Organisations face a difficult dilemma: Should they accelerate AI adoption despite imperfect data, or should they wait until their data is fully optimised?
The instinctive response is to fix data first. After all, AI relies on clean, structured, and reliable data to deliver results. However, this approach comes with risks. Data perfection is an endless pursuit, and waiting too long to address every data challenge can stall AI initiatives—leaving organisations lagging behind competitors who take a more pragmatic approach.
The reality is, AI and data quality must evolve together. The organisations that succeed in AI transformation are not the ones that delay adoption but those that strategically integrate AI while continuously improving their data foundations.
The Challenges of “Fixing Data First”
Every organisation faces data quality issues. While resolving these challenges is important, insisting on perfect data before AI deployment presents three major risks:
1. Fixing Data Isn’t a Priority for the Business
Data governance programmes struggle to secure funding because they don’t deliver immediate revenue or visible quick wins. As a result, they are often deprioritised in favour of more tangible initiatives.
2. Waiting to Fix Data Could Mean Falling Behind
By the time data issues are fully addressed, competitors will have already implemented AI, gaining operational efficiencies and market advantage. In a fast-moving environment, waiting for perfection can be a costly mistake.
3. “Fix Our Data” Lacks Clear Definition
The phrase is too vague to act on effectively. Without a structured framework, data governance efforts can become resource-intensive, slow-moving, and misaligned with business goals.
A Pragmatic Approach: AI and Data Quality Together
Rather than treating AI adoption and data governance as separate projects, organisations should take a structured approach that allows them to balance immediate AI-driven impact with long-term data improvement.
1. Use AI to Drive Data Governance and Quality
Instead of postponing AI initiatives, businesses should establish a data improvement workstream alongside AI deployment. AI can actively contribute to better data management rather than waiting for a “clean slate.”
2. Develop an Optimisation Roadmap
A structured roadmap ensures AI and data quality improvements align with strategic objectives. Key steps include:
- Assessing AI initiatives by data dependency → Identify which projects require high-quality data and which can proceed immediately.
- Creating a dependency matrix → Prioritise AI deployments based on existing data readiness and impact potential.
- Balancing quick wins with foundational improvements → Ensure short-term AI implementation does not compromise long-term data integrity.
Senior leaders, eager for AI-driven efficiencies, may push for rapid implementation. A structured approach ensures AI adoption aligns with corporate goals while maintaining realistic expectations about data readiness.
3. Leverage AI to Improve Data Quality
AI is not just dependent on clean data—it can also enhance data integrity. AI-driven tools can:
- Identify inconsistencies and missing values
- Auto-correct and cleanse records
- Detect anomalies and errors
- Automate data categorisation and labelling
By using AI as part of data management, organisations can refine data while implementing AI, rather than delaying transformation efforts.
Conclusion: AI and Data Should Evolve Together
The notion that “AI can’t work until data is fixed” is outdated. A layered approach—one that unlocks AI’s value now while progressively improving data quality—is the most effective path forward.
It’s not about rewiring the entire house before installing smart lighting. Businesses can modernise where it makes sense while strengthening the foundation over time.
Introduction
AI is changing how organisations operate, bringing both tremendous opportunities and significant challenges. On 22 October 2024, Hudson & Hayes leaders, along with the Digital and AI Community, outlined guiding principles for AI adoption. This collaborative session, led by David Gerouville-Farrell, formed the foundation for Cutting Through the Noise: A Business Leader’s Guide to AI. These principles provide the structure necessary for organisations to realise AI’s potential while effectively navigating its challenges.
10 Principles for Effective AI Implementation
- Align AI with Business Strategy for Tangible Benefits
AI should support your core business goals, not stand as a separate objective. To deliver tangible value, set AI goals that address specific needs, such as improving customer and employee experiences, improving profitability or creating a competitive edge.
- Adopt a Value-Driven Approach
Avoid AI for the sake of AI. Focus on measurable business benefits to ensure every initiative contributes directly to organisational growth.
- Use Responsible AI with Tailored Governance
AI’s use brings ethical concerns like data privacy, fairness, and accountability to the forefront. Create a governance framework that suits your organisation’s specific risk profile. Governance should vary depending on whether your organisation primarily consumes AI (uses external AI products) or builds AI (develops custom solutions). For example, a company that builds AI might emphasise governance around model transparency and ethical training data, while a consumer might prioritise privacy and data protection policies.
- Build a Strong Technological Foundation for AI
AI requires a robust infrastructure. Ensure AI solutions integrate well with existing systems and that interoperability supports a smooth user experience.
- Adopt Human-Centric Design Principles
Even with AI, there’s always a user at the other end. Involve users in the design phase and focus on creating solutions that address their needs effectively, improving their overall experience.
- Bridge the AI Literacy Gap Across Your Organisation
Many teams lack foundational AI knowledge or expertise in tools. Invest in training programmes from basics to tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot, and consider bringing in partners to support growth.
- Set Clear Expectations with Strategic Communication
AI can spark excitement and concern. To manage expectations, develop a communication plan for each stakeholder group, keeping everyone informed as the technology evolves.
- Be Transparent about Change, Focus on Augmentation over Replacement
AI should enhance, not replace, human work. While some roles may shift, communicate these changes transparently and focus on how AI can augment existing roles.
