The Union podcast

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Vor drei Jahren hinzugefügt

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Biscuits & Jam

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Shuai Wang’s Journey from China to Charleston 38:30

vor 13 Tagen38:30

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38:30

Chef Shuai Wang was the runner-up on the 22nd season of Bravo’s Top Chef and is the force behind two standout restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina—Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ—where he brings together the flavors of his childhood in Beijing and the spirit of the South in some pretty unforgettable ways. He grew up just a short walk from Tiananmen Square, in a tiny home with no electricity or running water, where his grandmother often cooked over charcoal. Later, in Queens, New York, his mom taught herself to cook—her first dishes were a little salty, but they were always made with love. And somewhere along the way, Shuai learned that cooking wasn’t just about food—it was about taking care of people. After years working in New York kitchens, he made his way to Charleston and started building something that feels entirely his own. Today, we’re talking about how all those experiences come together on the plate, the family stories behind his cooking, and what it’s been like to share that journey on national TV. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

The Union

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The Union is about the intersection between people, technology, and artificial intelligence. Get ready to be inspired and challenged as we ask questions, uncover insights, and share inspiring stories about digital ecosystems and automation.

60 Episoden

#Tech #Automation #Hyperautomation #Machine Learning #Artificial Intelligence #Krista #Aipaas #Ipaas #Orchestral #Conversational AI

The Union

updated vor etwa einem Jahr

Serie-Home•Feed

60 Episoden

#Tech #Automation #Hyperautomation #Machine Learning #Artificial Intelligence #Krista #Aipaas #Ipaas #Orchestral #Conversational AI

Alle Folgen

The Union

1
Choosing the Right Agentic Platform 58:46

vor 6 weeks58:46

58:46

Scott King, John Michelsen, and Chris Kraus discuss key insights from the report Choosing the Right Agentic Platform. They break down what separates true agentic platforms from chatbot tools and task bots that create more fragmentation than value. Learn why orchestration, integration, machine learning, and built-in enterprise features are essential for sustainable AI adoption. See how Krista enables organizations to run complex, cross-functional workflows with AI, people, and systems working together at machine speed. Download the full report here: https://krista.ai/choosing-the-right-agentic-platform/ More at krista.ai…

The Union

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You DO Want AI Training on Your Data 36:08

vor 14 weeks36:08

36:08

Most business leaders say they don’t want AI training on their data—but what they really mean is they don’t want to lose control. In this episode, we explain why the only way AI delivers real value is by learning your business: your documents, your processes, your language, and your priorities. We break down the difference between exposing data and improving outcomes, and why generic AI won't scale. You’ll hear how AI that understands your workflows can anticipate needs, suggest actions, and drive results—without writing endless prompts or building from scratch. If you’re still treating AI like a tool that needs babysitting, it’s time to rethink the strategy. Topics covered: Why blocking AI from learning limits your ROI The risks of generic intelligence in enterprise settings How to train AI like you train your people Real-world examples of AI reinforcing strategy by learning context Learn how to make AI work for your business—starting with your data. Listen now and subscribe for more episodes on making AI work in the enterprise. #AI #EnterpriseAI #Automation #BusinessIntelligence #AgenticPlatforms #AITraining #LLM #ProcessAutomation #DigitalTransformation More at krista.ai…

The Union

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Elevate Recorded Meetings to Enterprise Knowledge 23:54

vor 17 weeks23:54

23:54

Tired of meeting recordings that lead nowhere? We explore why summaries and tasks aren’t enough for operations executives seeking real enterprise knowledge. It’s more than recordings—it’s about weaving in emails, Teams chats, CRM data, and documents for a complete picture. Learn how orchestration transforms these insights into automated workflows, boosting efficiency and outcomes. From tackling customer churn with full context to unifying data with Krista, this episode shows how to turn meetings into a strategic asset. Key Takeaways: Recordings alone don’t cut it—context is king Enterprise data (emails, chats, CRM) powers smarter decisions Orchestration automates action from unified knowledge Want to elevate your meetings? Check out Krista’s conversation agents, AI-led knowledge management, and orchestration at https://krista.ai/solutions/conversation-agent/ . Subscribe for more tips on turning data into results! #EnterpriseKnowledge #MeetingAutomation #Orchestration #AI #BusinessStrategy More at krista.ai…

The Union

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MCP – Hype, Risk, and Enterprise Reality 27:58

vor 18 weeks27:58

27:58

In this episode, we break down the Model Context Protocol (MCP) — what it is, how it works, and why it’s generating so much hype in the AI world. But beyond the headlines, we explore the real enterprise implications. Is MCP secure? Can it be trusted to connect large language models to your internal systems? And what risks are developers and businesses ignoring in the rush to experiment? We draw parallels to past tech missteps (remember ActiveX?) and share firsthand insights from our own use of MCP tools. If you're leading AI strategy, running IT, or just trying to understand where this is all headed — this is the conversation you don’t want to miss. 👉 Subscribe for more deep dives on AI, automation, and enterprise tech. #MCP #AIintegration #EnterpriseAI #LLM More at krista.ai…

The Union

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AI Agents—What Lies Beneath 27:16

vor 20 weeks27:16

27:16

Should AI agents really cost $20,000 per month? In this episode, we break down OpenAI’s reported pricing for specialized AI agents and why many companies will try (and fail) to build their own. 🔍 What’s Inside: ✅ The hidden costs of DIY AI—why it’s not just about training a model ✅ Why most AI agents fail without orchestration, security, and integration ✅ How businesses get trapped in an endless cycle of building, fixing, and rebuilding ✅ Why a platform approach is the key to deploying AI agents faster and at lower costs 💡 Instead of sinking millions into fragmented AI projects, companies need a smarter way to assemble, orchestrate, and scale AI agents. Krista is that platform. 📌 Subscribe for more insights on AI and automation! 📩 Want to learn more? Visit Krista.ai for smarter AI deployment. #AI #Automation #ArtificialIntelligence #AIAgents #BusinessTech More at krista.ai…

