In many ways, AI is a natural partner for business process management efforts. AI can help automate routine tasks, improve user interfaces and analyze large amounts of data. The data analysis, machine learning and predictive analytics capabilities of AI make it possible to automate many basic decision-making processes in an organization.
The consultancy McKinsey & Company estimates that AI can automate as much as 45 percent or more of any particular job, allowing workers to focus on higher level mission-critical activities that cannot be as easily accomplished with technology.1 But what problem is AI really trying to solve? The traditional top-down business model no longer applies in today’s fast-changing business climate. Each person within an organization needs to be able to solve their own problems. This means that companies must empower a broader group of workers in the organization to develop solutions to meet their business needs.
By moving this level of decision making further into the line of business, companies streamline deployment of efficiency and creativity. Employing AI in this process makes it possible to predict what needs to be done by analyzing patterns in historical data and anticipating any roadblocks or constraints in the process.
1 Chui, Michael, James Manyika, and Mehdi Miremadi. Four fundamentals of workplace automation. McKinsey Quarterly, November 2015. McKinsey & Company
