Why Every Business Needs a Clear Definition of AI Before 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, one thing is crystal clear: artificial intelligence (AI) has been a transformative force in the business world. According to a recent report, 65% of companies are already leveraging generative AI, and the technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. But amidst all the excitement, a critical question looms for many organizations: What does AI actually mean for us?
For tech-savvy professionals, the answer might seem obvious. However, the reality is that AI means different things to different people. What a software engineer envisions when they think of AI could be entirely different from what someone in marketing or human resources imagines. Even within the same team, perspectives can vary widely. Without a unified understanding of AI, businesses risk missing out on its full potential.
AI has the power to revolutionize industries, but to harness its capabilities, business leaders must first define what AI means for their specific organization. This clarity is the foundation for unlocking its transformative potential.
AI: A Multifaceted Technology
AI is everywhere, but trying to define it in a single sentence is nearly impossible. That’s because AI isn’t just one thing—it’s a collection of technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. These tools can automate repetitive tasks, enhance decision-making, and improve efficiency. However, the ways AI can be applied vary dramatically from one organization to another.
For instance, NatWest uses AI as a virtual assistant to handle customer queries, while Rolls Royce employs it for predictive maintenance, helping to anticipate part failures and reduce downtime. These examples highlight the endless possibilities of AI, but they also underscore the importance of tailoring AI applications to meet specific business needs.
Without a clear understanding of how AI applies to your organization, its potential will remain untapped. A shared definition of AI is essential to ensure that all teams are aligned and working toward the same goals.
The Danger of Misalignment
When different teams within an organization have varying interpretations of AI, it can lead to confusion and inefficiency. For example, the IT department might focus on AI’s technical capabilities, while the marketing team views it as a tool for customer insights. This disconnect is akin to two people embarking on a journey—one driving to Switzerland and the other heading to the North Pole on a sleigh. Without a shared destination, they’ll never arrive at the same place.
This is why defining AI and developing a clear AI strategy is so crucial. A unified understanding ensures that everyone in the organization is on the same page, working collaboratively toward a common objective.
How to Define AI for Your Business
So, how can businesses define AI in a way that drives meaningful transformation? The first step is to stop assuming that everyone in the organization already understands it. Communication is key.
Start by engaging with employees across all departments—not just the tech teams. Ask individuals in marketing, operations, and HR what they think AI is and how they believe it could benefit their work. Don’t stop there; reach out to your customers as well. Their insights are invaluable, as understanding what AI means to them can help shape your strategy.
Here’s why this approach matters:
- Identify Knowledge Gaps: Conversations with employees and customers can reveal areas where understanding is lacking, allowing you to address these gaps effectively.
- Discover Value Opportunities: These discussions can also highlight where people see the most potential for AI—whether it’s automating tedious tasks for employees or delivering personalized experiences for customers.
Defining AI isn’t just about the technology; it’s about the vision. Ask yourself, “What do we want to achieve with AI?” Whether your goal is to lead in AI-powered customer service or to make smarter business decisions, a clear definition will align your teams and focus your strategy.
From Hype to Strategy
Once your organization has a shared understanding of AI, you can begin to create targeted solutions that drive real transformation. This eliminates guesswork and positions AI as a strategic tool that empowers teams and delivers measurable value.
Tools like Microsoft’s Copilot are making AI more accessible to non-technical teams, enabling anyone in the organization to build apps and automate workflows. This democratization of AI technology ensures that its benefits can be realized across all levels of the business.
As we look ahead to 2025, the companies that thrive will be those that have taken the time to define AI clearly. These organizations will have a strategic advantage, with every team member—from executives to customer service representatives—understanding how AI fits into the bigger picture.
The Gift of Clarity
As the new year approaches, the best gift your business can give itself is a clear, actionable definition of AI. It’s not enough to dabble in AI technologies; you need to take the time to define what AI means for your organization, your employees, and your customers.
AI has the potential to transform how you work, how you serve your customers, and how you grow your business. But this transformation can only happen if everyone in the organization understands AI and its role in achieving your goals.
Let 2025 be the year your business moves from AI hype to AI strategy. By defining AI clearly and aligning your teams around that definition, you’ll be well-positioned to lead in the age of digital transformation.
Janet Robb is director of customer enablement at ANS, a digital transformation provider and Microsoft’s UK Services Partner of the Year 2024. Headquartered in Manchester, it offers public and private cloud, security, business applications, low code, and data services to thousands of customers, from enterprise to SMB and public sector organizations.
Originally Written by: Janet Robb