The Union

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Your TeenAGENTer 37:01

vor 21 weeks37:01

37:01

Are AI agents the future of business—or just overhyped digital teenagers? In this episode, we break down why today’s AI agents promise big but need serious guidance to deliver. Think of them as teens on their first job: full of potential, but not ready to run the show. We explore: - The truth behind slick AI demos (spoiler: they’re not autonomous yet) - How AI can boost your business today—as a helper, not a boss - Why a solid platform is key to keeping AI in line - A quick-start checklist to make AI work for YOU Perfect for business leaders who want practical AI wins without the hype. Watch now to learn how to raise your AI agents into responsible business partners—and skip the growing pains! Subscribe for more no-BS takes on AI in business. Connect with Krista: Ready for AI that actually works? Visit https://krista.ai/ More at krista.ai…

The Union

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AI Agents—Security Asset or Hidden Risk? 38:40

vor 25 weeks38:40

38:40

Are AI agents a security risk or a security enhancement? In this episode, John Michelsen breaks down the biggest concerns enterprises have about AI-driven automation. We discuss data privacy, internal and external threats, compliance, and how AI platforms like Krista can actually improve security posture. If you're deploying AI in your organization, this conversation is a must-listen. 🔹 Topics Covered: ✅ The biggest security risks with AI agents ✅ How to ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR & SOC 2 ✅ The real reason some AI platforms are "free" (and why you should be cautious) ✅ How AI can reduce human error and insider threats More at krista.ai…

The Union

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Chasing Agents 23:11

vor 27 weeks23:11

23:11

The explosion of AI agents is transforming enterprise workflows, but it’s not without challenges. From integration hurdles to operational silos, businesses struggle to navigate the crowded ecosystem of hundreds and eventually thousands of agents. In this episode of The Union Podcast, Scott and Chris discuss risks of disconnected tools and how a platform approach like Krista’s agentic platform ensures seamless automation, scalability, and efficiency. Learn how to avoid repeating past mistakes with standalone apps and discover why enterprises are embracing platforms to future-proof their AI investments. If you’re exploring AI for your business, this episode is your essential guide to understanding the big picture. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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You Don't Have to Know Your Future 52:11

vor 29 weeks52:11

52:11

In a world where technology evolves faster than ever, you don’t have to know your exact future to thrive—you just need to be on the path to it. This video explores how AI is reshaping industries, redefining work, and accelerating innovation in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago. John Michelsen shares insights into the rapid advancements of AI, emphasizing that while you can’t predict every step, embracing change and adopting AI iteratively are essential for staying competitive. Learn why small, practical steps can help you build the muscle for rapid technology adoption, and how leaders and organizations can align to create a culture of continuous learning and growth. From AI’s potential to elevate human roles to the pitfalls of waiting too long, this discussion highlights why it’s not about knowing the future—it’s about being prepared to meet it. Key Takeaways: Why you don’t need to know your future to start leveraging AI. How leadership alignment accelerates AI adoption and innovation. The importance of starting small, scaling fast, and building agility in your organization. Real-world examples of businesses turning AI into a competitive advantage. The future isn’t about replacing humans—it’s about unlocking their potential. Watch now to learn how to lead with confidence and thrive in an AI-driven world. #AI #FutureOfWork #Innovation #Leadership More at krista.ai…

The Union

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Mastering AI Outputs: A Review of Prompt Engineering Guides 24:33

vor 32 weeks24:33

24:33

In this episode of The Union Podcast, Scott King and Chris Kraus review AI prompting guides from Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google. They discuss the challenges of crafting effective prompts, the limitations of teaching prompt engineering to everyone, and why automation should take center stage for business users. Highlights include: ✅ The differences between Google’s business-focused approach and Microsoft/OpenAI’s developer-centric guides. ✅ Privacy concerns and the complexities of integrating tools like Google Workspace or Azure. ✅ Why prompt engineering is both an art and a science—and not always the best use of time. ✅ How automation can eliminate repetitive tasks, improve customer support, and free your team to focus on what matters most. Join the conversation and learn how to navigate the world of generative AI without wasting time on unnecessary complexities. 📎 Links to prompting guides mentioned in the video: Microsoft Prompting Guide OpenAI Prompting Guide Google Gemini Prompting Guide More at krista.ai…

The Union

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You Can Buy Half the AI You Need; the Other Half is Unique to You 30:30

vor 34 weeks30:30

30:30

AI is no longer optional—it’s a competitive necessity. But what does it take to implement AI effectively for your business? In this episode, we break down why half of the AI you need is readily available in generative models, but the other half must be tailored to your unique processes, data, and goals. Join Scott King, Chris Kraus, and John Michelsen as they explore the challenges of traditional machine learning, the limitations of generative AI, and how Krista’s automated machine learning framework builds machine learning for you. Learn how Krista enables businesses to deploy AI quickly and cost-effectively without needing expensive data science teams. Discover how to identify high-ROI processes, streamline operations, and let machines handle repetitive tasks, so your team can focus on high-value work. Ready to get started? Visit Krista.ai to learn more about building AI solutions tailored to your business. #AI #Automation #MachineLearning #GenerativeAI #KristaAI #DigitalTransformation #BusinessInnovation More at krista.ai…

