Business

4 Misconceptions of Artificial Intelligence

What do you think of when you see the words “artificial” and “intelligence” paired together? If you don’t know much about what it represents then you may dismiss it. Some may give up on the word “artificial”, and others may feel intimidated by the idea. Whichever camp you’re in, there will be speculations about what it means but seldom will they capture the reality of artificial intelligence. 

There’s a lot of buzz around the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it’s changing traditional methodology. The issue is that a lot of people still don’t fully understand what AI is or what it’s meant to serve. While an average of a little over 60% of people say they have a good understanding of the concept, that is still low considering its inevitable worldwide prevalence.

As with anything that challenges traditional modes of doing, there is sure to be confusion, pushback, and misunderstanding. This is where professionals are needed to step up and educate people with facts. When it comes to AI this is especially crucial as it is something that will remodel so many lives, industries, and issues which have stood for so long. 

This article is meant to highlight some of the common misconceptions when it comes to AI, so with that, here is what to consider:

Autonomous Learning Machines

AI technology is not objective. Though it may seem like AI is picking up on concepts, it is not yet at the point where decision-making on its own is possible. Specialists are still the ones inputting data, conducting training, and developing the software in these machines. There’s a lot that goes into this development process but the bottom line is that it still requires immense human attention. 

AI Will Take Jobs

While our imaginations may see a world run by robots, this is not an accurate representation of what AI is here to do. It’d make more sense to say that AI will replace some jobs and innovate others. Jobs that are manual and repetitive are specifically good for robotization as machines can work constantly. Additionally, AI can take over the repetitive cognitive aspects of jobs and allow individuals more time for important tasks.

AI Won’t Benefit Your Industry

With the highly customizable capabilities of AI, this technology can be made to serve just about any line of work. AI isn’t here to create a world not built for people, on the contrary, it is meant to serve the needs of people and save resources.

You Can Rely on AI for Everything

The capabilities of this technology only go so far and what’s important to consider is that it cannot replace our alertness. Looking at AI as something that is going to do everything for us is again, not the purpose this technology is being made to serve. It is to take over some aspects and innovate others. 

Now, will this be the case 10-20 years from now? Who’s to know? We should remain optimistic about the future of technology but not ignore the role we play in the world. Additionally, we must refrain from labelling it as something that is here to automate everything and save us from complexity.

What’s Next?

Technology will never reach its full potential and there will always be things we would like to be done differently. AI is just another example of this, though it will serve a very broad purpose in years to come. We cannot dismiss it, everyone should take the time to research how it can benefit their lives, health, and especially business.

We work with successful companies to increase their net profits using exceptional custom software solutions, contact us here to see how we can help your business grow!

 
 
 

The Internet of Things: An Entirely New World

Some things were so revolutionary to society that it set a new standard; the iPhone, electric cars, and remote work are just a few examples. The brilliance of these advancements is that they consistently innovate and contribute new benefits to our everyday lives. Considering all the technology you have in your life right now, could you imagine it being any more powerful? We need to understand that this is where it’s headed. The extent of which will be surprising until it is met with further advancement.

A key area to focus on when it comes to technology innovation that will benefit everyone is the Internet of Things (IoT). In the simplest of terms, it is a concept that involves data tracking which is then exchanged with other networks. For example, imagine if your car insurance was reduced after trackers in your vehicle established that you are driving safely. Another example can be seen with fitness trackers like FitBits and AppleWatch. These technologies track and store information which we then have access to at all times.

So where does all this information go and what is it used for? The internet of things is the cloud in which all this information is stored. It is then used to customize the experience for regular users. This concept branches out to unbelievable lengths, Barcelona, Spain for example is known as a Smart City. It has earned this term because virtually everything is connected and automated to make them energy efficient, spend money wisely (at a far lower cost), and optimal for those living there.  

The IoT space is a multi-trillion dollar market, we can only imagine the major player it will be in everyday life soon. The amount of problems IoT can solve is immeasurable, but let’s look at a few things to consider if you’re looking to invest time or money into it: 

Connectivity

With the right software supporting technology in these objects, you can have everything done for you according to your needs. The objects of which will be everyday things that are as simple as clothing, watches, or a refrigerator that can then be connected to the internet. 

If we consider how attractive connectedness is to people these days looking at social media, how our devices sync, and even being able to control things from far away (arming a home security system). We can imagine the excitement that’d erupt for everything we use to be connected and much easier to use.

