Today’s technological landscape provides artificial intelligence technology companies cannot be without. It keeps them competitive in their industries, saves money, and boosts efficiency.

However, companies cannot adopt AI blindly. They must consider which products will deliver value. Their AI strategy must back their goals and objectives.

Identify Goals

Companies must begin by identifying their goals and pain points. They must run through processes to identify challenges, obstacles, and room for improvement. Teams must consider their short- and long-term objectives. Then, they must identify the best tools to help them achieve goals and minimize challenges.

For example, you may consider integrating chatbots and AI agents to improve customer service. Companies that aim to enhance marketing may consider AI systems that assess demographics for advanced personalization. Operations-focused companies may adopt AI that handles manual processes and performs predictive maintenance.

Explore Options

Once you have established your goals, you must determine which products will help you reach them. Look at online reviews, attend conferences that showcase the latest technology, and speak to colleagues to gain feedback on the products they use. Here are some characteristics to consider when choosing the products that are right for your company:

• Cost Efficiency: Go beyond the product’s initial cost. Determine how it will save your company money in the long run.
• Integration: Ensure your product integrates with your current systems to avoid an extensive overhaul.
• Ease of Use: Choose intuitive and easy-to-use products for smooth adoption and to minimize training costs.
• Security: Secure AI products will keep sensitive information safe and protect your company’s reputation.
• Scalability: Does the product have the flexibility and scalability to scale with your business?

Evaluate Risks

AI systems have risks, including data privacy, biases, and inaccurate information. Companies should develop a risk management system before implementing new technology. Risk management may look different for different companies, but it should include the following processes:

• Identify Risks: Consider risks likely to occur based on your systems and operations.
• Assess Risks: Assess risks by their likelihood to occur and consequences to prioritize your response.
• Determine Mitigation Strategies: Your mitigation strategies should include preventative measures to prevent risks from happening, detective measures to detect risks before they get worse, and corrective measures that help your company recover quickly.

Creating a Rollout Plan

After all systems and frameworks are in place, you must create a rollout plan for your new tech. Here are some things to consider:

• Downtime: Will your rollout lead to any disruptions or downtime? If so, you may consider mitigation methods. For example, you may warn customers that your site will be down within a specific window, or you may be able to pivot to different systems temporarily.
• Training: Training can occur in person or online. You may consider training employees before systems are fully integrated, or you may take a hands-on approach. Determine which processes work best for your company and consider them when you create your rollout plan.
• Monitor Processes: Monitor systems carefully in the early stages, ensuring everything goes as planned. Be prepared to deal with risks as they arise.

Continuous Monitoring

As systems become integrated, you may not need to monitor them as carefully. However, you should revisit them regularly to ensure they provide the desired benefits. Your review should provide the following oversight:

• Feedback: Gather team feedback to learn how they get along with the new systems. Determine if they are supporting efficiency and working smoothly.
• Cost Efficiency: Is your system producing ROI?
• Goal Achievement: Determine if the systems are helping you reach other goals, such as improved customer service and better-quality output.

Hopefully, the new technology will help you reach your goals. If not, consider adjusting your approach with new strategies, add-on features and software, or a complete overhaul of current systems.

Integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot Blueprint

Building an AI strategy is easier said than done. You must consider how it will relate to the specifics of your business and industry. Microsoft 365 Copilot can help.

The Copilot dives into your technical environment, identifying roadblocks and ensuring organizational readiness. It uncovers high-value use cases for your business. The technology can help you build a roadmap for fast, effective deployment.

Include the Microsoft 365 Copilot Blueprint in your AI strategy to learn how it can help you achieve optimal results.