The Union

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What is an Agentic Platform, and Its Essential Capabilities? 24:29

vor 36 weeks24:29

24:29

Agentic platforms are essential for AI-driven automation. Join John Michelsen and Chris Kraus as they discuss how agentic platforms empower organizations by enabling autonomous AI agents to perform complex tasks and make intelligent decisions. Discover the key capabilities that set agentic AI apart, including low-code configuration, robust security guardrails, and seamless multi-channel engagement. If you're looking to transform your business operations with cutting-edge AI, this conversation will show you how agentic platforms can deliver real organizational value. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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There's No I in LLM 27:11

vor 37 weeks27:11

27:11

Are large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT truly automating work? John Michelsen unpacks the misconception that LLMs alone can drive business transformation. Join us as Michelsen shares real-world examples, revealing why relying solely on LLMs leads to slow, manual workflows. Learn how true automation requires orchestration across systems and processes, integrating AI into a seamless workflow to deliver meaningful outcomes at machine speed. Tune in to understand how to maximize the power of AI and avoid the pitfalls of superficial automation. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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Document Understanding and the Power of Entity Extraction 27:54

vor 39 weeks27:54

27:54

In this episode, we John Michelsen and Chris Kraus explain the limitations of traditional document processing methods like Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and how they struggle with unstructured data and unforeseen questions. Listen in as they discuss how flexible, context-driven Natural Language Processing (NLP) is transforming document understanding, enabling businesses to extract information accurately and efficiently—even in complex scenarios. They detail the benefits of NLP techniques such as lexical matching, entity extraction, and context-aware data sorting, which help technology leaders move beyond rigid rules and regular expressions. Discover how NLP allows organizations to identify essential data points, streamline workflows, and reduce human error, all while improving the accuracy of information extraction. Learn how Krista integrates these NLP advancements to simplify document processing, freeing your team from complex rules and enabling faster, more reliable decision-making. Ready to take your document processing to the next level? Watch now to see how NLP is revolutionizing data extraction with the power of context. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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Moving Beyond Traditional IDP and OCR to AI-Driven Solutions 30:05

vor 42 weeks30:05

30:05

AI is redefining document processing, moving beyond the limitations of traditional methods like Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR). As business demands become more complex, old solutions fall short—especially when dealing with unstructured content like diverse invoice formats and sales orders. Discover how AI's advanced capabilities can adapt to varying document types, improve accuracy over time, and significantly reduce manual intervention. In this episode, John Michelsen shares real-world insights, including a case study from a European healthcare organization that improved its document processing accuracy from 65% to 82.5% by implementing AI. Learn why businesses must act now to adopt these technologies, streamline workflows, and stay ahead of the competition. This episode offers actionable steps for using AI to automate repetitive tasks, enhance data extraction, and unlock new growth opportunities. Like, subscribe, and share to stay informed about how AI is transforming the future of business operations. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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How AI Delivers Real-Time Answers to Unforeseen Questions 38:14

vor 43 weeks38:14

38:14

In this episode, we explain how AI-powered solutions like Krista are transforming the way businesses answer unforeseen questions. Join us as we explore the challenges of handling unknown inquiries in complex workflows, the role of real-time data, and how AI can integrate dynamic systems to provide instant, accurate responses. We also discuss use cases for customer support, sales, and standard operating procedures, and provide actionable steps for implementing AI to boost efficiency and streamline operations. Whether you’re looking to fill knowledge gaps or enhance decision-making, this episode offers valuable insights on how AI can drive real business value. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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How AI is Improving Document Understanding 31:51

vor 44 weeks31:51

31:51

In this episode of The Union Podcast , we discuss how AI is revolutionizing document understanding and business operations. Join hosts Scott King, Chris Kraus, and John Michelsen as they explore real-world AI use cases that help businesses extract insights, automate workflows, and manage unstructured data more effectively. They discuss: Three key document understanding use cases that can transform how your organization manages data Real-world examples of AI speeding up invoice processing and handling complex documents The role of NLP (Natural Language Processing) in automating workflows and improving efficiency Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, reduce manual work, or better leverage the data within your organization, this episode provides actionable insights to get started with AI-driven document understanding. 🔔 Subscribe to The Union Podcast for more episodes on AI and business technology! More at krista.ai…

The Union

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AI and HR: Insights from SHRM 24 that Every HR Professional Needs to Know 20:35

vor 1 year20:35

20:35

Michael Haske, CEO of Krista, shares his experiences and insights from attending the SHRM 24 conference. The event, which brought together HR professionals from around the globe, focused on major transformations in the workplace, particularly the integration of AI, the skills gap, and the need for enhanced civility. AI Integration in HR: A Hot Topic One of the central themes of the SHRM 24 conference was the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming HR functions. Michael highlighted the enthusiasm and curiosity among attendees regarding AI's potential to revolutionize various HR processes. Popular use cases discussed at the conference included AI-driven talent acquisition, employee engagement, and predictive analytics to foresee employee turnover. The overarching message was clear: AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives that enhance the employee experience. The Evolving Role of HR Professionals Traditionally, HR roles have not been heavily tech-centric. However, the integration of AI into HR functions is changing this dynamic. Michael noted that HR professionals now need to become experts in AI technologies and be involved in every AI-related conversation, especially those impacting people. Effective AI integration in HR involves using AI to enhance roles, streamline processes, and make data-driven decisions. Standardized, validated approaches to assessing and matching skills with job opportunities are also essential. SHRM and Krista: A Strategic Partnership A highlight of the conference was the announcement of a strategic partnership between SHRM and Krista to deploy AI solutions for SHRM members. Michael provided insights into this partnership, explaining how Krista was chosen as the AI vendor to build SHRM's member-facing AI engine. This AI tool aims to leverage SHRM's extensive knowledge base, accumulated over 75 years, to provide members with advanced capabilities such as document analysis, understanding, comparison, and drafting. The partnership is set to empower SHRM members with AI-driven superpowers, enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness in various HR tasks. Key Takeaways for HR Professionals The SHRM 24 conference provided insightful knowledge for HR professionals. Michael Haske emphasized several key takeaways: Embrace AI : HR professionals should not shy away from AI but instead embrace it as a tool to enhance their roles and improve organizational efficiency. Focus on Upskilling : With rapid technological advancements, continuous learning and development are crucial. HR professionals should prioritize upskilling and reskilling to stay relevant. Be at the Forefront : HR should be involved in all AI-related decisions within the organization, ensuring that AI implementations are human-centric and aligned with organizational goals. The SHRM 24 conference highlighted the transformative potential of AI in HR and the importance of addressing the skills gap. With strategic partnerships like that of SHRM and Krista, the future of HR looks promising, with AI playing a central role in driving efficiency and innovation. As Michael aptly put it, "It's time for HR to have a seat at the table on an enterprise-wide basis when it comes to AI decision-making." More at krista.ai…

