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Why Your Business Needs AI Discussions & Strategy Planning

August 6, 2024

Summary: Discover why structured AI discussions and strategic planning are critical for business success. Learn how to effectively integrate AI into your operations with insights from WSI’s AI Business Insights Report.

In the changing world of digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now essential for business success. However, even as people are more aware of AI and its possibilities, many businesses still hesitate to use this technology.

WSI’s AI Business Insights Report shows that even though 72% of those asked think AI can help them reach their business goals next year, a shocking 55% said either there was no talk about AI or they only had informal chats regarding it in their business during the past 12 months. This gap is a sign that there’s an urgent need for organized and planned discussions about AI. These discussions will help ensure that AI is adopted and used effectively.


The Impact of AI on Business Goals

AI can change many aspects of a business, like improving customer service and digital marketing strategies. It can also smoother supply chain management and optimize internal processes. However, this report’s findings reveal that around 34% of people who answered have yet to allocate a budget for AI adoption.

Additionally, about 35% still need to add AI adoption to their business plans as an important task to focus on. Even more surprising is that nearly a quarter (24%) revealed there still needs to be an agreement on how much worth AI holds within their business setup. The numbers highlight a clear requirement for businesses to acknowledge AI’s advantages and progress from understanding its potential toward actual application.

Overcoming Siloed AI Knowledge

The survey shows a problematic pattern of separated AI understanding in groups. Management (58%) and Marketing (43%) teams are the prominent supporters of AI acceptance, but other departments like Sales and Business Development (23%), IT Department (19%), Operations Team (15%), and Frontline Staff (13%) display noticeably lower acceptance rates. This division of AI knowledge could cause obstacles and slow down the usage of AI throughout the organization. Talks between different departments and making plans at a strategic level are very important. They help to break these silos down, so all team members know and can be part of AI projects.

AI-Report-Insight-1

Although some level of experimentation with AI is praiseworthy, the lack of formal training and corporate guidance might result in unwanted outcomes. Businesses need to establish AI principles and clear guidelines; through this, they can control risks and promote a culture for responsible AI experimentation. Organized conversations about how to use AI and where it can be applied are crucial for understanding how AI is being used now and finding new ways to help achieve business goals. The conversations must include representatives from each department to ensure a comprehensive method for adopting AI.

Upfront and collaborative talks can be the first push for new kinds of creations. If we include team members

AI-teamwork

from different departments, businesses may find fresh viewpoints and thoughts on how AI can help them grow and become more efficient. For instance, marketing teams could consider using AI to segment customers and create personalized marketing plans. At the same time, operations teams might explore how AI could improve supply chain management or cut down on costs. Discussions involving cooperative work can generate AI applications customized to the business’s particular requirements and objectives.

The Role of WSI Consultants

WSI Consultants can also assist businesses in establishing their own AI principles and guidelines. These consultants are skilled at understanding a company’s brand and business objectives and can help create AI principles tailored to match these needs. By doing this, businesses ensure their AI usage is consistent with the company’s values and supports its more extensive strategies.

Moreover, WSI Consultants possess deep knowledge of digital marketing and AI, making them an ideal resource for guiding companies on effectively incorporating AI into their operations. Bringing together the right blend of human intellect and machine learning is critical for successfully adopting artificial intelligence within any organization. This combination allows companies to benefit from the unique capabilities offered by advanced technology systems while still relying on human reasoning skills when making crucial decisions.

While implementing artificial intelligence can be challenging, WSI Consultants can help businesses make sense of which processes should be automated or enhanced by this technology.

Contact WSI today for further knowledge and support linking AI with your business plan. We can work together to create a custom-made AI pathway that guarantees your business is ready for success in the era of digitalization!

About the Author

Rick spent 20 years in the insurance industry in finance, primarily developing reporting platforms for B & C stakeholders.   His ability to speak to consumers of data (managers and analysts) and translate their needs to programmers led him to start his own digital marketing agency in 2004 to develop data driven solutions for business owners. 

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