What do you do if the new technology you're using for decision-making is inaccurate and unreliable?

1 Assess Accuracy

When you first notice inaccuracies in your decision-making technology, take a step back and conduct a thorough assessment. Check the data inputs for errors, as garbage in means garbage out. Verify that the algorithms or processes the technology uses are suitable for your specific context. Sometimes, inaccuracies arise from a mismatch between the tool's design and your needs. If the technology is learning-based, like artificial intelligence (AI), ensure it has been trained on relevant and high-quality data. This initial diagnostic can help pinpoint whether the problem is user error, a poor fit, or a flaw in the technology itself.

2 Gather Feedback

Once you've assessed the accuracy, gather feedback from all users of the technology. This includes those directly using the tool and those affected by its decisions. Understanding their experiences can provide insights into the technology's performance and reliability from multiple perspectives. Users often notice patterns or issues that aren't immediately apparent to decision-makers or IT teams. This collective intelligence is invaluable for diagnosing problems and brainstorming potential solutions.

3 Consult Experts

If your own analysis and user feedback point to a genuine problem with the technology, consult with experts. These could be internal IT professionals or external consultants familiar with the technology in question. Experts can offer a deeper dive into the issues at hand and provide specialized knowledge that you may lack. They can also offer an objective perspective on whether it's worth fixing the tool or if you'd be better off replacing it. Their expertise can be crucial in navigating vendor support channels or in making technical adjustments that are beyond your team's capabilities.

4 Explore Alternatives

While consulting with experts, also start exploring alternative technologies or methods for decision-making. It's important to have a backup plan in case the current technology cannot be salvaged. Research the market for other tools that might better suit your needs, or consider reverting to more traditional decision-making processes temporarily. The goal is to ensure continuity in your operations while you address the technology issues, so having multiple options on the table is key.

5 Implement Changes

Based on your assessments and expert advice, implement changes to improve or replace the faulty technology. If it's a fixable issue, work with your IT team or the vendor to patch software, tweak algorithms, or retrain AI models with better data. If a replacement is necessary, manage the transition carefully to minimize disruption. Ensure that staff are trained on the new system and understand the reasons for the change. This step is about taking decisive action to restore reliability to your decision-making process.