The Union

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The Art of the Possible: Practical AI and Automation Use Cases for HR 26:52

vor 1 year26:52

26:52

Human resources are undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to advancements in AI and automation. Traditionally manual HR processes work, but many HR professionals wonder, "How can AI and automation technologies be applied to my everyday challenges?" Chris Kraus and I discuss several HR-specific AI and automation applications, offering practical insights into real-world use cases. Challenge: Navigating Complex Policies and Regulations How AI Can Help: AI-powered tools like Krista act as knowledgeable assistants, instantly providing accurate answers to employee questions about your company policies, benefits, and regulations. This not only saves time for HR staff but also ensures consistency and accuracy in responses. Employee Self-Service: Empowering Employees with Information How AI Can Help: AI-powered self-service portals allow employees to quickly access the information they need providing accurate answers and guiding them through complex processes like leave requests or benefit enrollment. This empowers employees and frees up HR staff to focus on strategic initiatives. Candidate Experience: Attracting and Hiring Top Talent How AI Can Help: AI-powered tools can automate job postings, applicant screening, and interview scheduling, making it easier for candidates to apply and for HR or local management to identify the best fit. Additionally, AI can help tailor the candidate experience based on individual preferences and communication channels like SMS or omnichannel. Recruiting and Tracking: Streamlining the Hiring Process How AI Can Help: Krista orchestrates processes across different systems, automating tasks like resume screening, interview scheduling, and progress tracking. Having software run the process instead of people ensures a smooth and efficient hiring process rather than manually keeping track of all of the steps. Employee Onboarding and Offboarding: Ensuring Smooth Transitions How AI Can Help: Krista automates onboarding and offboarding workflows, ensuring that tasks like systems access, equipment setup, and paperwork are automated and accounted for. This improves the onboarding experience and reduces the risk of data breaches when employees leave. Process Orchestration: Streamlining HR Operations How AI Can Help: Krista orchestrates complex HR processes, combining multiple tasks into a streamlined workflow. For example, an employee can request vacation, and Krista automatically handles approvals, calendar updates, and notifications. This improves efficiency, reduces errors, and frees up HR staff for more strategic work. Conclusion AI and automation can alleviate many common bottlenecks in HR processes. Leveraging tools like Krista can help HR professionals streamline operations, enhance the employee experience, and focus on strategic initiatives that drive business growth. Embracing AI is not just about efficiency; it's about empowering your workforce and adapting to the evolving landscape of work. As AI continues to advance, HR departments that leverage these technologies will be well-positioned to lead their organizations into the future. Ready to explore how AI can transform your HR processes? Contact us to discover the art of the possible for your organization. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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Protecting Your Company Data When Using LLMs 18:43

vor 1 year18:43

18:43

While LLMs offer undeniable benefits, integrating them into the workplace poses significant risks to company data. Here’s why: Data Leakage: It’s easy for employees to paste confidential company information into LLM prompts inadvertently. This could include anything an employee can access: financial reports, trade secrets, customer data in text, documents, or even data in spreadsheets. Ownership Concerns: When company data is used to create content using LLMs, there’s a risk of losing ownership rights or control over intellectual property. Who owns the content created by LLMs? The company that provides the data or the LLM provider? Compliance Issues: The unregulated use of LLMs can lead to costly violations of data protection regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and others. Companies have a legal obligation to protect sensitive customer and employee data, and a breach caused by mishandling information within an LLM could have serious repercussions. Three LLM Usage Scenarios & Why You Should Be Worried The privacy and data security risks associated with LLMs vary depending on how your employees access and utilize the models and services. Three of the most common scenarios and the specific concerns they raise include: Scenario 1: Free GenAI/LLM Accounts Free and readily accessible GenAI tools and LLM interfaces are great at helping employees jumpstart content or edit existing text. However, this ease of use comes at a steep price. When employees turn to these free options for work-related tasks, often for convenience or out of unfamiliarity with company policy, sensitive data is put at extreme risk. Data Leakage at its Worst: Free LLM accounts offer minimal to no safeguards for your data. Anything pasted into these interfaces, from client emails to financial projections, is essentially out of your control. Training Future Models: Most alarmingly, many free LLM providers openly state they use user inputs to train their models. This means your confidential company information could become part of the knowledge base of a publicly accessible AI, potentially exposed to competitors or malicious actors. Scenario 2: Paid Enterprise LLM Accounts While paid enterprise accounts come with improved terms of service and stronger data protection promises, they do not guarantee absolute security. Risk of Leakage Persists: Even with contractual assurances, there remains a risk that your data could be unintentionally exposed due to human error or vulnerabilities in the provider’s systems. Training Concerns: Although many providers commit to not training their models on your data, there’s often no way to verify this claim independently. Your sensitive information could still be used to enhance the capabilities of LLMs, potentially benefiting your competitors. Scenario 3: Hosting Your Own LLMs This scenario represents the most security and control. By hosting open-source LLMs within a secure Krista tenant, you maintain absolute ownership and oversight of your data. No Data Leaves Your Account: Your company’s information never interacts with external LLM providers, eliminating the risk of data leakage or unauthorized use. Full Control: You have complete authority over how the LLM is configured, trained, and used, ensuring that it aligns perfectly with your organization’s specific security and compliance requirements. Peace of Mind: This approach provides the highest reassurance that your data remains confidential, secure, and entirely within your control. Implementing this technology within your organization is critical, and the risks associated with how you and your employees interact with LLMs vary depending on the use case. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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Understanding LLM Jailbreaking: How to Protect Your Generative AI Applications 23:03

