AI is everywhere – in everyday life, at work, and in discussions about the future. It has revolutionized many industries by analyzing large datasets and creating predictive models. But is it always the right path to take? Despite its potential, the hype around AI can sometimes lead businesses to overlook their actual needs.
AI is sometimes portrayed as a magical, all-powerful technology, and many companies feel pressured to implement it. They believe AI itself drives innovation and will radically transform their operations. The problem starts when businesses want AI “just because”. We’ve discussed this in another article, calling it Institutional FOMO, a fear of falling behind.
The AI hype can sometimes make the technology feel forced (see Meta Bytes CEO Oskar discussing this in the video below). For instance, government funding is often tied exclusively to AI, pushing businesses to incorporate it without a clear understanding of why. In many cases, however, AI is not the right technology. In the AI hype, many forget that AI is just one type of technology – far from a universal solution.
To determine if AI is the right solution, you first need to think about the specific problem you want to solve. Generally, AI excels when its neural networks can identify patterns that are impossible for humans to detect.
AI is the right solution when it comes to:
AI is ideal for analyzing vast amounts of data, identifying complex patterns, and creating predictive models.
When many parameters are involved, AI can uncover connections that would otherwise be impossible to find.
For manufacturing companies, AI can predict when machines need maintenance, reducing the risk of downtime.
There are scenarios where traditional technologies, like programmed workflows or even manual labor, work better:
If there is a clear business logic and fixed rules for how processes should function, AI is often unnecessary. Traditional programming is cheaper and more efficient.
AI requires large amounts of data to train its models. If your business lacks sufficient relevant data, other methods may be better.
AI is resource-intensive – both in development and implementation. If the potential gain doesn’t justify the cost, a more cost-effective solution might be the better choice.
AI is a powerful tool, but innovation is about understanding what your business truly needs, not about following trends. AI is just one of many tools, and success requires a strategic perspective – where business needs always come first.
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