Using the Key of Artificial Intelligence Correctly
Using the Key to Artificial Intelligence Correctly
Artificial intelligence... It promises a revolution in the business world, excites us, and maybe even intimidates us a little. While this technology is seen as the key to the future, many businesses fail to turn the key correctly when trying to open the door. The fate of AI projects is not determined by mere enthusiasm but by smart management and a strategic perspective. This highly captivating technology offers great opportunities but can also turn into a complete waste of time if missteps are taken. Let’s explore how to avoid the common pitfalls and take the right steps to transform the potential of AI into reality.
Focus on Real Needs, Not Popular Trends
One of the most common reasons for the failure of AI projects is poor project selection. When searching for ways to pave the way for AI projects, it is essential to focus on the actual needs of the business rather than on what’s popular. Many businesses dive into AI simply because it’s a trend without questioning whether these projects align with their current resources and team capacity. This approach leads to wasted time and resources and often results in project failure. The first step of any project should be based on a solid foundation that addresses a real need. Starting with small-scale pilot implementations is an effective way to minimize risks and test the project’s trajectory. Research shows that poor project selection leads to a high failure rate of 70-85% in AI investments. Therefore, embarking on a project to address a genuine business need rather than for its novelty is a critical first step.
Don’t Start Without a Solid Foundation
The cornerstone of AI projects is data. Embarking on a project without a quality data infrastructure is like building a skyscraper without a strong foundation. Unfortunately, many businesses fail to give adequate importance to data quality before initiating such projects. These shortcomings negatively impact the accuracy and success of the model. To ensure success, carefully analyzing, classifying, and conducting detailed preliminary work on data is crucial. This preparation process not only lays a strong foundation for the project but also significantly increases the chances of success.
Proceed with the Right Expertise
Another major challenge in AI projects is the lack of technical management. There is a significant difference between managing a project and steering it with technical knowledge. AI projects require technical expertise and proficiency in data management. Therefore, businesses must ensure that they have technical experts involved in the project as advisors or contributors to guide its direction. Projects executed under the guidance of the right expertise improve outcomes and help businesses move forward with more confidence toward the future.
Patience, Patience, Patience...
One of the most common pitfalls for businesses starting AI projects is the expectation of immediate results. However, these projects must inherently be approached with a long-term perspective and managed patiently at every step. AI is not a "set-it-and-forget-it" solution but a dynamic system that continuously learns, evolves, and adapts to new information. Therefore, not achieving tangible results in the short term does not mean the project is a failure. On the contrary, incremental improvements and small advancements during the process pave the way for more robust and effective outcomes over time.
Focusing on refining each step, identifying and addressing shortcomings along the way, provides businesses with a significant advantage in long-term projects. Patience and allowing the project the necessary time to mature not only solve current challenges but also prepare businesses for future difficulties. For this reason, aiming for sustainable long-term success rather than short-term victories is essential for businesses to extract real value from these projects and stand out in their industry.
The Right Keys Open Doors to the Future
All these insights show that AI projects serve as a key offering tremendous opportunities for businesses. However, turning this key correctly requires strategic preparation and solid planning. While Turkey is among the top 20 economies worldwide, it still lags in AI maturity indexes. Moreover, the adoption rate of AI among SMEs remains low. This indicates that we have a long way to go in this field and must make the right investments. In a world where not every door opens easily, businesses must first determine how and to what end this technology will serve. By selecting the right projects, building a robust data infrastructure, collaborating with competent experts, and maintaining a patient approach, businesses can unlock the doors to the future with confidence. When we correctly evaluate the potential offered by AI, a profound transformation is possible not only in the business world but across the entire economic ecosystem.