Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, showcasing remarkable versatility and increased capability across various industries to change the business landscape fundamentally.

According to Eduardo Garcia Salles, Principal Architect at AlfaPeople in Brazil, the potential ranges from automating routine tasks to driving innovation in fields like healthcare by monitoring our bodies throughout the day, finance by analyzing our purchasing habits, and transportation by discovering the most efficient routes.

“Companies of all sizes can utilize AI, not just large ones because services are now available for smaller ones, which was unthinkable a few years ago due to the high cost. There are many things AI can do for all kinds of industries. AI is our present and our future,” Salles says.

However, Salles agrees that adopting new technologies can be a challenge. While C-level executives might be able to set the direction for companies’ AI adoption, it’s the technical teams that must lead the transformation. “AI is very new for everyone, but technical teams have been working with AI functionalities for a long time. It makes it easier for us to understand what we’re capable of doing with AI and what the limits are,” Salles says.

The role of the technical team then, according to Salles, is crucial in the adoption and innovation of AI. However, it’s beneficial for the business if everyone is involved because AI will impact us all.

Technical teams are crucial in the adoption

The role of the technical team then, according to Salles, is crucial in the adoption and innovation of AI. However, it’s beneficial for the business if everyone is involved because AI will impact us all.

“While the technical team has a unique perspective on AI, the best ideas can come from anyone – even those outside the technical team,” Salles says.

However, finding applications for AI can be challenging for someone without technical expertise. In this case, the technical team plays a vital role in guiding these decisions, such as suggesting using AI to generate images or automate workflows.

“The technical team can discuss technical aspects or limitations, but we often approach problems from a narrow perspective. It’s important to consider broader, more creative solutions,” Salles says.

To help stakeholders select the best AI solutions for their businesses, AlfaPeople is hosting a workshop where it will be possible to discover the transformative potential of Microsoft AI technologies, exploring how AI, including Co-pilot and Power Platform, can revolutionize efficiency and workflows.

Involved in several projects

AlfaPeople is already involved in several projects to implement Microsoft AI into existing workflows to optimize processes and maximize efficiency. Salles highlights the work AlfaPeople is doing for a company in the pharmaceutical industry.

“Generative natural language is an area of focus. In this case, we use it to convert WhatsApp audio messages into text for immediate processing and response,” Salles explains.

AlfaPeople has also developed an AI chatbot for internal and external use. The Azure OpenAI GPT is designed to respond to customer inquiries using ChatGPT and company data.

“Managing the vast amount of documentation we have internally at AlfaPeople is a challenge, and AI can help navigate this information efficiently,” Salles says.

Choosing the right partner and tools

Implementing AI requires the selection of the right tools. However, selecting the right partner for implementation is even more crucial.

“Microsoft is a comprehensive provider that offers a full stack of AI services, making it an ideal choice. Security and governance are also considerations, and features within Microsoft’s offerings help address these concerns effectively,” Salles says.

Microsoft and Azure AI services offer a broad range of tools for various applications, including machine learning for large datasets, natural language processing for Azure OpenAI for text generation, and image and speech recognition.

“These services allow for easy integration of AI functionalities into business processes without extensive infrastructure,” Salles says.

Governance and compliance are integrated into the technology solutions from the start.

“It’s crucial that the project team and the entire company, including the leadership, understand and adhere to these principles. Good governance ensures that projects are sustainable and compliant with regulations, preventing issues down the line,” Salles says.

However, according to Salles, while AI might seem daunting, it is not something to fear.

“AI is a transformative technology with the potential to create significant positive changes and improve processes, products, and experiences. The future of AI is bright, and by studying and understanding its capabilities, technical professionals can lead the way in leveraging AI to benefit everyone,” Salles says.

Present the possibilities

Navigating AI requires specialized expertise, technological capabilities, and industry knowledge. AlfaPeople can help implement AI solutions that are the right fit for any business.

However, the role of the technical team is still crucial. Salles explains that the technical team’s role is to identify the needs of the company and match those with the capabilities of AI technologies.

“They present the possibilities that AI offers, helping the organization to choose the right solutions. It’s about understanding the requirements and using AI to meet those needs effectively. This process involves explaining the potential and limitations of AI, including considerations like security, governance, and compliance, to ensure informed decision-making,” Salles says.

Do you want to know more about Microsoft AI? Sign up for our workshop now!