Harnessing the power of AI: A new era for business productivity and efficiency

AI-enabled devices offer significant productivity benefits yet there is still hesitation to invest in them, says Tara Gale

Pro

In association with Dell Technologies

The technology landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, comparable in impact to the rise of smartphones in the mid-00s. While we’ve had a constant stream of technological advancements since then, none have had the same transformative impact as the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI isn’t just another tech trend or ‘phase’; it’s a fundamental reshaping of the way in which we live and work.

The transformational impact of AI has been recognised by Government in its National AI Strategy and National Digital Strategy, which aims to have 75% of enterprises in Ireland using AI by 2030.

For businesses, embracing AI is no longer optional and empowering workforces to adopt it into everyday practices is crucial. But success really hinges on providing them with the tools they need to harness its full potential. Refreshing PC estates across organisations is essential for achieving this and this promises multiple benefits from enhanced productivity and efficiency to ensuring competitive advantage.

Analysts are predicting that with an AI-enabled PC, workers can benefit from tools that are more responsive to their needs than ever before. Technology providers, too, are promising that these devices represent a significant leap beyond traditional computing, offering a potent blend of processing power and intelligent features that can redefine and improve processes across organisations. A refresh cycle of this nature can offer workers an immediate, tangible benefit from incorporating AI into daily processes – all while leaders plan for more comprehensive AI strategies to drive long-term growth.

But despite the significant benefits that the devices have to offer, there is still hesitation among business leaders to fully invest. Looking into this more closely, we understand that there are numerous barriers to more widespread adoption.

Cost and investment justification

According to Dell Technologies’ latest Innovation Catalysts Study, the main barriers to adoption are uncertainty, cost concerns and the fact that established use cases are still in development. This has resulted in one in two Irish businesses struggling to keep pace with advancements in Generative AI (GenAI).

The novelty and rapid evolution of the technology can make long-term planning difficult, especially in cases where AI’s benefits aren’t immediately clear. This makes it difficult to justify the potentially substantial upfront investment without a clear and immediate return on investment (ROI).

At the same time, our own research has revealed a widespread awareness  that AI will play a transformative role in industries with 62% investing in AI-optimised technology to enhance the work experience. Businesses are accepting that integration of AI tools is soon to become inevitable and largely unavoidable. It also became apparent in our research that businesses in Ireland are broadly positive about the ability of AI-powered machines to significantly augment human capabilities.

As we look towards a future defined by AI, businesses must embrace change and seriously consider the transformative power of AI PCs to empower their workforce.

Enhancing human potential

AI-enabled PCs are not just about raw computing power. They are designed to amplify human ingenuity.

These devices act as intelligent partners that can streamline workflows, automate repetitive processes, and provide instant access to information. This allows more time for strategic thinking and creative problem solving, which are crucial for driving innovation and achieving business success in today’s competitive landscape.

Professionals can explore new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and actively develop cutting-edge solutions that drive competitive advantage. Increased productivity and efficiencies in this way lead to faster turnaround times, improve project outcomes and a better utilisation of the available resources.

Similarly, features such as Copilot+ embedded within AI PCs also provide instant access to information and insights that can help humans to make more informed decisions. It can quickly gather relevant data, analyse it, and present it in a clear and concise manner.

This empowers professionals to make smarter, data-driven decisions while mitigating risks and optimise outcomes.

Unprecedented productivity gains

Automating repetitive tasks and streamlining work also has the benefit of reducing the cognitive load on the workforce. This can lead to a reduction in stress levels and improved engagement for enhanced productivity and innovative thinking.

The seamless multitasking enabled by AI PCs further empowers professionals to effortlessly juggle multiple tasks for uninterrupted productivity and enhanced focus.

AI-intensive tasks, such as image recognition, natural language processing, and machine learning are particularly beneficial for professionals who need to work on multiple projects or applications simultaneously. For example, a designer can simultaneously edit high-resolution images, run 3D rendering software, and communicate with clients via video conferencing, all without experiencing any lag or performance issues.

Maximising return on investment with enhanced services

Knowing that return on investment after an AI PC refresh is a major concern, it’s imperative to prioritise a seamless transition that maximises value and minimises disruption.

Partners that facilitate connection to a wider ecosystem of software and expertise can be a huge support through the transition. They can assist with strategic planning and deployment, using their deep understanding of AI technologies and best practices to help organisations avoid common pitfalls and minimize any costly downtime.

Similarly, proactive monitoring and maintenance services provided by partners ensure optimal performance at all times. These services include regular software updates, hardware diagnostics, and remote support, ensuring that AI PCs are always operating at peak efficiency.

Dell Tech Forum 2024

The future of business lies in embracing AI, and AI PCs are essential to unlocking this future. By partnering with Dell, organisation can empower their workforce and fully harness the potential of AI PCs to drive business success.

The upcoming Dell Technologies Forum on 8 October in the Convention Centre Dublin will explore the transformative power of AI PCs, offering important and practical insights for organisations aiming to unlock the power of AI and enhance growth. Featuring a range of AI expert speakers and innovation specialists, the conference promises to help businesses across the country advance their AI journey and position themselves for future success.  

To learn more and register for Dell Tech Forum, click here.

Tara Gale is client solutions country lead at Dell Technologies