Every business uses computers and automation to some extent. Over half of US businesses adopted new AI programs during the Covid-19 pandemic, saving fortunes along the way.

Like it or not, there are some processes that machines do better than us. As a result, enterprises that choose to embrace that fact will see better results. Let’s talk about AI and ML and what they can do for your business.

What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the term used to describe algorithms and other functions used to simulate human intelligence or to mimic human functions such as perception, problem-solving, and learning.

There are four types of AI, including reactive, limited memory, theory of mind, and self-awareness. The latter two are merely theoretical and are considered the ultimate goal of AI; as this would create a machine that can truly think. 

Conversely, reactive and limited memory AI are very real, and they are used in nearly every business to an extent. So, can they think for themselves or is that a severe overcalculation?

Reactive AI

Reactive AI includes basic algorithms and engines that we use every day. For a real-world example, think of Netflix’s program recommendations, Deep Blue IBM chess, or spam filters on your email. These are entirely preprogrammed to carry out specific functions and do not learn over time.

However, even being the most basic form of AI, reactive AI can carry out some impressive feats that humans could never dream of. For example, Deep Blue IBM Chess beat multiple world champions of chess, even in its early years.

Limited Memory AI

Conversely, limited memory AI includes popular voice assistants, self-driving cars, chatbots, and more. These have a much more diverse programmable capacity than reactive AI, as they are capable of learning rather than simply carrying out pre-programmed tasks. 

Therefore, machine learning is key a part of limited memory AI, which is still being developed. Let’s talk about machine learning to develop a better understanding.

What Is Machine Learning?

Machine learning (ML) is a type of artificial intelligence focused on mimicking human learning. Examples include image or voice recognition, predictive analytics, or automated medical diagnoses. As you’d assume, you’ll find endless possibilities for ML in the business world!

Moreover, the goal of ML is to develop itself over time to learn and improve AI algorithms and other functions. ML falls into three categories: supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning.

Reinforcement learning is the most complex of the three. This is where AI learns without any preset data or supervision to train the machine.

Conversely, supervised learning is the simplest of the three, where human intervention and supervision are used to improve AI as it operates. In most cases, data scientists will continue to provide the machine with more data to process and learn from with the goal of improving its processes and algorithms.

Finally, the most applicable one for most businesses is unsupervised data. This starts with an initial set of defined data but involves no help from human intervention during the learning process. This type of analysis enables machines to recognize different patterns in any given set of data, allowing them to improve over time with little to no intervention.

How Can ML and AI Impact Your Business Processes?

Few organizations have the capacity to hire teams of data scientists with six-figure salaries to program their limited-memory AI. Fortunately, machine learning allows your processes to automate themselves to an extent. With the right ML tools, your business processes will require minimal intervention after programming.

FlowWright’s platforms require minimal coding to manage your workflow across several platforms and tenants. Initial programming and definitions require little to no coding skills at all, and the online training will help you define your tasks and microservices as needed. From there, ML and AI can handle the rest!

Consequently, the right AI can improve the efficiency and accuracy of your business processes, whether you’re in the office or not. Day and night, weekends and holidays, you can reduce human error, skilled labor costs, and time spent on your business processes.

Can Your Digital Processes Think?

Even the great Alan Turing once said that asking “can machines think?” is like asking if submarines can swim. Essentially, it’s more of a semantic question than anything else. However, with recent improvements in ML and AI, your digital processes are closer than ever to thinking for themselves, which will save your business a lot of time and resources on workflow management.

Stay up to date with our latest tips on your business processes, and check out FlowWright’s features to see what the right automation can do for your enterprise!