As a key talking point in every industry, artificial intelligence (AI) has risen to the top of the agenda for many organisations in the last year. And with new AI programmes emerging every day, interest in this technology is unlikely to slow down any time soon.  

Robert Cottrill, our Technology Director at ANS, chats through how AI has risen in importance for businesses over the last year and what we can expect from it in the future. 

Changing role of AI 

The speed at which AI is advancing is nothing short of incredible. It’s predicted that global AI adoption by organisations is set to expand at a CAGR of 38.1% between 2022 to 2030. But with this rapid growth comes a challenge: how do we, as business leaders, make sense of AI’s capabilities and decide what’s right for our specific needs? 

Tech companies are competing to create the best AI models for both organisations and individuals. The pace of these developments can be overwhelming, and business leaders experience the challenge of keeping up with trends and knowing where to start when implementing AI. It’s important to take a step back and assess your AI readiness before jumping the gun and investing without the necessary process and infrastructure in place.  

Technology development – from Chat GPT to Microsoft Copilot 

ChatGPT was one of the first major players in the field of AI chatbots and assistants, which experienced rapid advancements. Two years ago, the platform didn’t even exist – now many organisations are using ChatGPT to support employees to complete administrative tasks seamlessly, freeing them up to focus on more important tasks. And with many other major AI players joining the field there’s no question that these tools are only getting more advanced.  

And it’s not just ChatGPT; tools like Microsoft Copilot are integrating AI across platforms, simplifying everything from data processing to account management. This is just the beginning – AI will continue to become even more ingrained in our everyday work as the AI industry continues to grow. 

Navigating the hype stage of AI 

With all the excitement surrounding AI, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. We’ve seen firsthand how the rush to adopt AI has left some organisations at a bit of a loss, unsure of how to harness its full potential. 

We call this the ‘hype’ stage of AI. We’re now past the initial uncertainty of AI adoption and are well into the mass adoption of the technology for both organisations and individuals.

Organisations can often see AI as a solution to address all problems – these can range from data analysis to process automation. However, the technology still often overshadows the nuances of required information and applications that individual businesses and markets may need. 

So, by not optimising AI to their unique business environments, companies are hindering their own success. They may risk losing money on their investments in AI, which can be costly. Organisations must evaluate and redefine how they use AI to channel its potential. 

How can businesses evolve with AI? 

One of the most exciting developments in the AI space is the rise of industry-specific AI models. These models are designed to meet the specific needs of different sectors, ensuring that AI isn’t just powerful but also relevant. 

For example, in healthcare, we’re looking at adapting GPT platforms to provide domain-specific insights. Imagine healthcare professionals being able to ask highly specialised questions and get tailored responses that were previously unimaginable. AI isn’t just supporting work; it’s transforming it. We’re even seeing AI replace traditional MRI scans with potentially more accurate analyses, freeing up doctors to spend more time on patient care. 

But of course, adopting these technologies is just the first step.  It’s crucial for everyone in the organisation – from top management to frontline employees – to understand how to use AI effectively to get the best outcomes. 

Creating a culture of innovation 

As AI continues to evolve, organisations must proactively adapt. That means ensuring that all employees in the business, no matter their position, know how to use AI effectively for their specific needs to maximise performance and productivity. 

Adopting a culture of innovation and continuous learning is vital to ensure organisations are not only utilising AI but are keeping up with the latest advancements. Employees will be able to constantly learn and understand the latest use the technology, supporting businesses in staying ahead of the dynamic AI landscape. 

Future of AI 

The future of AI is bright, and at ANS, we are genuinely excited about where it’s headed. It has the power to revolutionise the way businesses operate and enable growth across all sectors. 

But as AI evolves, organisations must ensure they’re keeping up with these advancements. Everybody within organisations, no matter the industry, should know how AI technologies can benefit them, and improve efficiencies and performance for the organisation. 

At ANS, we’re passionate about getting businesses AI ready, enabling them to unlock its full potential as a powerful tool for growth and success. 

To find out more, speak to one of our AI experts here