YRC maintains SOPs crucial to become AI-ready

With the growing influence of AI-based applications, there is also a swelling eagerness among businesses to rope in and benefit from the use of AI for business processes. However, a pertinent question that arises is the readiness of an enterprise to embrace any AI-based solution. SOP experts - YRC explains why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential for organisations to become AI-ready.

Operational Specifications for AI

Incorporating process automation including AI-based solutions is much more challenging in an undefined or poorly-defined working environment. Machines cannot get away with poor instructions. Machine learning in business processes needs instructions in specific terms. Even in the case of AI, the parameters of performance and results have to be mapped and defined. Having clear-cut and comprehensive process definitions makes it easier to identify the informational needs and the target operational standards. This is where SOPs make the entry. SOPs require that every process/workflow is mapped and defined to a high degree of detail covering all relevant operational aspects. If an enterprise does not know how it currently executes its processes, it won’t be able to provide the required instructions to any AI application.

Assist in Upgrades

The changes in technology and other environmental factors affect how businesses make use of technology by realigning their operations framework. In routine circumstances, shifting to an upgraded version of a technology may not be considered as a necessity but things get a little tricky in the case of AI. It is like saying no to an improved way of learning and adaptation. In business, such decisions can have many adverse consequences in small and big ways. Losing competitiveness in analytics is an apt example of this. However, in deciding to upgrade technology, businesses will still need to be able to assess the incremental benefits that will come with such upgrades. If there are well-established SOPs for the business processes in question, there is a better chance of assessing whether and how the new AI capabilities would aid the process and business prerogatives.  

Result-Orientation

Workflows are important but AI applications also call for emphasis on the results of workflows. When a machine is asked to learn and improvise, it must be also provided with unambiguous objectives. SOPs not only map and define procedures but also lend result-orientation to the process flows. These mappings and definitions of expected process outcomes are crucial for AI applications to learn better and deliver better-performing solutions. Based on the information available from the SOPs, AI applications can be instructed on the data fields to be monitored and analysed, the nature of data processing, the measurement of performance, and finding scope of improvements. SOPs provide the process and operational details to high comprehensive levels which makes the required information easily available for sharing with AI-based applications for better performance.

Making Room for AI

Not all organisations are looking at adopting AI-powered applications. Also, investing in AI solutions may not be commercially justified for a majority of small or medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, the impending clout of AI also cannot be undermined. Businesses need to keep an eye on the AI-related technological developments uniquely affecting their operations. To be able to make the necessary assessments and decisions pertaining to process performance geared by AI is close to impossible without process maps and definitions. With SOPs in place, it becomes convenient to assess and compare operational performance and results under different combinations of resource utilisation. In other words, SOPs will assist in identifying and making room for AI-powered business solutions.

Change Management

The ever-growing embrace of AI-based business applications has also raised concerns about job security, new skill requirements, and the impact on the role of humans. While some concerns may look far-fetched, some seem to be knocking at our doors. AI has proved to be superior to average human capabilities in many roles like research and analytics. This raises apprehension among those in the affected fields about losing jobs to droids. Also, AI is capable of carrying out voluminous and complex tasks with higher efficiency and effectiveness than humans. With reduced roles, the deprived scope of rise in salaries is another concern.

At the organisation level, SOPs can help reduce the potential apprehensions and resistance to change emanating from implementing AI-powered business solutions. SOPs can help in role transitions by providing distinct points for entering and exiting processes. Employees would have a clear understanding of role bifurcations and the precise use of AI in their jobs.

Many modern-day SOP experts believe that well-crafted SOP solutions offer a platform to help employees better comprehend the logic behind the inclusion of AI in workflows. SOPs will help to see AI as a facilitator and a chance to diversify expertise instead of a role-stealer.  

Training for the Future

SOPs play a vital role in designing training programs. It makes available crucial inputs on operational standards and requirements. The scope of inclusion of AI in the future could be assessed and highlighted in the training and development programs. Such pre-emptive efforts will help employees welcome AI with a prepared mindset and skill sets. With the use of Standard Operating Procedure examples, they will get to know in advance the roles and responsibilities that one day might be done by AI. It will help them to plan their careers and realign their knowledge and skills. On the other hand, enterprises will also gain by being able to forecast their competency requirements in the future.

For business enquiries on SOP design and implementation services or a customised list of Standard Operating Procedures designed by expert SOP consultants, please visit the company’s official website: https://www.yourretailcoach.in/contact/