Outsourcing Tasks to AI: Can it Really Do That for You?

Recently I had the opportunity to listen to an expert on Generative AI share with a group of business owners how to leverage this took as a way to optimize business performance. It was a highly valuable workshop for me and I was grateful to learn new ways I may be able to work smarter and not harder. With that said, the workshop also reinforced that while generative AI is an impactful tool, it is just that - a tool. Those that are using it well realize that it cannot replace sensitive, analytical, and reasonable thought that our human experts are able to provide.

While Generative AI can be an incredible resource to help your business work smarter, it shouldn’t be used to replace experts or professional service providers. Here are some key takeaways on leveraging AI for work and valuable information I know is important to share with current and prospective clients:

1. Unexpected Costs: While many Generative AI models are free, accessing the best and most impactful versions often comes with a fee. These unexpected costs may not fit certain business models. Additionally, there are hidden costs, such as processing expenses and the time and labor involved in creating effective prompts. No fee does not equate to no costs.

2. Sustainability Concerns: Companies with corporate social responsibility ambitions may find that focusing on Generative AI conflicts with their values. Training AI models is energy-intensive, requiring significant amounts of water and electricity. Although efforts are being made to improve sustainability, Generative AI is not yet fully sustainable.

3. Quality of Outputs: A prompt may generate a result, but if the question is not specific enough or is poorly framed, the output may be suboptimal. Bad outputs can be costly and even dangerous. Crafting effective prompts is a skill in itself, and without extensive knowledge, you could end up relying on poor data. Generative AI is only as useful as the person using it.

4. Lack of Reasoning: Generative AI uses probability scores and vectors to predict the next word based on available inputs. However, it does not use reasoning in the human sense. If you lack the knowledge to evaluate and assess the output for accuracy, you may end up with incomplete, inaccurate, or even fabricated data. Relying on Generative AI to replace internal or external experts can be extremely risky.

   
   

What does this mean for you?  Generative AI offers numerous benefits but it is essential to approach its use with caution. It should complement, not replace, the expertise of professionals. By understanding its limitations and potential costs, businesses can make more informed decisions about integrating AI into their operations.