Bolzano – The year 2023 marked a turning point for generative artificial intelligence (AI). Platforms such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot finally overcame the boundaries of research laboratories and became everyday tools for millions of people. By integrating them into technologies used every day, AI users have the opportunity to significantly improve their business and personal applications. For companies in particular, the introduction of AI represents one of the most significant changes in recent decades. AI technology has the potential to significantly optimize business processes, business models and organizations. Companies that successfully integrate generative AI into their processes can thereby achieve greater flexibility and greater efficiency, thus securing decisive competitive advantages in increasingly dynamic markets. In Italy, sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance and logistics are particularly open to the introduction of generative AI. In the practical sector, for example, AI is already increasingly being used to optimize production processes and improve product quality, while logistics benefits from the optimization of transport routes and warehouse management.
Careful preparation is crucial for success
AI technology offers companies a wealth of opportunities to optimize their processes and thereby ensure their future viability in international competition. However, there are a few things to consider before implementation. “Integrating AI into companies requires a clear strategic vision, investment in infrastructure and skills, and a continuous commitment to innovation. Italian companies that successfully manage this change will have the opportunity to gain a significant competitive advantage on the global market and thus contribute to the revival of the national economy,” emphasizes Günther Lobis, founder of EOS Solutions. In fact, implementation is not a trivial matter. In order to achieve the desired success, companies must think about it in advance and make appropriate preparations.
First, they must set clear goals that they want to achieve through the use of AI. It is also important to analyze the operational context: What processes are there? How can they be mapped? How can they be linked in a meaningful way to create synergy effects? In order to answer these fundamental questions, it makes sense to seek advice from experts, because the relationships are often more complex than they appear at first glance. Digitalization partners such as EOS Solutions specialize in these issues and can help companies select the appropriate tools and frameworks.
Another crucial point is collecting high-quality data to feed AI with information. The availability of a homogeneous and structured database is an essential aspect for implementing AI. Without high-quality data, AI models cannot function effectively. In addition, companies must ensure data security and privacy protection by complying with applicable regulations to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and breach.
The human component must also be taken into account, because if employees do not get on board, even the best concept is doomed to failure. To ensure that employees can fully exploit the potential of AI, continuous training and qualifications are essential.
Likewise, cooperation between company departments must be encouraged. Finally, it is also important to evaluate the return on investment in order to find the optimal solution for the company’s individual needs.
AI as an opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises
Increasingly complex supply chains and regulatory requirements require companies to provide ever higher levels of communication, transparency and documentation. This means that companies have to provide resources for this, which they may then lack for their core business. The additional administrative workload can be particularly problematic for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs can benefit even more from AI technology if they make sensible use of the possibilities of the division of labor between people and technology. By allowing artificial intelligence to take over quantitative analyses, process optimization and routine tasks, people have more time to increase their strategic and creative contribution.
In the coming years, the focus of applications will be even more on expanding the capabilities of AI in the area of project management. Today, AI platforms such as Microsoft Copilot already offer smaller companies access to tools that give them the chance to build on the capabilities of large corporations. They can analyze large data sets to support strategic decisions, improve technical support and maintenance of systems and machines through predictive diagnostics, and improve the customer experience through sophisticated virtual support. AI is also a valuable tool in the preparation of sustainability reports, with which SMEs can monitor energy consumption, air and water quality, and reduce the waste of energy, materials and resources. AI can therefore contribute to the sustainability and increased efficiency of companies.
The “AI as a service” model is an attractive solution, especially for SMEs that want to exploit the potential of AI without incurring excessive infrastructure costs. Cloud technology is an essential basis for many AI implementations and offers scalability and flexibility. This means that companies can implement the AI applications that are relevant to them step by step and expand them modularly as they grow. Another advantage of cloud solutions is that companies do not have to worry about updates, as these are carried out continuously by the provider. This means that companies always work on the latest version and there is no need to reinstall the entire system every few years, as was previously the case with conventional ERP.
The AI revolution needs rules
In the coming years, artificial intelligence will bring radical changes that will impact several areas, including the world of work, legal regulation, sustainability, and scientific and technological research. These changes not only pose challenges, but also offer opportunities for innovation and adaptation to a future increasingly characterized by the ubiquitous use of AI. Above all, generative artificial intelligence will radically change the dynamics between humans and machines in the workplace and establish itself as an important partner for collaboration in various fields. To ensure that developments do not get out of hand and that small and medium-sized Italian companies also benefit from them, the appropriate framework conditions are needed, says Günther Lobis: “These changes also require a redefinition of traditional professional roles, with training that helps companies and their employees to exploit the full potential of artificial intelligence. Ongoing education and qualification upgrades are essential to ensure that employees can fully exploit the potential of AI. In Italy, talent and professionals able to manage this technological revolution are essential both in private companies and in public administration.”
AI is a multi-purpose technology that will penetrate virtually all sectors, from finance to manufacturing, trade, agriculture, logistics, fashion and healthcare. Its widespread use requires, on the one hand, legislation that regulates its use while mitigating its potential risks and not restricting its development. On the other hand, companies have a responsibility to develop appropriate governance strategies that ensure ethical and sustainable use.
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EOS AG
G. di Vittorio Street 23 | 39100 Bolzano
T. 0471 319650 | [email protected]
www.eos-solutions.it
