Just because it is a truth universally acknowledged that we live in an era of artificial intelligence (AI), it doesn’t mean we always recognize it when we see it. Many of us aren’t even sure what AI is, let alone how we might use it. The truth is that artificial intelligence encompasses a range of applications, from the reasonably simple to the mind-bogglingly complex.

To help you better understand the definition and application of artificial intelligence, we’ve put together the following primer on AI. It might not be what you think, but it CAN help you further your organizational goals.

What IS Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is, quite simply, the ability of machines to replicate — and in certain circumstances improve upon — human intellectual tasks. These include problem-solving, learning, planning, analyzing, and identifying patterns. The strongest AI can effectively rationalize, transcending human intervention to achieve specific goals without being programmed to do so. It has powerful potential to help address all sorts of business needs, from business analysis and marketing to supply-chain and warehouse management.

A note about terminology: Often, the term “artificial intelligence” is used interchangeably with “machine learning.” Still, the two are distinct, if related, concepts. We will discuss machine learning further in this article.

Isn’t AI the Stuff of Science Fiction?

The Hollywood face of artificial intelligence is, of course, “The Terminator” and his fellow humanoid characters. However, the reality is that you have almost certainly interacted with some form of AI today — and none of it looked like a 6’2” man in a leather suit.

Artificial intelligence undoubtedly shapes many of our daily experiences. Artificial intelligence is quietly working in the background every day – the facial recognition program that allows you to unlock your phone, the digital assistant that receives your keyword-based search request, and the search engine that anticipated what sort of information would best meet that request are all working off of AI. It is hardly the stuff of science fiction. (Although the earliest development of AI did occur during the “Buck Rogers” and “Jetsons” era — the 1950s and ‘60s — when the U.S. Department of Defense lead research in the field.)

In fact, AI can often be incredibly banal – think using a smart speaker to add items to your digital shopping list. But it can also, of course, complete incredibly involved operations, like safely driving a car or identifying and stopping financial fraud. Artificial intelligence is an umbrella function to several other concepts, including machine learning and deep learning (see below). And when properly deployed, AI is a powerful agent for organizational achievement.

What About Machine Learning and Deep Learning?

In future posts, we will delve into this topic in greater detail. Still, for now, we’d like to clarify these terms that are often used interchangeably.

Artificial Intelligence is, as discussed, any instance where a machine performs operations that historically depended on human intelligence. These include robotics, data inferences, data mining, and anything driven by a complex algorithm.

Machine learning (ML) is a type of AI that transcends human intelligence to achieve results that would be difficult for humans to do. Machine learning includes processing massive volumes of big data in real-time and getting better at processes over time — that is, actually learning to improve without human intervention. For instance, the innumerable decisions and actions it takes for a person to drive a car safely have been transferred to self-driving cars through ML. These are not drones, driven remotely by human operators, but extraordinary machines analyzing real-time conditions and deciding how to respond most effectively.

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning modeled after the neural pathways in a human brain. It relies on neural networks to complete advanced analytical operations, such as image and speech recognition. Deep learning enables natural language processing and interaction — the mechanism by which one can interact with a computer using spoken language and expect immediate, useful responses. The digital assistant embedded in your phone or smart speaker is an example of this technology.

How Can I Use Artificial Intelligence to Advance My Business Goals?

The most significant utility of Artificial Intelligence is that, through machine learning, deep learning, and related tactics, it helps organizations solve fundamental problems. How do I ensure that I catch security threats in my operation right away? How do I make sure everyone in my organization has all the information they need to do their work? How do I address my constituents’ needs in a timely and holistic manner? All of these and more can be tackled via AI solutions. Of course, this is an evolving, if not emerging, field. Skilled guidance is required to identify and implement AI-based business solutions.

For example, Momentum worked with a state agency to develop and implement machine learning. The AI identifies and predicts potential discrepancies in provider data. Before implementation, the existing review process had only a 13% accuracy rate when reviewing discrepancies and identifying high-risk providers. With AI in place, that soared to an 80% accuracy rate. The agency can then review only the riskiest providers, saving significant time and focusing resources where they are most needed. This process, while occurring mainly in the background, directly leads to improved services for constituents.

Crack the Code on AI in Your Organization

The field of artificial intelligence is full of thrilling possibilities for organizations of all stripes, regardless of sector or industry. But it can also be overwhelming to consider all those possibilities. An AI-adept management consultant can help you navigate this bold new world to meet your specific goals.

Want to know more about how you can crack the AI code? Contact Momentum today.