Pieces of technology, like forces of nature, are neither good nor bad. It simply is. It’s vital to keep that in mind as you’re navigating the growth of your business in these exciting technological times. AI has given companies significant new capabilities that can increase efficiency, lower costs, and help them deliver new and exciting products and services.
However, these technologies also expose the organization to new risks and challenges, especially when it comes to data privacy.
Learning to leverage technology to grow your business while protecting yourself and your employees is essential. Striking that balance will allow you to get the many benefits of AI and new technologies without suffering unintended negative consequences.
Protecting Customer and Employee Data
Some of the most exciting capabilities of machine learning (ML) and AI solutions involve processing significant amounts of data quickly. With it, you can notice patterns and improve the company’s ability to predict future customer activities. For example, you can use AI to score sales leads based on who is most likely to convert.
At the same time, organizations can use machine learning tools and AI that help track and evaluate employee training and development. Knowing who has completed what training courses, and how it positively impacts their performance, can help you build a business case for learning and development programs.
However, all of this access to customer and employee data means that information is at risk if anyone can compromise the computer system. When you deploy this kind of data analysis, it’s essential to also ramp up your data protection through a data privacy program.
Creating a Data Privacy Program
When designing a data privacy program, it’s important to follow specific best practices to ensure it’s as effective as possible. Best practices should include:
- Review the organization’s current data privacy processes. Is it unified in a single privacy protocol, or is cybersecurity a more piecemeal operation? As you review your current processes, you’ll identify weaknesses to address in a more comprehensive data privacy program.
- Outline your organization’s specific needs. Are you a manufacturer that needs to protect proprietary information? Are you a software company that has a lot of exposure to cloud technology that could be an entry point for hackers? Your specific needs should be built into your data security plan.
- Consider that humans are often the weakest link in the system. Cybercriminals can persuade or trick employees to click on a malicious link, share login credentials, and compromise security as an entry point. It’s a good idea to consider advanced IT security services that automate as much data security as possible to reduce the impact of human error.
- Implement the program. This requires buy-in from key stakeholders and in-depth training of employees. You may decide to run regular drills to ensure employees are following procedures and do additional training if necessary.
The most important element of the data privacy program is being consistent. When people get into the right habits, the organization’s data will be significantly safer from cyber-attacks and other data breaches.
Using AI Robotics Safely in Manufacturing
AI isn’t always a software solution that makes the back office more efficient. There have been significant advances in AI in manufacturing as well, especially in terms of safety.
Automation can handle dangerous tasks such as loading and unloading, welding, and working in difficult environments. AI can also monitor manufacturing and employee activities and look for problems, activating a shutdown to prevent potentially dangerous situations.
However, robot maintenance is a common cause of worker injury in itself. It’s important to have clear and frequent training on proper maintenance protocols, so employees know how to keep themselves safe around AI-powered machines. Lockout Tagout programs can make a big difference, as can practicing emergency and evacuation procedures.
With the right training, AI robotics and AI detection systems can help streamline manufacturing operations, reduce downtime by predicting when maintenance is needed, and keep employees safer by doing tasks that frequently lead to worker injuries.
Harnessing the Benefits of AI Without the Pitfalls
AI technology can be an incredible help for your organization, making departments like HR and accounting far more efficient, improving manufacturing efficiency, and helping your organization predict everything from maintenance schedules to employee development paths.
However, as you harness these benefits, it’s essential to protect the organization, your customers, and your employees from the pitfalls. That means taking a broad view when implementing and maintaining AI systems.
Be sure to continuously update software, keep an eye on vulnerabilities, and stay informed about AI advances. Also, communicate clearly with employees and customers about how AI is used and the steps you’ve taken to keep everything safe and secure. The key isn’t just to adopt AI; it’s to do so responsibly in a way that ensures sustained growth.