AI in Action: How is AI Being Employed Today?

Currently, generative AI is a hot topic of conversation in industries as far reaching as customer service and retail, writers and content creators, and healthcare. There are fervent and dedicated supporters and concerned observers. Students, professionals, and creatives are eyeing the possibility of the tool with both enthusiasm and apprehension.

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As this new technology emerges, it’s clear that different industries will be integrating and utilising AI technology to advance their goals and better serve their customers – and likely at different speeds. The direction in which AI is heading for each specific use is fascinating and far-reaching – we are on the cusp of deep innovation in both predictable and unexpected ways.

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Impact of AI in Retail: Streamlining Operations and Enhancing Customer Experiences

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The retail sector is being reshaped by the application of AI behind the scenes. As well, many large-scale, multi-national companies, particularly in the U.S., such as Wayfair, Lowes, and Walgreens, have begun to adopt AI in customer-facing aspects of their stores and online sites as well.

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On the back end, AI is being employed to streamline operations, automate repetitive and simple tasks (such as inventory and ordering), and develop robust, data-driven predictions on retail trends, seasonal purchasing, and customer preferences.

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The AI innovations in retail for customers and clients are in their infancy but soon, automated kiosks that are embedded with AI-led theft prevention tools which track suspicious behaviour identify shoplifters, suggest desirable products to repeat customers, and help customers navigate stores to locate items will likely be a part of most shopping experiences. Many experts predict AI will enhance shopping experiences and allow customers to locate and discover the things they want and need in a simpler, less stressful way.

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Generative AI in Creative Industries: Assisting Human Creativity rather than Replacing It

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Though initial reactions to generative AI in creative industries were often negative with concerns such as plagiarism and the absence of humanity in art, the current ability of AI is not equal to the output of a creative mind. After several months of the technology being widely accessible, it’s becoming clear that AI cannot replace human insight and production.

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Filmmakers and artists have begun to experiment with automated assistance in editing, truncating, and brainstorming ideas. Some creatives have used AI to create full novels and movie scripts – but the limits of prompt-generated content mean humans still need to be integrated into the process to ensure stories are cohesive and complete, engaging and authentic.?

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The Role of AI in Healthcare: Transforming Administrative Tasks and Improving Patient Care

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Perhaps no industry has welcomed the abilities of AI more than healthcare. In a field that requires heavy documentation and stacks of paperwork to track patient data, history, and treatment, healthcare has adopted AI in swift and certain terms to ease the burden of recording information.

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Primarily employed for administrative tasks, AI is being used to transcribe conversations during patient consultations, scan treatment plans to avoid medication conflicts, and provide up-to-date transcripts to patients when transferring care. Currently, healthcare services have shied away from using AI for diagnosis – but the logistical and organisational benefits are clear.

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Industries that have become early adopters of AI are seeing rapid and measurable time-saving results. AI is a shiny and exciting new tool for people serving customers, producing material, and caring for patients. As its use expands, trust continues to build that may lead to other interesting and innovative services in the future.

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About the Author

Dean Stancevski is a Senior IT Consultant and the founder of DS Technology Consulting Services, offering on-site and remote technical IT services to private and public organisations. A creative problem solver, Dean specialises in helping small- and medium-sized organisations grow by providing customised services to streamline IT systems and operations.