- Evolve Your Operating Model to Maximise AI’s Benefits
Moving to a product-focused model can help your organisation keep pace with AI’s rapid development. For example, shifting from traditional to agile workflows may increase your AI adoption speed and responsiveness to market changes.
- Create Accessible AI Delivery Paths Across Business Areas
Ensure AI delivery is accessible to all teams. Develop a clear model aligned with change processes to avoid bottlenecks and make AI adoption practical for every part of the organisation.
Summary and Key Takeaway
Adopting these guiding principles helps organisations navigate AI’s complexities. They offer a pathway for business leaders to integrate AI in ways that are ethical, aligned with strategy, and value-driven.
How AI is Transforming Healthcare Diagnostics
Healthcare systems worldwide, including the NHS, are under immense pressure to improve productivity, reduce waiting times, and deliver better patient outcomes. Diagnostics, a critical component of patient care, is one area where AI is poised to make a transformative impact. From streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing diagnostic accuracy and speed, AI offers numerous opportunities to optimise processes and improve patient care.
However, barriers such as disparate systems across healthcare providers and unclear decision-making structures can hinder the widespread implementation of AI. Despite these challenges, the need to improve efficiency and care quality has never been greater. Now is the time to adopt AI to drive meaningful change in healthcare diagnostics.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key steps in the diagnostic process, highlight specific AI use cases that can help transform healthcare diagnostics, and outline critical success factors for successful AI implementation.
The Diagnostic Process in Healthcare
A typical diagnostic pathway in healthcare involves several key stages:
- Referral & Appointment Booking
- Pre-Assessment & Preparation
- Diagnostic Testing & Results Analysis
- Reporting & Documentation
AI Use Cases in Healthcare Diagnostics
Let’s explore how AI can be applied at each stage of the diagnostic process to enhance efficiency and improve patient outcomes:
1. Referral & Appointment Booking
- Automating CT Scan Scheduling for Nodule Surveillance
AI can automate the scheduling of follow-up CT scans for patients requiring ongoing nodule surveillance. Intelligent automation ensures that appointments are prioritised and scheduled efficiently, reducing delays and manual workload.
- AI-Powered Diagnostic Pathway Suggestions for GPs
AI can recommend the most appropriate diagnostic pathways for GPs based on patient history and medical data. This reduces unnecessary referrals, improves decision-making, and ensures patients are directed to the right tests at the right time.
2. Pre-Assessment & Preparation
- Automating Pre-Assessment Form Completion
AI can pre-populate pre-assessment forms using patient data from electronic health records (EHR). This allows patients to verify or update their information, streamlining the process and reducing administrative burdens.
- AI Integration with Wearable Devices
AI can extract and analyse data from wearable health devices, providing real-time insights into a patient’s health status. This data can be integrated into pre-assessment to provide a more comprehensive view of the patient before diagnostic testing.
3. Diagnostic Testing & Results Analysis
- AI-Assisted Vetting of Radiology Requests
AI can vet and prioritise radiology requests based on urgency, ensuring that critical cases are processed first. This automation helps healthcare providers manage workloads more effectively and reduces delays in diagnosis.
- AI-Driven Image Analysis
AI tools can assist in the analysis of diagnostic images, such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays. These tools improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on more complex cases and make faster, more informed decisions.
4. Reporting & Documentation
- AI-Generated Outcome Letters for Patients
AI can automate the creation of outcome letters for patients following diagnostic tests or treatments. This ensures consistency and speed, helping patients receive clear, timely information about their health and next steps.
- Speech-to-Text AI for Clinical Coding
AI-powered speech-to-text tools can transcribe conversations between healthcare professionals and patients, automatically converting them into clinical codes and updating patient records. This reduces manual documentation and improves the accuracy of health records.
Critical Success Factors for AI in Healthcare Diagnostics
For AI to be successfully integrated into healthcare diagnostics, several critical success factors must be considered:
- Interoperability Across Systems
Different healthcare providers, including NHS Trusts, often operate on disparate systems. Ensuring that AI tools are interoperable across these systems is crucial for seamless integration and data sharing, enabling broader adoption of AI solutions.
- Clear Decision-Making Structures
To avoid delays and confusion, healthcare providers must establish clear decision-making processes for AI adoption. Defining who has the authority to approve and implement AI technologies ensures a smooth and efficient rollout.
- Staff Training and Engagement
AI implementation requires more than just the technology—it requires staff buy-in. Providing comprehensive training on AI tools and ensuring that healthcare professionals understand their value is key to achieving successful integration.
- Data Quality and Governance
AI relies heavily on high-quality data. Ensuring that data governance practices are robust, and that electronic health records (EHR) are accurate and up to date, is critical for AI to deliver optimal results in diagnostics.
Conclusion: The Time for AI in Healthcare Diagnostics is Now
As healthcare systems worldwide, including the NHS, continue to face increasing demand and rising expectations, AI offers a clear path to improving diagnostics efficiency and patient outcomes. From automating appointment scheduling to assisting with image analysis, AI has the potential to revolutionise healthcare diagnostics. By addressing key barriers and ensuring that critical success factors are met, healthcare providers can unlock the full potential of AI and provide faster, more accurate care for patients.
