b"THE OFFICIAL NFBA MAGAZINEcontinued from page: 11the often-hiddena watchful eye is essential for ensuring that the activities d e p e n d e n c i e sof the new technology are accurate, empathic, informed t h at mu s t b eby human experience, and aligned with company values. addressed to avoidWe should not think of AI as some kind of magical unexpected delays,process, because then we would lack the understanding said Tripathi. Veryof its internal operations necessary to criticize its oftenitshardperformance, said Delaney. We need to know that it to do all of thathas limitations, that it can't give all the answers, and that manually, becausethere's still value in cross-checking everything it does.there are so many loose connections and variables thatExperts advise using a two-step process in every area must be kept in mind. of company operations. That means letting AI do the BUSINESS MANAGEMENTSuch programs can analyze worker and resourcefoundational work, and then having a human check for availabilities, equipment capabilities, and budgetaryerrors of fact and nuance. limitations when planning timelines for peakSome examples will make this clear. Despite their performance. The result is often a more objective plan,sophistication, AI-fueled customer service interactions noted Tripathi. These programs can help avoid thecan still seem tone-deaf. Thats why a human natural bias that can arise with the tendencies to go withrepresentative must usually step in after the AI program what worked in the past or what is familiar, as opposedhas completed such foundational work as performing an to what is logical.initial analysis and assessing metrics. * Training programs. AI programs can make the taskWith promotional initiatives, too, experienced humans of developing staff educational modules much easier,need to come in and check the work provided by said Phil Siegel, founder of CAPTRS, a nonprofitartificial intelligence. While AI programs may seem organization working with artificial intelligence (captrs. valid on their surface, very often they lack the human org). In the past, businesses would write static manualselement that makes such initiatives work., said Maymar. that required constant updating over time. Modern AIWithout the human touch, they can seem soulless.programs can create dynamic, interactive modules built upon foundational performance parameters provided byIn the area of performance reviews, employees will company management. Training initiatives can be madebenefit from one-on-one conversations that discuss more specific than in the past, responding to the needswhy targets were achieved in some areas and not in of people who are having trouble with certain parts ofothers. The human manager needs to provide the their jobs, said Siegel.encouragement that an AI program cannot, said * Supplier and customer evaluations. Will a prospectiveMaymar. Personal interaction is necessary to transform customer be able to pay their bills? Will a vendor closean objective review into an opportunity to grow, coach, up shop before delivering critical materials? Becauseand share knowledge.AI can analyze data so deeply, it can figure out thatGetting startedsomething is likely to go wrong at an organization longWhile AI holds promise for any business enterprise, it before a human can spot problems, said Tripathi. Thiscan be difficult to get the ball rolling. Experts advise allows the business to take the appropriate action tostarting with simple projects, encouraging everyone to avoid a hit to the bottom line. participate. Figure out a way to make AI a common part * Business plans. What is the best course of action forof daily operations throughout your business, advises a business over the next three years? Into what newDelaney. Schedule learning periods so the staff becomes markets should it expand? Artificial intelligence canfamiliar with the system. Delaney compares the role of lay out a potential business direction, along with anChatGPT to that of Microsoft Word twenty years ago. appropriate marketing plan, said Maymar. It willWhat was a novelty then has become a routine part of provide stimulating ideas and a clear path to follow,the business world. even if current management lacks an MBA or formalExperimentation will be necessary, and that can lead to business education. some failures. Businesses need to keep in mind that if a Laying groundwork certain operation doesnt work particularly well with AI While AI can increase company profitability by lendingright now, it may do so in the future. AI programs get efficiencies to all of the above areas, the fact remains thatsmart really fast, said Joe Karasin, an AI consultant and SEO specialist. As you continue to train the program, 12 / FRAME BUILDER - VOL5 4"