vor 1 year23:03

23:03

Generative AI, with its ability to produce human-quality text, translate languages, and write different kinds of creative content, is changing the way people work. But just like any powerful technology, it's not without its vulnerabilities. In this podcast, we explore a specific threat—LLM jailbreaking—and offer guidance on how to protect your generative AI applications. What is LLM Jailbreaking? LLM vandalism refers to manipulating large language models (LLMs) to behave in unintended or harmful ways. These attacks can range from stealing the underlying model itself to injecting malicious prompts that trick the LLM into revealing sensitive information or generating harmful outputs. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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Assembling AI: The Illusion of Simplicity 30:35

vor 1 year30:35

30:35

Building your own GenAI system and app requires a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving technology and the complexities involved. It is not as simple as building traditional web or mobile apps. GenAI is constantly changing, with new models and updates being released frequently. This means that the frameworks, behaviors, and APIs used to interact with the models can change rapidly, requiring constant maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, the process of ingesting and understanding data, especially unstructured data like images and PDFs, is more complex than it seems. Assuming that maintaining the infrastructure and quality of GenAI apps is similar to your existing projects can lead to expensive costs and time-consuming maintenance cycles. Using a platform like Krista can provide the necessary tools and expertise to handle these complexities and allow businesses to focus on solving their specific business problems instead of maintaining a custom-built solution. Takeaways · Building your own GenAI system and app is not as simple as building traditional web or mobile apps. · GenAI technology is rapidly evolving, with new models and updates being released frequently. · The frameworks and APIs used to interact with the models can change rapidly, requiring constant maintenance and upgrades. · Ingesting and understanding unstructured data, like images and PDFs, is more complex than it seems. · Using a platform like Krista can provide the necessary tools and expertise to handle the complexities of building GenAI apps and automations. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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Unpacking the Shared Assessments Summit: How AI and Automation Can Revolutionize Risk Management 43:17

vor 1 year43:17

43:17

Key Takeaways AI skepticism remains a hurdle: While interest in AI is high, doubts about accuracy, safety, and trust persist. This emphasizes the need for accurate, transparent, explainable AI models with validation and governance. Focus on time savings for overworked teams: A major draw of AI is automating repetitive tasks and finding pain points. This frees up Third Party Risk Management (TPRM) teams to reduce friction with the business and tackle the increasing burden of assessments, including Nth party risk. Contract risk: a critical area for AI application: AI's ability to analyze and extract data from complex contracts fills a significant gap, helping manage risks often overlooked by traditional risk management programs. Earning trust in AI is key: Risk management professionals crave solutions that are accurate and reliable. AI adoption depends on providing transparency, demonstrating explainability, and building confidence through meticulous validation. Strategic empowerment: AI isn't about replacing risk managers but enabling them to make proactive, informed decisions about risk. This transforms the profession and opens the door to embracing calculated risks for the organization's success. The journey starts with the basics: Organizations often need help finding where to begin. Understanding how AI automates assessments and pinpointing specific pain points is the first step toward targeted solutions. The Shared Assessments Summit, a leading risk management conference, brought together experts to discuss the latest trends and best practices. Sam Abadir, a risk management and governance, risk & compliance (GRC) solutions specialist, and Jason Eubanks, a risk consulting manager, were among those in attendance. In this article, we explore key takeaways from the conference, focusing on how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation can transform your approach to risk management. We explain how AI-powered tools, like Krista, can automate repetitive tasks, improve knowledge accessibility, and shift the focus of risk management professionals to strategic activities. We will also explore AI's potential to unlock new ways of approaching risk. By using AI and automation, risk management professionals can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and contribute more effectively to the success of their organizations. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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This is Your AI Copilot Speaking 24:16

vor 1 year24:16

24:16

AI copilots are generative AI engines that assist users in point tasks such as writing emails, summarizing customer cases, and generating code. AI copilots can be used in a variety of business functions, including marketing, customer service, and software development. However, AI copilots assist one person with one task at a time. They improve personal productivity but are not effective at transforming business processes or using more powerful AI solutions like predictors and categorizers. Takeaways Definition and Scope of AI Copilots AI copilots are identified as tools based on generative AI technology, designed to assist in various tasks by generating or completing content based on given inputs. They are differentiated from other AI applications like predictors or categorizers. Applications and Benefits AI copilots can assist in coding by generating initial code drafts, helping to speed up the development process, though the generated code may require optimization for efficiency. In customer service, AI copilots can help draft email responses or summarize customer interactions inside of a single application. In legal applications, AI copilots can summarize meetings or draft documents, though it raises concerns about the skill development of junior lawyers. Challenges and Considerations The proliferation of AI copilots across different platforms and tasks (e.g., coding, customer service, email management) could lead to challenges in managing, governing, and integrating these tools effectively within organizations. There’s a risk of over-reliance on AI, potentially reducing human oversight and quality control, especially in critical tasks. There are concerns about AI’s potential for misuse, such as generating inappropriate or harmful content, though it was noted that current applications are not designed to act autonomously in such a manner. Perspectives on the Future of Work with AI Copilots The inevitable increase in the use of AI copilots across various job functions emphasizes the need for careful management to avoid overwhelming users. The potential for AI copilots to significantly reduce routine tasks and allow professionals to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their work was seen as a positive development. Adaptation and Learning A learning curve is associated with effectively utilizing AI copilots, including understanding how to prompt and interact with these tools for optimal results. Choosing the right AI tool for specific tasks is important to prevent inefficiency and confusion. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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What TPRM Professionals Think About AI 33:02