The employability sector is facing growing demands to improve outcomes, increase participant engagement, and reduce the administrative burden on staff. AI and automation are providing solutions that optimise processes, free up resources, and ultimately enhance the participant journey. Below, we outline seven key use cases showing how AI is making an impact in employability.
1. Hyper-Personalised Communication
Engagement is crucial for job success. AI enables personalised communication at scale, combining data analytics with AI to boost participant engagement. Automated systems can adjust messaging based on real-time feedback and engagement, helping participants stay on track and increasing their chances of success.
2. Automating the Booking of Appointments
Missed appointments and rescheduling can be a drain on both participants and staff time. AI-driven scheduling tools automate the process, ensuring participants are reminded of their commitments and offering optimised appointment times based on availability and preferences. This reduces wasted meeting slots and improves efficiency across the board.
3. Automating Participant FAQs and Common Tasks via a Digital Assistant
Participants often have recurring questions about job applications, CV building, interview preparation, or local service providers. AI-powered digital assistants can handle these FAQs, providing instant answers and resources. This not only saves time for staff but also ensures participants receive timely support.
4. Predicting Engagement
AI can track participant behaviour and predict engagement levels, flagging early signs of disengagement. By analysing data, such as communication patterns and attendance records, AI identifies at-risk participants so that coaches can intervene earlier, improving retention and outcomes.
5. Predicting Job Outcome Likelihood
Using machine learning, AI can assess the likelihood of a participant achieving a job outcome. By assigning a job outcome score based on various data points, AI allows staff to focus their efforts on those participants who need the most support. This insight can also help in forecasting programme success and tailoring interventions more effectively.
6. Automating Note-Taking and Updates to Employability Platforms
In employability programmes, meetings and appointments generate significant amounts of notes and paperwork. AI can automate note-taking and update records in real time. For example, an AI-driven meeting assistant can take notes and enter data directly into the employability platform, saving time and reducing the administrative load for staff.
7. Automated Check-Ins for In-Work Support
Post-placement support is essential to ensure participants remain in work. AI-powered systems can automate regular check-ins with participants who have found employment, offering support and identifying potential issues early. These automated systems can trigger human intervention if needed, helping sustain long-term job retention and success.
These seven AI use cases highlight the transformative impact that automation and AI can have in the employability sector. By streamlining admin tasks, predicting engagement, and enhancing participant support, AI helps organisations improve outcomes while freeing up time and resources to focus on what truly matters—supporting participants on their journey to sustainable employment.
In this post, we’ll explore how AI and automation are transforming the future of procurement and sourcing.
AI-Driven Sourcing & Supplier Selection
Imagine starting your sourcing process with AI analysing vast amounts of data to find the best suppliers. Machine Learning, analyses key factors like cost, quality, risk, and sustainability to recommend the most suitable suppliers. It continuously learns from past decisions, refining its recommendations over time.
AI Agents manage routine supplier outreach and basic negotiations, while complex issues are escalated for human intervention.
Generative AI adds further value in contract management. It can draft standard contracts, extract key information such as payment terms, and track contract performance. AI tools can automatically monitor contract details, flagging potential risks like overspend or missed deadlines before they become problems, ensuring full visibility and control without the need for constant manual oversight.
Predictive Pricing and Spend Management
Machine Learning and AI-powered analytics are driving predictive pricing and spend management. By analysing historical data, market trends, and supplier performance, AI can forecast future price fluctuations. This gives procurement teams a heads-up on upcoming changes, allowing them to act early, lock in favourable prices, and avoid unexpected cost hikes.
Much like monitoring stock prices for the best time to buy, AI keeps a close watch on market conditions and alerts businesses when the optimal moment to make purchasing decisions arises. AI also runs simulations to show how changes in suppliers or consolidating spend could impact overall costs, providing data-driven insights for better decision-making.
A Day-In-The-Life-Of a Category Manager: Picturing the Category Manager’s Role with AI
Morning: Reviewing AI-Generated Insights
As you start your day, AI tools have already processed supplier data, market trends, and internal performance metrics. The system flags a potential price increase for a key material and suggests an alternative supplier. With just a few clicks, you can assess the AI’s recommendations and make an informed decision quickly.
Midday: Automating Supplier Negotiations
By midday, an AI agent is handling basic supplier negotiations, while AI tracks contract details, allowing you to step in only for complex discussions. This frees up time for you to focus on building deeper relationships with key suppliers and identifying further opportunities for cost optimisation.
Afternoon: Predictive Spend and Strategic Optimisation
In the afternoon, AI flags procurement categories that could benefit from cost-saving measures. You use AI tools to run simulations and scenario analyses, evaluating the potential outcomes of switching suppliers or renegotiating contracts. AI gives you clear, data-driven insights, helping you make confident, proactive decisions that enhance overall procurement efficiency.
End of Day: Planning Ahead with AI Insights
As your day winds down, AI alerts you to upcoming contract renewals or potential supply chain risks. Armed with this real-time information, you begin planning future procurement strategies, confident that AI will continue to support you in making smarter decisions.
Conclusion: The Future of Procurement is Here
AI and automation are revolutionising procurement and sourcing. From supplier selection to contract management, predictive pricing, and spend optimisation, tools like Machine Learning and Generative AI are enabling businesses to work more efficiently and make smarter decisions.
