After experimenting, testing, piloting, or exploring conceptual AI, companies are now prepared to transition to practical implementation.
A recent survey conducted by KPMG among 100 CEOs indicated that 39% of the participants plan to expand an AI pilot project across the entire company within the current year. This significant percentage represents a notable shift from the findings in November, where only 14% of business leaders expressed readiness to integrate AI comprehensively, as reported in a study by Cisco.
Nevertheless, the full-scale deployment of this cutting-edge technology poses several technical challenges. Overcoming these hurdles, companies must also educate and familiarize their workforce with AI tools, a task that may unsettle some employees concerned about potential job displacement.
Amy Challen, Shell’s global AI lead, highlighted that the primary obstacle lies not in the technology itself but in the process of scaling it up, emphasizing this point at the Fortune Brainstorm AI conference in London.
Businesses of varying sizes encounter difficulties in AI utilization, ranging from startups with minimal staff to Fortune 500 corporations with a global workforce. According to a January statement from McKinsey, success in the realm of Artificial Intelligence will be achieved not only by the tech innovators who develop the technology but also by those who effectively implement it throughout their entire organization.
Another crucial aspect discussed among founders and tech executives is the necessity for companies to carefully select the most suitable AI applications to avoid a blanket approach that employs AI for all functions. The key, as Challen suggested, lies in a collaborative approach involving a proficient and diverse team that integrates data expertise with business acumen.
At Shell, AI is already leveraged for predictive maintenance, enabling the company to forecast potential equipment repair needs accurately.
Sachin Dev Dugal, chairman of Architect, emphasized the challenge of acclimating employees to the pervasive presence of AI in various business operations. The transition to working alongside AI assistants in tasks such as customer interactions and scheduling can initially be disconcerting for employees, as they adapt to the notion of AI oversight.
In a panel discussion, Dugal stressed the importance of ensuring employees feel comfortable with the integration of AI into their workflows, emphasizing the need to address any apprehensions or resistance effectively.
It is crucial for companies not to impose AI on their workforce but rather facilitate a smooth and gradual adoption process. If an AI tool fails to gain traction across the organization, Challen suggested that companies should introspect on the reasons behind its underutilization, attributing the issue to organizational shortcomings rather than user reluctance.
Employee apprehension remains a significant barrier to the widespread acceptance of AI initiatives. While many employees are open to exploring AI’s potential benefits, concerns about job displacement and unease about AI’s ability to perform tasks autonomously persist. Studies have shown that employees who engage more with AI technologies tend to harbor greater concerns about job security.
One prevalent concern regarding AI in the workplace is the fear of it dictating daily tasks. Despite tech companies promoting AI tools as performance enhancers akin to advanced software applications, employees are grappling with the realization that AI can not only assist but also potentially replace certain job functions.
Dugal emphasized the importance of guiding employees through this transition, assuring them that AI complements their work rather than supplants it, fostering a sense of continuity in their roles.
