reduced Risk Of Human Error
Whether you’re writing an important email or a line of code, unchecked errors can have severe implications for your work. AI tools can identify these mistakes quickly and reliably, even providing suggestions for corrections. By providing an extra set of laser-focused eyes, AI can help you avoid errors and produce better-quality work.
3. Available All Day Everyday
One of the main benefits of AI in the workplace is that AI models don’t need to sleep or eat - they’re available 24/7. This makes them well-suited to tasks where humans aren’t always available. For example, AI models make great chatbots because they can respond to requests any time, day or night. The same goes for AI systems that monitor changes in the vitals of a hospital patient or variations in the performance of automated machinery.
The Drawbacks Of AI In The Workplace
1. Quality Will Depend On Training Inputs
An AI is only as good as the data used to develop it. It can be hard to find the sweet spot between input data sets that are too broad or too narrow. As such, some AIs may be quite limited in their capabilities, while others can perform a wide range of tasks but at a low level of quality.
2. Tailored Solutions Are Expensive
While there are many AI tools that are free or inexpensive to use, a custom AI system that’s designed for your workplace is going to have a much larger price tag. It will also require time and resources to develop. The decision to invest in this kind of AI technology will need to be closely weighed against the benefits.
3. Ethical Considerations
Numerous ethical concerns are associated with the use of AI models. For one, many AIs have been trained on original intellectual property, such as books and artworks, without the permission of creators. Further, there are fears that AI models will take jobs away from human workers in certain industries because they are less costly to use.
Conclusion
For some organisations, AI will prove to be a truly revelatory tool, empowering them to pursue new heights of performance. For others, AI may simply be a way for employees to save an hour or two each week on manual tasks, which they can then put towards more creative endeavours. Ultimately, it will come down to what works best for your workplace and your employees.
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