For Category Managers, AI shifts the focus from routine, time-consuming tasks to high-level strategic work. AI empowers you to make informed, proactive decisions that lead to better supplier relationships, cost savings, and improved overall procurement performance. The future of procurement is here, and businesses that adopt AI-driven technologies will stay ahead in this rapidly evolving space.
Introduction
Delivering successful change initiatives, particularly when integrating AI, requires more than just deploying technology. Organisations that thrive in transformation understand that principles such as clarity, leadership, and strategy alignment are critical for both traditional change and AI-driven transformation. In this blog, we’ll explore the key principles that underpin effective change and how these same fundamentals are essential to AI transformation.
The Challenge
Many businesses struggle to implement change initiatives effectively, often due to a lack of clear direction, inadequate leadership, or insufficient relevance to the workforce. Similarly, AI transformations are often derailed by excitement over technology rather than a structured approach. Without a strong foundation, AI projects can fail to deliver value, becoming just another underutilised tool.
Below, we outline the principles that ensure successful change initiatives and how they also apply to AI transformation.
1. Clarity of Vision
For any transformation, clarity is the first step to success. A well-defined vision provides direction and purpose, especially in AI projects where the complexity of the technology can overwhelm teams. Your AI transformation must begin with a clear understanding of the business challenge you're addressing and how AI will deliver tangible value. Without this, teams may lack focus, and the project risks veering off course.
Even the most advanced AI technologies require solid foundations to succeed. This means your organisation must have strong processes and reliable, well-organised data. Before embarking on an AI initiative, ensure that your data infrastructure and operational processes are capable of supporting the new technologies. AI must build upon solid processes and accurate data to drive meaningful outcomes.
3. Adequate Time and Resources
Successful change isn’t achieved on the sidelines, and neither is AI transformation. Both require dedicated resources, including skilled personnel and sufficient time for implementation. Organisations often underestimate the time and investment needed for successful AI deployment, treating it as a secondary task. For AI to deliver real value, it requires focus, budget allocation, and ongoing support.
4. Strategic Investment
Investment goes beyond financial support. Strategic investment in AI transformation means allocating not only money but also human capital and infrastructure. Your AI initiatives should be integrated into the broader business strategy, with investments directed toward long-term sustainability, including future-proofing, upgrades, and continuous improvements.
5. Shared Accountability Across Leadership and Teams
Change initiatives work best when both leadership and teams share responsibility. The same applies to AI projects, where shared accountability between AI developers, business units, and leadership is crucial. Leaders must remain engaged throughout the project lifecycle, driving alignment with the business’s strategic goals. A lack of leadership involvement can result in misalignment and missed opportunities for optimisation.
6. Stakeholder Relevance
Successful change occurs when stakeholders understand the personal and professional relevance of the transformation. AI transformation must not only be seen as a business imperative but also show individual benefits—whether it’s reducing repetitive tasks or improving decision-making accuracy. Clear communication about how AI impacts various teams ensures greater buy-in and adoption.
7. Leadership to Drive Transformation
Effective leadership is critical for any transformation initiative. Whether for business change or AI deployment, leaders are the driving force that ensures the project maintains momentum and stays on track. Leadership must communicate the vision, resolve challenges, and ensure that AI initiatives deliver the desired outcomes. Strong leadership creates confidence in both the technology and the process.
8. Focus on Solving Real Business Problems
Both change and AI must address real, tangible business problems. Implementing AI for its own sake risks wasted resources and frustration. Instead, AI should be a tool to solve operational challenges, automate mundane tasks, or extract new insights from data. By focusing on solving real problems, AI delivers value that is directly tied to business outcomes.
9. Alignment with Overall Strategy
AI transformation, like any change initiative, must be fully aligned with the company’s broader business strategy. AI adoption should not be driven by external hype but by how it supports long-term objectives. Ensuring strategic alignment from the outset allows AI to become a core enabler of the business rather than a standalone experiment.
10. Sustaining the Change Over Time
A successful AI transformation doesn’t end with deployment—it requires ongoing governance and support. Without sustainability measures in place, the value of AI solutions diminishes over time. Establishing clear ownership, ensuring regular updates, and maintaining the system are key to delivering long-term success. This step is crucial to keeping the transformation relevant and valuable.
11. Clear, Measurable Benefits
AI transformation, like any successful change initiative, must deliver measurable outcomes. Whether it’s cost savings, efficiency gains, or improved customer experiences, the benefits of AI need to be clearly defined, measured, and communicated. Organisations should track these outcomes closely to ensure continued investment in AI delivers ongoing value.
12. Action-Oriented Approach
Effective transformation requires action, not just planning. AI projects should focus on delivering tangible results early on, avoiding the common trap of over-analysis. Quick wins build momentum, demonstrate value, and help maintain organisational support. By staying action-oriented, organisations can move from concept to reality more efficiently.
Conclusion
The principles of effective change are universal, and they apply equally to AI transformation. By focusing on clarity, strong leadership, alignment with strategy, and delivering measurable outcomes, organisations can navigate the complexities of AI and ensure it becomes a sustainable driver of business value. When AI transformation is approached with these core principles in mind, it delivers not just technological change but lasting business impact.
