Q&A: Strategies for avoiding AI implementation roadblocks

Representation of technology. — Image by © Tim Sandle

AI has a transformative influence on the business landscape, reshaping operations across diverse sectors and amplifying efficiency, productivity, and decision-making capabilities. Yet in 2024, amidst these significant advancements, roadblocks persist, and early adopters are beginning to feel disappointed as results fail to live up to once-optimistic expectations. But there’s hope on the horizon for leaders as they increasingly invest in overcoming these challenges.

At the end of the day, businesses can navigate the complexities of AI adoption, unleashing its full potential to fuel sustainable growth and secure a competitive edge in the ever-evolving digital era.

How should these goal be approached? To discover more, Digital Journal connected with Danielle Conklin, Chief Information Officer, Quility.

Digital Journal: What is AI’s current biggest roadblock? Who’s at the most risk?

Danielle Conklin: AI’s current biggest roadblock is implementing the technology in a way that truly drives productivity, increases efficiency, and makes a significant impact on business outcomes. It’s a tool that is very buzzy and controversial right now, which means that while some fear being replaced by it, others are jumping at the opportunity to adopt AI as quickly as possible.

However, in the name of wanting to be seen as innovative, organizations run the risk of losing focus on the bigger picture, and smaller businesses have the most to gain, but also often struggle the most. Business leaders need to be thorough when making a digital shift and develop a customized plan to integrate the technology into daily business processes to reach the intended goals – that’s the hard part. If last year was the year of trial and testing with AI, this year will be one of implementation, integration, and outcomes.

DJ: What makes this roadblock so challenging?

Conklin: What makes the process of successful integration of AI so challenging is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach or universal how-to guide for organizations to follow. Choosing to adopt AI and weave it into day-to-day operations requires a clear understanding of an organization’s business goals. CIOs and other executives need to ask themselves: “What are we trying to accomplish with AI? What does a productive team look like at our organization and where does AI fit into this?”

Small businesses, which are more likely to have less personnel, should especially consider the types of tasks that can be automated. Customization is the key to a successful digital shift, and that’s what makes the adoption and implementation of AI a challenge.

DJ: How can this roadblock be resolved, what do leaders need to know?

Conklin: CIOs, CTOs, and other business leaders need to approach the adoption and implementation of AI with intent and creativity. A goal has to be set in place, an idea of what the outcome will look like, but there should also be a plan in place to get there. Organizations can set milestones and create a way to track progress in order to confirm that AI is truly acting as a helpful hand. Additionally, these plans should be tailored to an organization, keeping in mind its people and its culture.

DJ: How long will it take to achieve this resolution?

Conklin: There is no set deadline as to when a successful implementation of AI takes place. Like with many new technologies and developments, this will take some time, as well as continuous trial and error.