Security

Obviously with this level of information being tracked and stored it is sure to cause concern for our privacy. The major concern when it comes to AI and IoT security is hackers gaining access to these databases. 

This is not a small issue, service providers must have systems that prevent this issue from happening and should not be allowed to sell without proper measures. Manufacturers of these devices then have the opportunity to use their security features as a selling point.

Efficiency

We always search for new ways to do things and make every day just a little more convenient. IoT is efficient in numerous ways, it can save energy by adjusting lighting or temperature controls to the needs of an environment. It can prevent you from making mistakes by giving you reminders or information you may need. Even for a business, it can be adjusted to the technological functions of manufacturing processes or data storage. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more relevant in our personal and professional lives. In years to come, AI and IoT will completely remodel the traditional landscapes of industries, economies, and businesses. The ability of IoT technology is endless, virtually any issue you can think of, IoT has or soon will have an answer to.

What’s Next?

When considering what the advancement’s AI and IoT mean for our future, it must be noted that there will be resistance and hesitance with something this new. It may take time to realize that virtually everyone can benefit from this technology. 

It can save our environment, benefit the economy, and even free up time or stress from our schedules. Now it is not perfect and still has a long way to go before we can instill it to this extent. With more research and help from the new generations, it can get closer to a new standard that we don’t look back on.

We work with successful companies to increase their net profits using exceptional custom software solutions, contact us here to see how we can help your business grow!

 
 
 

Planning When There Is No Plan

“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” - Seneca. How many times have you found yourself unprepared or grossly underprepared? Everyone who has been there knows that it is a gut-wrenching feeling. It reflects a lack of professionalism or care for the responsibilities you’ve been given. 

But wait, unless you simply didn’t put in the time to prepare yourself, how did you end up here? There are many instances when we are given a lack of direction or misunderstand what is expected of us. When this is the case, the plan has failed and it is best to have an alternate route that will guide and help you succeed. 

Here are some common symptoms of a failed plan and poor guidance:

  1. Procrastination

  2. Frustration

  3. Fear of asking questions

  4. Poor quality work

  5. Making excuses/blaming others

The commonality with all these symptoms is that none of them move you forward. It’s never the right course of action to sit still when faced with complexity. We must look around, identify the priority, and make a call. 

Now, this is of course from the perspective of someone being led. We’re looking at it from here because communication typically starts at the top of the chain and then issues arise as it trickles down. In this instance, it is in the best interest of the organization to have someone good at managing up

If you’re a leader, this concept still applies to you as you can and should have an understanding of how to best deal with a failed initiative. If you’re in the mid-level and need a problem-solving boost or are experiencing a leader who needs guidance, these skills should help:

Proactive, Not Defensive

It is entirely natural to resort to defensive behaviour when something has gone sideways as nobody wants to see themselves in the wrong. Additionally, things can happen beyond the control of people (Example: The Covid-19 Pandemic). Ideally, you realize that not accepting the circumstances or finding ways to overcome them is how businesses go under. 

Collaborating with the team and agreeing on an ideal outcome produces the opposite effect. The best companies in the world keep communication transparent and have contingency planning that everyone is aligned with.

Constructive, Not Offensive

The reality of business is that people are going to make mistakes at all levels. Now, these mistakes need to be measured, say for instance if someone is proving to be detrimental to the company. Certain things will require members to put their pride aside and tend to the needs of fellow members. It can be hard to approach, which is why you should have a specific outcome in mind with the actions you take. 

If you have someone in need of an ego check, then explaining incentive to them is critical. Nobody will be able to effectively follow instructions unless they understand why they need to. This is where constructiveness comes in. Being able to approach people and situations like this is an executive skill that once developed will be used forever. 

Conducive and Embracive

Most of the issues companies face can be answered by reviewing what the long-term good of the company is and how to make moves in the short term that invest in it. Getting someone to believe in what you’re doing requires some level of results. Results (no matter how significant) materialize a plan and inspire others to get involved. 

This ultimately comes down to leading by example. If you want 5 friends to go on a run, you don’t sit in a fold-up chair and watch. You lead and express enthusiasm which is contagious to those closest to you. 

What’s Next?

Action is the only source of production for results. Businesses need to understand that changes are inevitable. Additionally, it is important to note that the most intimidating form they come in is when they are unexpected. By collaborating to tackle these instances, your organization can have a far more tight-knit community. 

We work with successful companies to increase their net profits using exceptional custom software solutions, contact us here to see how we can help your business grow!