FAQs
- How do I ensure my AI project aligns with broader business goals?
Start by identifying the business problem AI aims to solve and align the project with your company’s long-term strategy to ensure it supports broader organisational goals.
- What is the biggest risk to AI transformation?
The biggest risk is failing to provide clarity and leadership. Without clear direction and engaged leadership, AI initiatives can lack focus and ultimately fail to deliver the intended value.
Microsoft Co-Pilot vs. Google Gemini vs. ChatGPT: Which AI Assistant is Right for Your Business?
Generative AI chatbots are becoming essential tools for businesses, enabling automation, increasing productivity, and fostering creativity. With top players like Microsoft Co-Pilot, Google Gemini, and ChatGPT, the challenge is selecting the right AI solution for your business. In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore their key features, help you evaluate which fits your needs best, and even discuss when building a custom AI digital assistant might be the smarter choice.
What is Microsoft Co-Pilot?
Microsoft Co-Pilot is a generative AI assistant designed to work within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, integrating with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Released in 2023, Co-Pilot leverages OpenAI’s GPT-4 to automate repetitive tasks, provide data insights, and streamline document creation.
Key Features of Microsoft Co-Pilot:
- Deep integration with Microsoft 365 apps.
- Customisable response modes: Creative, Balanced, or Precise.
- Enterprise-level security for compliance with data regulations.
- Perfect for businesses already embedded in the Microsoft suite.

What is Google Gemini?
Google Gemini is Google’s generative AI chatbot, launched to integrate into Google Workspace tools such as Docs, Gmail, Sheets, and Slides. It replaced Google Bard and offers powerful text generation and image creation capabilities. However, full integration with Google Workspace is still underway.
Key Features of Google Gemini:
- Built for Google Workspace apps like Docs and Sheets.
- Strong multimodal support for both text and image generation.
- User-friendly interface designed for creativity and collaboration.
- Ideal for businesses relying on Google Workspace, but still developing.

What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT, created by OpenAI, is a widely popular conversational AI solution. Available in a free version powered by GPT-3.5 and a Plus version with GPT-4, ChatGPT is known for its versatility, handling tasks from content creation and coding assistance to customer service.
Key Features of ChatGPT:
- Highly adaptable for multiple use cases across industries.
- Available on desktop and mobile platforms.
- Customisable workflows, APIs, and integrations.
- Free tier available, with ChatGPT Plus at £20 per month for enhanced features.

Evaluation Criteria for Choosing the Right AI Assistant
Choosing between Microsoft Co-Pilot, Google Gemini, and ChatGPT depends on several factors. Below are the top seven evaluation criteria to help guide your decision:
1. Cost
Microsoft Co-Pilot and Google Gemini charge approximately £20-30 per user/month, while ChatGPT offers a free version and ChatGPT Plus at £20/month, making it more flexible for budget-conscious businesses.
2. Cloud Integration
Microsoft Co-Pilot integrates with Microsoft 365, making it ideal for businesses already using Microsoft tools. Google Gemini works best with Google Workspace, while ChatGPT is cloud-agnostic but may require custom integration depending on your setup.
3. Use Case
Microsoft Co-Pilot is ideal for automating business productivity tasks within Microsoft 365 apps. Google Gemini excels in creative tasks like writing and brainstorming in Google Docs. ChatGPT is versatile across many use cases, including content creation, coding, and customer service.
4. Security and Compliance
Microsoft Co-Pilot offers enterprise-grade security, suitable for industries with strict data protection requirements such as GDPR and HIPAA compliance. Google Gemini and ChatGPT also offer security features, but it’s important to verify if they meet your specific data privacy needs.
5. Ease of Use
Google Gemini is the easiest to navigate with a clean interface, while Microsoft Co-Pilot offers more comprehensive features that can feel cluttered. ChatGPT is user-friendly and works well across platforms.
6. Scalability
ChatGPT is known for its scalability, with flexible API integration options. Both Microsoft Co-Pilot and Google Gemini offer structured but scalable solutions that can grow with your business.
7. AI Performance
Microsoft Co-Pilot excels in business and data-related tasks with a focus on accuracy. Google Gemini is great for creative outputs, though it may require more fact-checking in technical tasks. ChatGPT strikes a balance, excelling in conversation-based tasks, content creation, and problem-solving.
When to Consider Building a Custom AI Digital Assistant
While off-the-shelf AI solutions like Microsoft Co-Pilot, Google Gemini, and ChatGPT provide excellent functionality, there are cases where building a custom AI digital assistant might be the smarter choice. Here are scenarios where custom AI development could be beneficial:
1. Highly Specific Business Needs
If your business has specialised workflows or unique requirements, a custom AI solution can offer features that off-the-shelf AI tools can’t. For example, businesses in healthcare or finance may need AI tailored to meet industry-specific regulations.
2. Full Control Over Features
A custom AI solution provides complete control over features and integrations. You can tailor the AI to work seamlessly with your existing systems and processes, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your business needs.
3. Enhanced Security and Compliance
For industries with strict security protocols, like government or financial services, a custom AI solution can be designed with specific compliance and security measures in place. This allows for greater control over data handling, privacy, and adherence to regulations.