vor 1 year33:02

33:02

In Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both an opportunity and a dilemma. One, if you should use AI , and second, for what tasks . I talked with TPRM experts Sam Abadir and Tom Garrubba about responses from a recent poll among approximately 1,000 risk management professionals. We reviewed the questions and responses and offered insights and opinions based on the results. More at krista.ai…

The Union

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Enhancing AI Precision with Retrieval Augmented Generation 28:05

vor 1 year28:05

28:05

Retrieval augmented generation (RAG) is revolutionizing AI by infusing language models with timely and relevant external data. This technique is pivotal in delivering not just intelligent but informed AI responses. In this podcast, Chris and I explain what RAG is, how it functions, its impact on AI’s performance, and the challenges it helps overcome. Key Takeaways Retrieval augmented generation works by integrating large language models (LLM) with real-time data retrieval to provide accurate, contextually relevant responses, which reduces computational and financial costs associated with inaccurate responses RAG fills knowledge gaps by using vector databases for better information retrieval and regularly updating knowledge libraries to maintain response accuracy, addressing the limitations of static data in AI models. The practical application of domain-specific augmented generation use in industries like retail and e-commerce, telecommunications, and manufacturing demonstrates improved service delivery. Unlocking LLM Potential with Retrieval Augmented Generation RAG is a method that significantly enhances the capabilities of LLMs. RAG functions as a prompt engineering technique, enriching the output of LLMs by integrating an information retrieval component into your systems of record and data sources like CRM, HR, and external knowledge bases. Doing so provides AI systems with timely, accurate, and domain-specific data - a marked improvement over conventional large language models that often operate with static or outdated training data. This improves the LLM’s ability to generate accurate responses and limit hallucinations. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
2024 AI Outlook: What Business Leaders Need to Know 24:09

vor 1 year24:09

24:09

2024 AI Predictions What does the internet say about AI? What do the AI pundits think will happen? We were curious, too. In our quest to understand what was being predicted for AI in 2024, we reviewed a set of diverse sources to analyze and merge a myriad of predictions to provide a consolidated overview. This article cuts through the noise, delivering a straightforward perspective on AI trends. We've factored in common predictions and outliers, providing you with a balanced view of who predicts what when it comes to AI. The Sources Behind AI Predictions In our review of AI predictions, each source offered distinct insights reflecting their unique perspectives. I've linked each of the sources from Adobe, Forrester, Gartner, IBM, IDC, LA Times, NVIDIA, PWC, TechCrunch, and TechTarget that we reviewed and categorized. IBM emphasized predictions at an enterprise level, focusing on how AI would reshape business operations and strategies. Gartner and Forrester focused on the impact of AI on individual task levels, highlighting how AI could enhance personal efficiency and workplace dynamics. IDC provided a more IT-centric view, exploring how AI would aid IT professionals in their roles, with an emphasis on shifting outcomes and the emergence of conversations as the standard user interface. LA Times, PWC, and TechTarget brought attention to the coming of age of open-source AI, stressing the importance of ethical AI and the need for transparency in AI operations. NVIDIA presented a broader spectrum of insights, reflecting the diversity of opinions from the 17 experts they consulted, covering a wide range of AI applications and implications across various sectors and disciplines. The AI Landscape - A Consensus View Across the board, experts agree that generative AI is set to skyrocket this year, bolstering productivity and spurring innovation. Businesses are bound to see a significant shift towards multimodal AI, which invites a more natural interaction with technology using voice, images, and text. As these technologies advance, tight AI regulation is expected to emerge, guiding their integration into the market. The consensus is clear — AI is not just a fleeting trend but an innovation that is fueling economic growth and investments. Outliers - Unique Predictions and Their Significance Not all forecasts follow a common thread. Gartner casts a spotlight on AI's role as an emerging economic indicator of national power by 2027. Meanwhile, TechCrunch raises concerns about AI's potential misuse in the 2024 elections. NVIDIA equates the race for AI supremacy to a new space race. These outlier predictions, while not widely echoed, provide insights for businesses to consider, presenting both opportunities and warnings. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
The Future of TPRM 41:48

vor 2 years41:48

41:48

Most third-party risk lifecycles adhere to a similar pattern: planning, due diligence, contract negotiations, ongoing monitoring, and termination. However, the management and responsibility of these processes differ significantly across organizations. Traditionally, the information security department carried this burden, but recent events like Covid, regional wars, political changes, and socially-focused laws have broadened organizations' risk perception beyond just IT. They now include geographical, reputational, concentration, and compliance risks. Different departments, leveraging their unique expertise, now seek information from third parties to manage diverse risk types. Third-party risk management expert, Tom Garrubba, practical advice to assist companies in tailoring third-party risk management activities to their size, risk profile, and risk management necessities. Regardless of where the organization situates third-party risk management, the ultimate responsibility rests with the third-party risk manager and the business owner. They must identify the necessities and required documentation for each vendor, enabling a thorough assessment and due diligence or ongoing monitoring. The assessment process presents challenges for both the vendor and the risk manager, often requiring over 40 hours to complete and validate. Midsize companies dealing with dozens to hundreds of third parties quickly face the reality of these complications. Additionally, vendors often feel overwhelmed with assessment requests from their many customers and may instead issue a "customer assurance packet" containing broad information sets for you to sift through to identify potential risks. Third-party risk management is essential, even for industries not legally required to do so. Those lacking a robust strategy and supporting technology risk overloading their vendors with assessments and distracting internal teams. Furthermore, if you operate in a regulated industry, expect your strategy and technology to face scrutiny eventually. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
AI Fear and Fear of Missing Out 17:32

