Ever since the concept of artificial intelligence (or AI) was introduced there have been concerns about what might happen if machines were able to learn independently. Would they replace human workers entirely, or would there be other unintended consequences? Enslave us while shape shifting to look like our friends and family?
We will admit the last one is a bit more of a Hollywood fantasy than an actual fear, but that shouldn’t detract from the point. People are afraid of an AI invasion. In fact, a recent Ipsos poll showed that nearly half of all adults are worried about the effects of machine learning in the near-term future.
We tend to think these concerns are largely overblown. Why? Because the AI invasion already happened and was successful. In today’s brief post we will explain what we mean and how it affects business owners going forward…
AI Isn’t a Future Technology Anymore
Researchers and technology gurus have been telling us that AI is coming for decades. Now it has arrived. As with most sweeping changes, the transition to artificial machine learning didn’t happen all at once. Instead, it has shown up gradually in the form of fraud monitoring, optical character recognition, and logistics management.
In other words, many of the technologies you take for granted are driven by some level of artificial intelligence. AI becomes much less scary when you stop thinking about it as an unknown entity from the future and realize you are already familiar with the tools and their benefits.
Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore AI
Having pointed out that AI is already an everyday reality, let’s get to what matters: your business can’t afford to ignore it. You are undoubtedly already using some artificial intelligence, and particularly the types we described in the previous point. Now is a great time to start looking for other, more progressive applications.
Failing to integrate AI into your business would put you at an enormous disadvantage over your competitors. It would be akin to using bicycles and calculators when everyone else had trucks and mobile phones. You definitely want to be ahead of the curve instead of falling behind it.
You Don’t Have to Be a Genius to Get Involved
Not only is artificial intelligence more common than you might think, but it’s also incredibly easy to access. You don’t have to have a degree in advanced robotics to get involved. You simply have to start looking for automated solutions to simple business processes.
In some cases there may be existing tools and software solutions you can buy “off the rack” to help you with things like inventory, bookkeeping, and employee scheduling. In other instances it might make sense to engage a team of developers to help you program a custom solution for your company or industry.
How do you know where to start? Your CIO can guide you. Or, if you don’t have someone filling that role, a team like ours can help.
Is Your Business Taking Advantage of Emerging Technology Trends?
Did you know that in addition to providing managed services the Fantastic IT team can serve as your virtual CIO? That’s right, we allow you to have access to the technical and business expertise you need without paying a huge salary to a full-time team member.
To learn more about our virtual CIO options – or any of our outsourced IT services – contact us today to schedule a free consultation!