How AI is transforming the way we run a small business
Ad: This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% my own.
Years ago when I first heard about AI I couldn’t imagine how it would practically overlap with my everyday life. Little did I know that machine learning and gathering of data would be making areas of my life more efficient without my knowledge.
It can be a daunting thought at first but as time has passed I realise that actually there are many gains to this technology and there will be more in the future.
As part of Mammaprada, I have a personalised t-shirt printing business. I have learnt so much about this industry in the years I’ve run the business and AI is, fortunately, making the process better for me and my customers.
What is AI and how is it useful?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a way to simulate how humans would operate both mentally and physically. The machines that are programmed to think like us and mimic our actions. It can also mean that a machine works in the same way as the human mind by solving a problem or gathering data and analysing it.
How can AI be used in employee workspaces and what industries are using AI?
Most industries are now using AI. As a customer, we are often using an eCommerce site and engage with an online chat to get help. This is something many of us have become used to and is a service provided by most companies with an online presence.
In workplaces, AI can take over repetitive tasks which free up human employees to produce more meaningful work and use of their time.
Credit: Unsplash.
How do I use AI in my printing business?
The printing industry which I use for printing and packing my products has seen a big leap in its use of AI. We use Digital to Garment printing which has an unparalleled level of precision in the image reproduction. This means a customer can request almost any design and colour swatch and the detail will be photographic quality. Human error would not allow for this level of precision on such a regular basis.
The machines are also able to use vision inspection systems to spot defective products or issues early on in the process, click here to find out more about them.
When it comes to packaging the machines have learnt which type of parcel will suit each combination of product and the size the package needs to be. The parcels are checked for damage before use. The process would be extremely time consuming without the use of this technology.
When my business grows we will make use of computer vision learning to determine how the products should be stacked before shipping.
Credit: Unsplash.
If all of that is not enough many machines are now using predictive maintenance AI. This is the use of embedded sensors in machines which can direct the human employees to problems and parts which may fail without intervention. You can set up real-time alerts identifying these issues before they occur. This produces a cost saving as there is less downtime where a company can no longer produce whilst waiting for machines to be repaired.
The overall use of AI in the life of a small business is a help, not a hindrance. The control is still with the owner and this technology can improve productivity and efficiency in many areas. Being open to the possibility of a positive change is the first step.