vor 2 years17:32

17:32

Embracing technological change via automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer optional; it's a necessity. Delaying AI use in your company can hinder progress and put you farther behind your competitors. However, embracing AI adoption is not without its apprehensions. Your concerns about unknown outcomes and hallucinations are valid but are easily overcome with the right security, accuracy, performance, and cost strategies to limit your risk and exposure. Integrating AI is about continual progress over perfection, focusing on the transformative power of automated processes, rather than the pursuit of unattainable perfection. We will show you how to overcome AI fear, build confidence, choose the right process for AI and guide you toward the first steps for adopting AI. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
Generative AI for Agile Knowledge Management 48:11

vor 2 years48:11

48:11

Generative AI (GenAI) is influencing nearly all processes in our businesses and none so much as knowledge management. Employees want a better experience and they have found by already experimenting with GenAI; ask a question, and get an answer. But, the answers and the knowledge delivered to them via the public interfaces aren't always correct. Our guest speaker Julie Mohr is a principal analyst at Forrester covering IT service management and enterprise service management. Julie shares how knowledge management practices are evolving and how GenAI is accelerating change. Julie spotlights the shift from old-school waterfall techniques to agile knowledge management and describes how GenAI is set to overhaul how companies capture, update, and apply their knowledge. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
GenAI is Great, But... 24:50

vor 2 years24:50

24:50

Generative AI vs Predictors and Categorizers Generative AI is hot and has ignited our imaginations. However, it's important to highlight that there are other AI capabilities, like predictors and categorizers, that can produce significantly more value, particularly in enterprise settings. But, these capabilities aren't new; they have been around for quite some time and have proven their worth in many business applications. Predictors, for instance, are excellent for forecasting numbers or categories based on historical data, while categorizers excel in sorting data into predefined groups. Both play a vital role in enhancing efficiency and decision-making in businesses, demonstrating that while generative AI is indeed captivating, it is not the most valuable AI player. Key Takeaways: Generative AI vs Other AI Models : While generative AI has garnered a lot of attention and hype, there are other AI models, such as predictors and categorizers, that can offer substantial value in enterprise settings. Practical Applications of Predictors and Categorizers : Predictors : Used for predicting numbers or categories based on historical data. Categorizers : Used for categorizing data into predefined categories. Bridging the Gap for Business Users : There is a need to make AI more accessible to business users, not just data scientists. Data Quality and Availability : Successful implementation of AI models requires good quality data. Building Trust in AI Models : For AI models to be successfully adopted, users need to trust their predictions and recommendations. Starting with AI in Business : Businesses looking to implement AI should start by identifying processes that can benefit from predictors and categorizers. Questions for Reflection: Identifying Opportunities for AI : In what areas of your business could predictors and categorizers be applied to improve efficiency or decision-making? Building Trust in AI : How can you involve business users in the AI implementation process to build trust and ensure the accuracy of the AI models? Data Quality and Preparation : What steps can you take to ensure that you have access to clean and relevant data for training your AI models? More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
Harnessing AI-Driven Automation for Efficient Third-Party Risk Management 27:39

vor 2 years27:39

27:39

Explore how AI orchestration is revolutionizing Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM). Learn how combining AI technologies, like document understanding, NLP, and generative AI, with process orchestration improves risk management practices. Discover how AI can read vendor documentation, complete assessments, identify risk outliers, and provide comprehensive data processing in minutes rather than weeks. Sam Abadir explains how this automation not only enhances risk awareness but also significantly reduces costs and improves efficiency. Using an AI-led orchestration platform to automatically populate assessments and create issues helps your risk managers perform more assessments in less time therefore increasing your risk awareness. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
Generative AI is only 5% 26:25

