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AdvantageJan 22, 2025 9:00:00 AM4 min read

Exploring AI for Enterprise Connectivity: 7 Tips for IT Teams

AI-powered connectivity tools facilitate communication and knowledge sharing that enable faster issue resolution, improved coordination, and increased productivity.

Yet, many businesses are hesitant to embrace AI, leaving them vulnerable to competitive disadvantages, operational inefficiencies, and missed growth opportunities. 

This article explores the critical dangers of falling behind in AI transformation and offers enterprise IT teams advice on how to move forward. 

We'll delve into the specific consequences of neglecting AI and examine how empowered teams effectively identify and implement AI solutions that drive efficiency, innovation, and business value within a global enterprise.

The dangers of falling behind in AI transformation

Failing to explore AI solutions in IT operations can leave enterprises at a significant disadvantage in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. 

Diminished innovation, reduced operational efficiency, and a loss of competitive edge are just a few of the ways businesses suffer. 

Consider the following disadvantages if your business is slow to adapt to AI: 

Slower service delivery 

Inefficient IT operations lead to slower service delivery and increased customer frustration.

Stunted growth

By not embracing AI, enterprises limit their ability to adapt to changing market demands, develop new technologies, and drive future growth.

Slower response times

Manual processes for tasks that AI could automate will lead to slower incident response times, increased downtime, and reduced overall operational efficiency.

Increased costs

Employee overhead is more expensive than automated solutions. Avoiding AI can result in higher operational costs due to increased human intervention and a greater likelihood of human error.

Lost efficiency

Competitors who leverage AI for tasks like network optimization, security threat detection, and automated maintenance will gain a significant advantage in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

Are your business leaders prepared to deal with these consequences? According to PwC’s Emerging Technology Survey, 55% of respondents identified AI as a priority investment. Companies that don’t follow suit should be prepared to deal with competitive decline and missed opportunities. 

However, an empowered IT team can effectively identify and implement AI solutions that drive efficiency, innovation, and business value within a global enterprise.

Identifying high-value AI applications: 7 tips for IT teams

IT teams play a crucial role in identifying and implementing AI solutions that drive business value. Here are some tips for finding the best AI-related applications within your organization.

1. Start with a problem area

Identify pain points within your network and communication infrastructure where AI addresses existing challenges or inefficiencies. This could include network optimization, security enhancement, or cost reduction. 

For example, AI can analyze network traffic patterns to identify and proactively address potential bottlenecks, such as slowdowns during peak hours.

2. Focus on high-impact opportunities

Prioritize AI solutions with the potential to deliver significant business impact. Consider areas where AI automates tasks, improves decision-making, or enhances customer experiences. 

This may include automating routine network maintenance tasks, predicting and preventing security threats, or improving the customer experience with AI-powered chatbots for technical support.

3. Review existing business data

Assess the data your organization already collects and how to deploy it to train and power AI solutions. 

Look for opportunities to leverage data analytics and machine learning to gain insights and optimize operations. For instance, analyze network performance data to identify trends, predict future needs, and optimize resource allocation.

4. Collaborate with vendors and partners

Engage with technology vendors and partners who offer AI expertise and solutions. Leverage their knowledge and experience to identify potential AI applications within your organization. 

Consider partnering with vendors who specialize in AI-powered network solutions, such as those offering SD-WAN with AI-driven optimization or cloud-based network management platforms with AI capabilities.

5. Hone in on specific technologies 

AI covers a broad range of technologies, but you’ll want to get more specific when planning an integration:  

  • Utilize Machine Learning (ML) for predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and traffic flow optimization.

  • Leverage Deep Learning (DL) for image and video recognition in security systems and natural language processing for improved customer support.

  • Implement Natural Language Processing (NLP) for chatbots, sentiment analysis, and automated ticket routing.

6. Integrate AI into the overall business strategy

Employees may resist changes to their workflows and fear the disruption caused by new technologies. It’s essential to align AI initiatives with broader business goals and objectives and make sure senior leadership builds buy-in.

7. Start with a pilot project

Demonstrating a clear business case for AI adoption is crucial for securing the necessary funding and support. 

Choose a specific use case with a high potential for impact and a clear return on investment. Conduct a pilot project to test the AI solution's feasibility and effectiveness.

Gather data and analyze results to refine the solution and demonstrate its value to the organization.

Conclusion: Taking the lead through AI solutions

By embracing AI, IT teams transform from reactive problem-solvers to proactive innovators, driving strategic value within their global enterprises.

The consequences of inaction are significant, ranging from slower service delivery and increased costs to diminished innovation and a loss of competitive advantage. 

By proactively identifying and implementing AI solutions, IT teams can unlock a wealth of opportunities to enhance network performance, improve security, and drive operational efficiency.

We’ve explored the critical dangers of falling behind in AI transformation and provided actionable tips for IT teams to identify and implement high-value AI applications effectively. However, this is just the beginning. 

Don't let your organization fall behind in the AI revolution. Download our market brief and unlock the full potential of AI-powered connectivity for your enterprise.

Ready for the next step? To better understand how AI can revolutionize your enterprise's connectivity, reach out to the experts at Advantage. 

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