For many years, scientists have promised a bright and shiny future filled with intelligent devices and machines capable of autonomous thought and behavior. However, while once Artificial Intelligence (AI) was largely considered the stuff of science fiction, today in 2020, it is rapidly becoming science fact.
Without realizing it, you likely already use AI to some extent. For example, if you use Google Photos, you’ll have no doubt seen how the platform can automatically collate your photos by type or people; or perhaps you’ve received an automatically-generated e-mail confirming a recent e-commerce purchase; or maybe you just like how Spotify can autonomously recommend tracks and artists, without you needing to search.
The potential for AI across all areas of society
AI is beginning to make dramatic in-roads to all areas of our lives and is increasingly serving to augment our digital experiences – everything from how we shop online to helping us choose our next Netflix boxset. However, where AI is categorically starting to prove its worth is in the workplace. These days, AI tech is being used to help arrange schedules, process payrolls, compile end-of-year accounts and even maintain Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
However, while the above examples are all undoubtedly useful applications of AI, really the greatest potential for the tech lies in the production and manufacturing sectors where it promises to revolutionize how goods are made in the future.
Streamlining processes and reducing costs
The holy grail of all production processes is to manufacture goods in the quickest time possible with the smallest financial outlay to achieve the greatest possible profit. All companies exist to make money and manufacturing firms are constantly striving to find ways to improve their efficiency, reduce production times and increase the reliability and durability of the goods they produce.
AI can be used in all facets of your production process – from the back-end, elbow-grease manufacturing activities right through to your front-facing e-commerce website and ordering procedures. Where once these tasks were the responsibility of human staff with all their inaccuracies, mood swings and need for time off, AI can work tirelessly, without a break and at a fraction of the cost.
Moreover, while the initial outlay of installing AI systems might seem quite high at first, in the long-run, machines have a considerably higher Return on Investment (ROI) ratio than any human staff ever will – particularly when used in highly repetitive or time-consuming tasks. It also has the additional benefit of freeing up the time of your staff, allowing them to concentrate on more beneficial and profitable activities.
A real-world example of AI in action
To better understand just how AI could benefit your business, it’s perhaps a good idea to consider a real-world example – let’s say, an assembly line producing flat-screen TVs. Using a combination of AI and a conveyor system like those supplied by fluentconveyors.com, you could automate more or less all aspects of the production route – everything from the initial assembly of the set through to the packing and boxing process and even labeling to send the set to your consumer. Indeed, as AI continues to increase in sophistication, it could even be used in the R&D process with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) capabilities.
Moreover, AI systems installed in your office environment could look after everything from your e-commerce website and client ordering system to company accounts, network security, automatic social media updates and email marketing.
As outlined above, AI technology has wide-ranging implications for all aspects of business and can dramatically streamline a company’s operations. Isn’t it time you got on board?