When you talk to CEOs of mid-sized businesses, you tend to notice certain trends. One is that the mid-market sector remains the most interesting and dynamic in the UK. And another, paradoxically, is that many mid-sized businesses still haven’t quite figured out AI.
In fact, across the sectors we work with, the same mistakes keep reappearing. We’ve outlined the six biggest AI issues we keep seeing in the field:
- Starting with the tool, not the business challenge. Teams adopt AI platforms before they are clear on what business challenge they are trying to solve. In other words, the question should not be, ‘What do we do with Gemini?’ Instead, it’s, ‘What problems are we facing, and what AI tools may solve them?’
- Treating pilots as a strategy. Pilot programmes are, of course, how you test solutions. But they’re not the same thing as a considered AI strategy – one that looks at what tools you already have, your business and its objectives, what problems the tools may solve, and how to scale those that work.
- Underestimating data, exception, and integration complexity. The difference between pilots and the real world is complexity. Misunderstanding how the AI will work in the messiness of real businesses is where things can go wrong. Processes, systems, data and real-world exceptions need to be addressed before embarking on AI. And it will help in so many other areas of your business as well as giving AI firm foundations.
- Failing to assign clear ownership and resources. Again, as with any other project, AI will fail unless it’s absolutely clear who has ownership, and that that person has the resources and focus they need to deliver. Somebody has to be accountable, and everybody has to know who that person is!
- Letting hype drive decision-making. Salespeople are really good at instilling FOMO. And many of the bigger consultancies will have you assume that AI works for everyone, everywhere. Don’t rush into AI without a clear idea of its purpose and how you’ll measure ROI.
- Safety and security. Using tools legally, securely, and ethically is not simple, and it doesn’t happen by itself. You don’t want a shelf full of irrelevant policies, but you do need to know that your business assets are secure, you are not breaking the law, and your use of AI fits with the way you want to do business.
So how can business leaders keep clear of these mishaps? One answer is with unbiased IT leadership – a CIO, CTO, or CAIO who (a) understands the tech and commercial aspects of mid-market AI implementations and (b) makes no external deals, so they always do what’s best for your business.
If any of this rings a bell, may I recommend our AI readiness assessment. It’s a half-day workshop that provides a clear picture of your AI readiness and how it can solve problems for your business. If you’re interested, let me know and I’ll connect you with your Regional Director. Or, as ever, you’re welcome to schedule a more casual conversation in the strictest confidence. We’d be delighted to hear about your concerns – or better yet what you’re doing right