Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that enables a computer to think or act in a more ‘human’ way. It does this by taking in information from its surroundings, and deciding its response based on what it learns or senses.
Whether we realise it or not, AI is becoming a bigger part of our lives, and the technology behind it is becoming more and more advanced. In our personal lives AI exists in our phones, our Social Media accounts, and within online services that we use, or shop from.
When you receive notifications with suggested items to buy or films to watch, AI has instigated these suggestions, based on what you have previously bought or watched.
So how could AI help your business?
- It can be used to automate repetitive tasks such as data entry, customer service, and sales. This could potentially save time and money, while also reducing the risk of human error.
- It can analyse data to predict trends and help you make informed business decisions.
- It can help you deliver a more personalised experience to your customers, based on previous interactions and previous services they have used.
- It enables businesses to implement ‘Chatbot’ – an online messaging system through which a computer responds to customer queries. The aim is to make the customer feel they are communicating with a human.
The chances are that your business is already benefiting from AI. Examples might include a CRM system that helps you identify specific services for specific customers, or software that is used to protect you from cyber security threats. That software will identify unsafe links and attachments, and it does that by learning from previous experience.
There are many AI tools available and the market is ever-evolving. It will be interesting to see what enhancements emerge over the coming years!