4. Long-Term Cost Efficiency
While a custom AI solution may require a higher upfront investment, it can offer long-term savings by being designed specifically for your business. Over time, a custom AI assistant can reduce inefficiencies and deliver a better return on investment (ROI) than a generic tool.
Conclusion: Which AI Assistant is Best for Your Business?
Choosing between Microsoft Co-Pilot, Google Gemini, and ChatGPT depends on your business’s unique needs, technology infrastructure, and budget.
- Microsoft Co-Pilot is the best option for organisations already using Microsoft 365 and those that prioritise business productivity.
- Google Gemini is a solid choice for businesses using Google Workspace, particularly if you need a creative AI solution.
- ChatGPT is ideal for those needing versatility and customisation, making it a strong option for businesses looking to integrate AI into various processes like customer service and content creation.
If your business has specific requirements that off-the-shelf AI solutions can’t meet, building a custom AI digital assistant could provide the tailored features, security, and long-term scalability you need.
By carefully considering the evaluation criteria outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision that will help your business maximise productivity and innovation using the right AI assistant.
7 Common Reasons Your AI Digital Assistant Will Fail (And How to Fix Them)
Building an AI digital assistant sounds like an exciting venture. Whether it’s for a specific function or general knowledge base tasks, the promise of automation and efficiency is hard to resist. From building custom AI chatbot to integrating Microsoft Co-Pilot or using models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the appeal of AI-driven automation is undeniable. But here’s the reality: your AI digital assistant will likely face challenges at first. Knowing what to expect and how to address potential pitfalls is key to success.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t build one, but you need to know what to expect and how to mitigate potential issues. Here are seven common reasons your AI digital assistant may fail and how to fix them.
1. It Will Cost More Than You Think
When developing an assistant, costs often escalate, especially if you're using advanced models like GPT-4. As usage grows, so do expenses for processing power and storage. The more your assistant interacts with users, the higher the cost of managing and scaling your system.
How to overcome it:
When planning your AI digital assistant, factor in scaling costs upfront. Evaluate the most suitable AI models for your business needs, and explore cost-effective alternatives for basic tasks to avoid over-reliance on expensive models.
2. Hallucinations in AI Digital Assistants
Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-4 can produce "hallucinations," where the model generates incorrect or unsupported information. This is a serious problem when using an AI digital assistant for business-critical tasks or customer interactions.
How to avoid this:
Implement fact-checking mechanisms and design your AI digital assistant to pull from verified data sources. Proper development and training can significantly reduce the chances of hallucinations.
3. Your Data Will Likely Be a Mess
Your AI digital assistant will only be as good as the data it’s trained on. Many businesses try to point their assistant at unstructured, incomplete, or inaccurate data, leading to poor results and frustrated users.
Solution:
Clean and structure your data before using it to train your AI digital assistant. Ensuring that your data is accurate and well-organized will lead to better and more reliable performance.
4. Inconsistent or Poor Responses
An AI digital assistant won’t automatically produce perfect results. Without proper development and continuous learning, responses can be inconsistent or even irrelevant, which will frustrate users and reduce the assistant’s effectiveness.
How to fix it:
Work with experienced AI developers who understand the nuances of AI system development. Additionally, ensure your team is trained to ask the right questions for more accurate responses from the assistant.
5. People Will Be Disappointed
Initial expectations for AI digital assistants are often unrealistically high. People expect seamless interaction and flawless automation, but your AI digital assistant will likely require iterations and improvements over time.
How to manage this:
Set realistic expectations with your users from the outset. Be transparent about the assistant's development and emphasize that improvements will occur over time. Clear communication can help users appreciate the long-term benefits and avoid frustration in the early stages.
6. You’ll Need Proper AI Developers
Many businesses assume that building an AI digital assistant is easy with no-code platforms. However, successful AI development requires experienced developers who understand API integration and the broader infrastructure required to make everything work.
Action:
Invest in AI developers with the right expertise. Having the right team ensures that your AI digital assistant functions smoothly and integrates effectively into your existing systems.
7. People Won’t Use It Without Process Change
Even the most advanced AI digital assistants won’t succeed if the underlying business processes aren’t adjusted. Your assistant needs to fit seamlessly into your team’s workflows.
What to do:
Redesign your workflows to incorporate the capabilities of the AI digital assistant. Clearly communicate the benefits, such as time savings or improved accuracy. Without proper process adjustments, your AI assistant may be underutilized or ignored altogether.
Key Takeaway: Prepare for a Journey, Not a Quick Fix
Building a successful AI digital assistant is not an overnight process. Expect challenges such as cost overruns, data cleanup, and user adoption hurdles. However, with proper planning, expert development, and realistic expectations, your AI digital assistant can become a valuable asset to your business.
FAQs
Q: What’s the best way to avoid high costs with GPT-4 or similar models?
A: Use a hybrid approach where complex tasks are handled by LLMs like GPT-4, and simpler tasks are managed by more cost-effective tools. Plan for long-term costs when designing your AI project.
Q: How can I avoid hallucinations in my AI digital assistant’s responses?
A: Use retrieval-augmented generation and integrate fact-checking mechanisms into your assistant’s design. Additionally, ensure the model is trained on clean, accurate data sources.
Q: How do I make sure people actually use the AI digital assistant?
