Artificial Intelligence is coming for you only if it's got the right address on file!
Matthew Latham
As a Content Creator & Independent Principal Consultant - Building teams that shape the future.
Welcome to my weekly newsletter, exploring the fascinating realms of data, business intelligence, and the transformative impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today's business world. In this edition, we'll steer clear of dystopian visions of AI ruling the world, and instead focus on practical insights for businesses to harness the power of AI disruption. I'll delve into how organizations can be prepared and positioned to seize the opportunities presented by AI services. I extend my gratitude to all those who have joined the newsletter and contributed to the engaging discussions around the articles published this year. If you haven't subscribed yet, I invite you to join our community and be part of the conversation.
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AI Disruption: Preparing Your Business for the Next Frontier
In today's rapidly evolving world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our lives, shaping industries, transforming businesses, and revolutionizing how we interact with technology. The impact of AI is undeniable, but its journey started long ago. For many, their first encounter with AI came through iconic depictions in popular culture, such as the unforgettable HAL 9000 from the 1968 film 2001: HAL was programmed to maintain the mission at all costs, even if it meant killing the crew. Since then, the reality of AI has progressed in remarkable ways, presenting us with both opportunities and challenges. Let's explore the fascinating world of AI, its transformation over the years, and the critical role of data quality in unlocking its true potential.
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It should be noted that the most powerful computer available in 1968 was the IBM System/360 with 1 megabyte of memory and the ability to perform millions of instructions per second. Now, your mobile phones have 1,000 times more memory and processors capable of billions of instructions per second in the palm of your hand!
Since then, we have been bombarded with endless conspiracy-themed novels, movies, and Netflix series, all commonly based on an all-powerful and intelligent AI taking control of society and plunging us all into a black abyss.
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After sitting and watching these types of movies, I am both entertained and scared at the same time.
If only life were this exciting, but I am afraid to tell you that the world has been swallowed by the media market madness, where we all see AI everywhere and it is just moments away from taking control of our microwaves and destroying us all!
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In the real world of business, we have seen amazing advancements in the use of technology to great benefit since we first saw HAL 9000 in 1968. Every business today relies on the digital world with different computers, networks, applications, and data driving all aspects of their operations.
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In fact, there have been three major barriers preventing AI from having an impact on our real world - YET!
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The first barrier was the cost of computers. The System/360 cost in 1968 would be north of $1 million dollars, and you needed a special building to store and operate the machine. With the advent of the PC in the 1980s, the cost of computers dropped substantially, and today, mobile phones are substantially more powerful than the System/360 and can be purchased for roughly $1,000.
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The second barrier was the cost of data. The System/360 came with disk packs of 7.75 megabytes of storage. With the expansion of the internet of Things over the last 20 years and the introduction of mobile devices, we have seen data usage skyrocket, enabled by the introduction of cloud storage services offering terabytes of data for a few dollars a month.
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The third barrier, which we have just resolved, is the cost of intelligence. The development of language-enabled intelligence capabilities has required substantial investment in yet unproven technology that has delivered few highlights. Watson from IBM was the first mass media service that lowered the bar to AI in the business world if only it actually delivered what it promised. But since the beginning of 2023, the world has been introduced to an explosion in AI-related products and services. The most successful being ChatGPT. The cost of intelligence with the introduction of ChatGPT has now dropped to near zero.
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This means any size business, start-up, or established business can buy a digital services at a low cost, use cloud-based services to allow unlimited storage of business data, and now introduce products and services using AI tools available to the entire business community.
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Therefore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business operations has become increasingly prevalent. AI has the potential to revolutionize industries by enabling automation, predictive analysis, and personalized experiences. However, the effectiveness of AI hinges on the quality of data it is trained on. Let's explore the importance of quality data in achieving successful AI implementation within a business and discuss the limitations and challenges associated with using AI without quality data.
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While AI can offer various benefits and insights, its effectiveness heavily relies on the quality of data it is fed. High-quality data is a crucial foundation for successful AI implementation. Here's why:
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To maximize the effectiveness of AI within a business, it is essential to prioritize data quality. This includes data cleansing, data validation, and ensuring data completeness. Investing in data quality initiatives, such as data governance processes, data quality monitoring, and regular data audits, can help maintain and improve data quality over time.
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It's worth noting that AI can also assist in improving data quality. For example, AI-powered data cleansing algorithms can help identify and correct errors in datasets. However, it's crucial to recognize that AI alone cannot compensate for poor-quality data. Data quality remains a fundamental requirement for achieving reliable and meaningful results with AI.
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In conclusion, the integration of AI into business operations has become increasingly feasible due to advancements in computing power, reduced costs, and the availability of AI tools. However, businesses must recognize the significance of data quality in realizing the full potential of AI. By ensuring high-quality data, businesses can harness the power of AI to drive innovation, automation, and enhanced decision-making.
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Managing Director
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