Generate reports, automate procedures, or study data trends in real time by giving an AI program a few simple instructions.
By Johan Steyn, 16 October 2024
Published by BusinessDay: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/columnists/2024-10-16-johan-steyn-prompt-to-action-the-next-frontier-of-ai-automation/
Articulation is the unique human ability to communicate ideas, thoughts and emotions via writing or speech. The education system doesn’t value teaching this skill and so many people fail to reach their full potential.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are now fundamental to commercial processes, having introduced “prompting ability”. Effective communication with AI systems allows users to employ these technologies for valid results. Clear prompts are the gold standard for optimising AI, helping users access information and drive business results.
LLMs generate ideas, articles, and email responses, and advanced programs can create images, audio, video and other “multimodal” outputs. The ultimate potential of AI may go beyond content creation. These platforms may automate workflows and execute tasks based on prompts, including information generation, real-time action and decision-making.
I discussed this notion with OQLIS chief technology officer Andrew Bosma when we met for their Insights Overflow podcast. OQLIS is an SA firm that has expanded abroad. Its full-stack data analytics platform helps organisations make sense of their data in real time.
Bosma explained how their platform combines business intelligence, data automation, and machine learning to ingest, store, visualise, and analyse data and forecast patterns. Integration improves performance and decision-making with actionable insights.
I was most intrigued by Bosma’s notion of “prompt to action” during a talk over coffee before the podcast. I was fascinated by the idea that organisations could potentially prompt AI systems to provide insights and automate tasks.
Bosma and I discussed business automation projects using prompted AI. From security monitoring and agricultural automation to banking operations, AI can undertake many functions. It might monitor security cameras, warn of questionable activity, or improve agricultural irrigation and chemical use based on weather patterns. Task execution instead of data analysis increases operational efficiency.
Bosma described how they had integrated ChatGPT into their software platform. Users are able to prompt it for actions and insights without requiring an advanced level of technical awareness. Business executives can now generate reports, automate procedures, or study data trends in real time by using straightforward instructions. This will greatly streamline operations and enhance productivity.
I expressed my concern about the protection of customer data. The use of powerful AI platforms on sensitive corporate data is possible, but access must be protected. When it comes to the establishment of automated systems that safeguard data, he emphasised the importance of forming partnerships with expert vendors.
This “prompt to action” shift opens new horizons for AI. Enterprises could transform from data analysis to automation and decision-making in real time as a result. To maintain a competitive advantage in this ever-changing environment, business leaders need to become experts in articulation with both people and AI platforms.
In today’s workplace, individuals who excel at communicating effectively with AI systems and delivering clear, actionable prompts to enhance efficiency and creativity are set to become leaders in their fields. As we progress in an era in which AI is integrated into more aspects of our daily routines, being able to instruct these systems in a way that drives tangible results is a valuable skill.
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