A: Focus on process redesign and clearly communicate the assistant’s benefits. AI for process automation only works when users understand how it fits into their daily workflows.
A Guide to Large Language Model Selection: Selecting the Right One for Your Business
In recent years, Large Language Models (LLMs) have rapidly evolved, becoming a cornerstone of artificial intelligence applications in businesses. The release of tools like ChatGPT has brought LLMs into the spotlight, showcasing the potential of Generative AI for automating tasks, creating content, and transforming customer experiences. But how do LLMs work, and how do you choose the right one for your organisation?
What Are Large Language Models?
LLMs are AI models trained on vast amounts of text data, enabling them to predict the next word or sentence, similar to a more advanced version of auto-complete. Early models, such as GPT-1, were limited in their output, often producing incoherent text. However, modern models like GPT-4 have significantly advanced, capable of generating thousands of meaningful words with context, coherence, and insight.
LLMs break down text into smaller units called tokens, which are then processed using mathematical models. These tokens form the foundation for neural networks, which are composed of layers that work together to predict text. The more layers and nodes a model has, the more complex and sophisticated its output becomes.
Key Terms You Should Know
Before diving into use cases and selecting an LLM, let’s clarify some essential terms:
- Context Window: The amount of text an LLM can process at once. Larger context windows allow the model to understand and generate more complex outputs.
- Tokens: Small text chunks that LLMs use to break down and process language.
- Small Language Model: A lightweight version of an LLM designed to perform basic tasks with fewer resources.
- Multimodal: A model that can process and generate content across different data types, such as text, images, and audio.
- Foundation Model: A large, pre-trained model that serves as a base for various specialised AI tasks.
How LLMs Are Transforming Business
LLMs are revolutionising business operations by improving productivity, automating tasks, and enhancing customer interactions. Here are some key areas where LLMs are making an impact:
LLMs streamline customer interactions and automate routine tasks:
- Customer Support Chatbots: Handle frequently asked questions and assist with troubleshooting.
- Personal Assistants: Manage scheduling, reminders, and drafting emails.
2. Content Creation and Summarisation
LLMs enable businesses to automate content generation:
- Content Generation: Create blog posts, articles, or reports.
- Summarisation: Condense lengthy documents into key takeaways.
3. Translation and Language Processing
LLMs help break down language barriers:
- Translation: Provide real-time translations for documents and websites.
- Multilingual Chatbots: Facilitate global customer interaction by handling multiple languages.
4. Productivity and Automation
LLMs automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency:
- Code Generation: Automatically generate code snippets or assist with debugging.
- Data Extraction: Pull structured data from unstructured sources like invoices.
5. Legal and Compliance
LLMs support legal teams in document review and compliance monitoring:
- Document Review: Identify critical clauses and flag potential risks in contracts.
- Compliance Monitoring: Ensure documents meet legal and regulatory standards.
Popular Tools That Leverage Large Language Models
Tools like Microsoft CoPilot and ChatGPT are powered by LLMs. Microsoft CoPilot integrates LLMs into Word and Excel, automating tasks like document drafting and data analysis. ChatGPT provides conversational AI, responding to queries in real time.
How to Select the Right Large Language Model for Your Business
Selecting the right LLM can be challenging. Consider the following factors:
- Project Scale and Scope: Small projects may use lightweight models, while large-scale tasks may require powerful models like GPT-4.
- Data Sensitivity and Privacy: If dealing with sensitive data, consider on-premise models.
- Budget: Open-source models are cost-effective; proprietary models offer more extensive capabilities.
- Performance Needs: General-purpose models are ideal for basic tasks, while domain-specific tasks may require fine-tuning.
- Latency: Real-time applications require low-latency models, while batch processing can tolerate slower models.
- Customisability: For projects requiring bespoke features, opt for models that allow customisation.
- Multimodal Capabilities: If your project requires text, image, or audio handling, choose models with multimodal support.
- Compliance and Licensing: Ensure your chosen model complies with relevant industry regulations.
A Comparison of 20 Popular Large Language Models
LLM Name |
Context Window |
Full Multimodal Support |
Latency |
Developer |
Volume (Tokens per second) |
GPT-4 |
128K tokens |
Yes |
Low |
OpenAI |
37.5 |
Claude 3 |
200K tokens |
No |
Medium |
Anthropic |
57.3 |
Gemini 1.5 Pro |
1M tokens |
Yes |
Low |
Google |
89.5 |
Gemini 1.5 Flash |
1M tokens |
Yes |
Low |
Google |
207.9 |
Mistral 7B |
33K tokens |
No |
Medium |
Mistral |
106.8 |
LLaMA 2 Chat (70B) |
4K tokens |
No |
Medium |
Meta |
52.1 |
LLaMA 2 Chat (13B) |
4K tokens |
No |
Medium |
Meta |
48.3 |
Falcon 40B |
4K tokens |
No |
Medium |
TII |
0 |
Cohere Command-R+ |
128K tokens |
No |
Medium |
Cohere |
47 |
Jurassic-2 |
10K tokens |
No |
Medium |
AI21 Labs |
87.1 |
GPT-NeoX |
20K tokens |
No |
Medium |
EleutherAI |
20 |
PaLM 2 |
32K tokens |
Yes |
Low |
Google |
80 |
Bard |
32K tokens |
Yes |
Low |
Google |
80 |
Claude 3 Opus |
200K tokens |
No |
High |
Anthropic |
25.4 |
Mistral Medium |
33K tokens |
No |
Low |
Mistral |
18.2 |
Mixtral 8x22B |
65K tokens |
No |
Low |
Mistral |
69.8 |
Command-R |
128K tokens |
No |
Low |
Cohere |
47 |
Phi-3 Medium 14B |
128K tokens |
No |
Low |
Microsoft |
50.6 |
DBRX |
33K tokens |
No |
Medium |
Databricks |
86.5 |
Mixtral Large |
33K tokens |
No |
Medium |
Mistral |
36 |
Source - LLM Leaderboard - Compare GPT-4o, Llama 3, Mistral, Gemini & other models | Artificial Analysis
For businesses looking for high performance, GPT-4 and Gemini 1.5 Pro are robust solutions. If you're on a tighter budget, Mistral 7B and LLaMA 2 Chat are cost-effective options with solid performance.
