Technology has consistently played a pivotal role in driving business evolution throughout history. In ancient times, the reliance on wind and water was integral to power machinery. The advent of steam marked a significant leap forward, catalyzing the Industrial Revolution. Subsequently, the introduction of electricity gave rise to a new spectrum of businesses. The electronic era followed, and most recently, we entered the epoch of digital transformation.
Today, we stand at the threshold of a new era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI). This paradigm shift is poised to reshape not only the way we live and work but also revolutionize the landscape of business operations. AI promises enhanced efficiency and productivity, with the potential to automate manual tasks within business processes. It empowers individuals to focus on supervisory roles, unleashing the best of human capabilities.
In this contemporary landscape, businesses must adeptly incorporate AI into their operations. Any hesitancy to embrace this transformative technology may stem from a lack of understanding, leading to unwarranted apprehension about its potential risks and consequences. Analogous to our historical embrace of steam, electricity, and electronics, we must now wholeheartedly embrace AI.
Consider the positive impact of AI on contemporary business practices, such as streamlining the onboarding process. AI can assimilate vast amounts of HR policies, enabling new hires to swiftly resolve queries through a chat interface instead of navigating complex HR portals or paper manuals.
Another notable application is in the recruitment process, where AI efficiently analyzes CVs in various formats, matching candidate characteristics with job requirements. This expedites the hiring process compared to manual efforts, facilitating a comprehensive review of all CVs received.
Moreover, AI proves invaluable in assessing the current skills of employees within a corporation. By comparing these skills against the requirements of different roles, AI provides insights into potential lateral career paths and internal mobility options. The magnitude of this task makes it nearly impossible to execute manually, especially for large corporations.
Imagine the efficiency gains in onboarding sales representatives using AI. Rather than memorizing extensive product details from manuals and price tables, representatives can simply inquire about specific products through a chat interface, enabling quicker onboarding and a head start in the competitive sales landscape.
These practical examples underscore the efficiency and efficacy of AI in today’s business environment. At Auren Consulting Portugal, we advocate for the elimination of manual tasks within all business processes. We envision a future where humans engage in tasks requiring rationality and supervision, while machines handle repetitive work.
The future is undeniably AI-driven, and as industry leaders, we must prepare ourselves to guide clients through this transformative reality. Embracing AI is not merely an option; it is an imperative step towards unlocking unprecedented efficiency and productivity in the business world.
Manuel Lopes da Costa
Country Managing Partner, Consulting, Auren Portugal