Looking for Low-Hanging Fruit
Using AI for writing commercial texts or responding to emails is now fairly well-known. But AI can do so much more. Think about streamlining processes, like logistics or planning. Nick Moesker from DataNorth wants to show participants of the Masterclass AI in Operations on November 28 and 29 what’s possible. “I hope participants leave with a list of things they can apply in their own factories.”
He’s amazed every day. Many people still don’t realize the potential of AI and automation. Many are unaware of what’s already possible today. “It’s understandable. Developments are moving incredibly fast. Many people are already busy enough with their roles within their companies, without delving into the possibilities of AI.” But that’s unfortunate, as using AI and streamlining processes can save significant time. He gives an example: “With Copilot, you can even create slides, so you don’t need to mess around with PowerPoint yourself. That could save time on a weekly basis.” The same goes for using ChatGPT to answer emails. “The text is generated in ChatGPT, but then needs to be copied into the email. It’s even better when you can automate the entire process. We can help companies with that.”
In many companies, there’s low-hanging fruit, tasks that can be automated relatively easily, or where AI can speed things up. “For logistics, think of planning. With all the variables, creating a schedule can be complicated, but you can train a model to do it. Sensors on trucks often collect data, but too often, nothing is done with it. With AI, you can easily conduct exploratory analyses on this data, helping you better utilize the data you already have.” Administrative processes can also be simplified. “For example, think of something as simple as a packing list. It often has to be compared with the order and invoice. The packing slip also needs to be archived for administration purposes. All these steps can be easily digitized and automated.”
Nick hopes participants of the workshop will bring their curiosity and laptops. “Part of the workshop is interactive. We’ll be practising prompt writing, for instance, for creating images. I hope people leave this workshop with a clearer picture of the possibilities of AI and automation and where they can apply this in their own companies. I understand people may be somewhat hesitant to get started with AI for various reasons, including not knowing where to begin. But that’s exactly the point: you just need to start; the rest will follow.”
Developments are moving quickly, and keeping up is challenging. For Nick and the DataNorth team, it’s also tough to stay on top of everything. “The possibilities AI offers to solve pressing business issues make me go to work with enthusiasm every day. Since the past two years, it has become much easier to solve certain problems. With this technology, we can make a real impact. That makes it worthwhile.”
Nick Moesker
Managing Consultant at DataNorth