Among the latest evolved technologies, AI represents one of those with the greatest potential, thanks to its ability to interact with the environment and acquire enormous amounts of data through which it improves its own functionalities.

Can AI really drive the digital transformation of businesses?

Let’s try to answer this question by understanding how and if production and service delivery processes can benefit from it.

How does AI support digital transformation?

AI impacts on many complex applications and in this way transforms physical reality. In particular, the most disruptive innovation of artificial intelligence is to collect the information deriving from digital applications and to process it to improve efficiency.

AI and digital transformation of businesses: what is the scenario?

In order for artificial intelligence to represent real added value for companies and organizations, a cultural paradigm shift is necessary. Here are some areas in which it is necessary to take action to implement the concepts of the digital revolution driven by artificial intelligence:

  • development of specific skills;
  • definition of processes that integrate AI effectively;
  • clear rules;
  • adequate infrastructure.

AI Governance

As the digital transition is a long process, which involves continuous adjustments and involves various aspects of the business organization, the early insertion of artificial intelligence within a broader strategy offers a competitive advantage on the market and reduces the risk of a damaging delay in digitization.

AI Driven processes

We talk about an ‘AI driven’ business model when the entire organization is designed and managed around the use of artificial intelligence. The possible applications of this technology are manifold:

  • automation of entire processes;
  • research and development of new products and services with the creation of virtual models (for example the Digital Twin) through AI;
  • personalization of the relationship with customers through customized direct interaction models.

Practical examples of how AI positively impacts on one of its most common applications: process automation

  • Preventive maintenance: the collection and processing of data, relating for example to workloads and scheduling of interventions, is aimed at anticipating failures and criticalities, avoiding the interruption of the production automation process or service delivery.
  • Virtual design: the creation and development of products is now easier with the use of generative design programs. In generative design based on AI programs, the process is automated and produces the optimal project based on minimal manual inputs and optimized in terms of speed of realization and innovation.
  • Quality control: the introduction of AI is crucial in the quality control phase of production processes since intelligent systems are able to intervene automatically to adjust parameters, within the required tolerances, without the need to interrupt production. This means faster delivery services and reduced waste of resources (time and materials).

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can accelerate digital transformation processes and bring significant benefits to businesses. However, it is important to use AI in a responsible and ethical manner, and to have a clear strategy for its implementation.