Open-Source vs. Proprietary Large Language Models
LLMs generally fall into two categories: Proprietary models and open-source models. Proprietary models like GPT-4 are developed by private companies and offer extensive support through APIs or chat interfaces. In contrast, open-source models like LLaMA 2 are freely available, allowing businesses to build directly into their environments and customise to their needs.
Custom Build vs. Pre-Trained Models
When choosing between a custom-built LLM and a pre-trained one, consider the complexity and specificity of your project. Pre-trained models are ideal for generic tasks and fast deployment, while custom-built models are better for complex, domain-specific requirements.
Conclusion: Selecting the Best LLM for Your Business
The right LLM can significantly enhance your business processes, automate tasks, and improve productivity. When selecting an LLM, consider factors such as your budget, project scope, and specific use case. Whether you opt for a proprietary model or an open-source solution, staying informed about the latest developments in LLM technology will help you make the best choice for your business.
The employability sector is on the brink of transformation, with AI and automation providing significant opportunities to transform services. AI has the potential to improve job outcomes, boost participant engagement, and reduce the administrative burden on staff and participants alike. With the integration of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Machine Learning, and Generative AI, employability services can deliver personalised, data-driven support like never before.
The UK’s Employment Challenge
The Labour government has set an ambitious target of increasing the employment rate from 75% to 80%, aiming to make it the highest in the G7. With over two million people expected to join the workforce, overcoming barriers to employment—especially for those facing health-related challenges or age-related barriers—is critical. The Restart Scheme and Work and Health Programme have laid a foundation by providing support services such as mental health and job training. However, to meet these ambitious goals, employability organisations must now embrace the full potential of AI, RPA, and Generative AI to streamline and enhance the support they offer.
The Future Participant Journey: A Seamless Experience
Engagement Begins Early
Imagine a participant’s journey starting with a Digital Assistant powered by AI collecting their details before their first appointment. This eliminates time-consuming form-filling and allows participants to focus on meaningful interactions right from the start. Participants receive real-time responses to their questions, creating a seamless and engaging onboarding experience.
Personalised, Data-Driven Support
During their first appointment, participants feel fully supported as AI tools, instantly generate tailored action plans. This enables more personalised and productive conversations, while automated communications keep participants informed and engaged throughout their journey. RPA ensures that routine tasks such as form completion and appointment scheduling are handled efficiently, allowing coaches to focus on participant needs.
Proactive Insights and Job Outcome Improvements
AI tools, especially Machine Learning, offer predictive insights into the likelihood of participants achieving their job outcomes. This data allows staff to take proactive measures when necessary, ensuring participants stay on track. Generative AI can further assist by automating complex tasks like meeting transcriptions and document creation, reducing manual effort. The use of these technologies improves job outcomes by enabling data-driven decisions and increasing participant engagement.
Benefits: Job Outcomes, Engagement, and Reduced Admin
Improved Job Outcomes
The integration of Machine Learning and Generative AI into the employability process allows for more effective, data-driven interventions, significantly increasing the likelihood of participants achieving their job outcomes. Predictive insights generated by AI empower staff to act when necessary, ensuring participants have the best possible chance of success.
Boosted Participant Engagement
By automating routine administrative tasks with RPA and offering personalised, real-time support through AI-powered Digital Assistants, participants remain more engaged and motivated throughout their journey. This enhanced engagement leads to more positive outcomes for participants and a higher overall satisfaction rate.
Reduced Administrative Tasks
RPA automates repetitive tasks such as scheduling, form-filling, and meeting transcription, freeing up staff time to focus on more strategic activities. This reduces the administrative burden on employment coaches, allowing them to concentrate on the needs of participants and deliver higher-value services.
Conclusion: A New Era of Employability
The future of employability lies in the integration of AI, RPA, Machine Learning, and Generative AI, offering a pathway to more efficient, effective, and engaging services. The Restart Scheme and other employment programmes have laid a strong foundation, but to meet the ambitious goals set by the Labour government, employability organisations must now leverage these technologies. By doing so, they will not only improve job outcomes but also increase participant engagement and reduce the administrative load on staff. The future isn't just about doing more—it’s about doing better, with AI and automation at the heart of this transformation.