vor 2 years26:25

26:25

The Pressing Demand for Generative AI in Enterprise Generative AI (GenAI) is promising unparalleled advancements and efficiencies for many types of use cases. Boards and CEOs continue to experiment with the technology and imagine how it can improve workforces and increase throughput. The Wall Street Journal highlights how CEOs are pressuring CIOs and technology leaders to urgently install generative AI for fear of being left behind and CIOs are feeling the heat. However, with the dynamics and complexity of adopting generative AI in enterprise settings, it becomes clear that managing expectations is just as important as it is about technological integration. Generative AI Sets False Expectations The simplicity and efficiency of generative AI in personal use often paint an unintentionally misleading picture in an enterprise setting. When CEOs and other non-technical leaders personally interact with tools like ChatGPT, they're introduced to the potential of the technology in an uncomplicated, straightforward context. This magical experience often sets false expectations, leading them to question why such technology isn't already integrated into the broader systems of their companies. However, the reality is that scaling these tools for enterprise needs is a vastly more intricate process. It's akin to the difference between cooking a meal for oneself versus catering for a large event with complex dietary restrictions; the underlying task is the same, but the scope and complexity are dramatically different. This lack of understanding between personal uses and the intricacies of enterprise deployment highlights the need for clearer communication about the capabilities and limitations of AI tools in a business context. The Intricacies of Enterprise Implementation Deploying generative AI in an enterprise setting is more than meets the eye. While individuals might find generative AI to be a convenient solution for isolated tasks, integrating it within a business's broader systems demands addressing a series of complex challenges. As John points out while a user might see generative AI as solving 100% of a personal problem, it only covers about 5% of the challenges in a business context. The vast majority of the work comes from: Content ingestion : Importing data correctly is a massive challenge, especially when dealing with varied content like text, tables, images, and metadata. Properly importing, categorizing, and managing this data is a colossal task that requires precision to ensure you prompt an AI model with the right context and information. Real-time access : Unlike personal use scenarios, where static data is sufficient, enterprises operate in dynamic environments and require real-time data, which means integrating AI models with existing systems in a nimble and adaptable method. Data security: Enterprises deal with vast amounts of sensitive data, and any AI model must operate securely within existing frameworks, ensuring that access is limited to only the appropriate roles and parties. Scalability and cost : Experimenting with public interfaces is free or inexpensive but deploying these models at scale can be extremely costly so enterprises need to be able to manage these costs and justify the investments. The journey towards integrating generative AI in your enterprise is simple if you plan effectively and leverage the right tools. It involves more than simple adoption—it demands understanding, strategic planning, careful deployment, and continuous assessment. With the right approach, clear use cases, strong data governance, skillful training, and vigilant monitoring, generative AI can be effectively integrated to drive considerable value to your business, fostering innovation, and giving your organization a competitive edge. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
You Don't Need a $900,000 AI Engineer 20:43

vor 2 years20:43

20:43

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming business processes, companies face a significant dilemma: whether to hire expensive AI specialists or pivot towards more cost-effective and scalable options. With industry giants like Netflix offering compensation packages as high as $900,000 for AI Product Managers, the perceived value of AI expertise is high. However, smaller companies wanting to apply AI might be scared off by these numbers, raising questions about the viability and affordability of such roles. This article explores the financial implications of implementing AI, the challenges of AI adoption, and the benefits of choosing the right data platform for AI implementation. We delve into some AI use cases managed through automation versus those handled by specialized AI engineers, and describe the role of platforms like Krista in making AI accessible to companies regardless of their size. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
How to Choose an LLM 22:26

vor 2 years22:26

22:26

Different LLMs have varying strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different language models is crucial, as it allows you to select the most efficient tool for your specific needs. When you evaluate and test various LLMs, you are essentially comparing their ability to answer different types of questions, their performance, and their cost-effectiveness. This comparison isn't merely an academic exercise but a critical step in identifying which model can best serve your needs in real-world applications. This process is straightforward and achievable with the right tools and guidance, so everyone can benefit from the advancements in artificial intelligence. How to Evaluate and Test Different LLMs Now that we have identified some key factors to consider, let's look at how you can evaluate and test different LLMs in a matter of minutes. Start by identifying your specific use case for an LLM. This will help you narrow down the list of available options. A great first use case is an employee assistant since it is straightforward and more than likely you have the data to support the test. We chose this use case in Comparing Large Language Models for Your Enterprise: A Comprehensive Guide. Gather the documents related to your use case. These documents will serve as the basis for generating questions to test the LLMs. If you want to run a similar test to ours you can use your employee handbook or another resource that you are familiar with. Import your documents into Krista and write down the questions that you would like to ask of your data. If you have FAQs available based on your document, then you can use those questions, different ones, or a combination. Choose 2-3 LLMs that you want to compare and run each question through them, recording their responses. Krista provides you with a conversational interface to ask questions about your document sets. Evaluate the accuracy, performance, and cost of each model's responses. Consider any other relevant factors, such as data security, when making your final decision. Repeat the process with different sets of questions and documents to thoroughly test each LLM. If you want to connect a system like a ticketing system, CRM, or email inbox, contact us for help. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
Rise of the Prompt Engineer 27:50

vor 2 years27:50

27:50

The prompt engineer. Do you need one? Can you train your people to generate prompts? Can this be automated? Well, it depends. LLMs, like BARD, OpenAI GPT-3.5 and 4, Llama, or Flan, require a diligent and persistent approach to testing and refining prompts. Their variable performance for different use cases reveals the critical need for consistent testing and evaluation to achieve accurate results. Therefore, prompt engineering isn't a static task. It's an evolving practice that isn't an exact engineering principle. It's part science and part art, therefore it requires constant attention and refinement. Whether you're a seasoned professional in the field or just starting out, this article and corresponding podcast offer examples, and valuable insights into the challenges and solutions in prompt engineering. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
How to Limit LLM Hallucinations 26:09

vor 2 years26:09

26:09

To effectively limit LLM hallucinations, you need to treat LLMs more like journalists instead of storytellers. Journalists weave stories using factual, real-time information. Similarly, you need to feed your LLMs with real-time information to ensure their generated content aligns more closely with reality. Storytellers on the other hand don't require real-time information, since they are creating tales in a fictional world. In our experience, LLMs are primarily used to distribute static content, but static content queries only cover about 20% of the answers users seek. The majority of queries require real-time information. For instance, asking for a current cash forecast at 10 a.m. on a given day will have a different answer hours, if not minutes, later. Or, "Which sales opportunities have a chance of slipping into the next quarter?" Answers to these questions reside in your finance and accounting or customer relationship management software systems. You can't train an LLM on this fluid data but you can prompt an LLM with the data from these systems by integrating an LLM with your backend systems. This in essence will limit LLM hallucinations since you are prompting it with your real-time data to generate an answer that contextually makes sense to the person asking the question given they have permission to read the data. Moreover, when individuals pose questions like these, they often aim to initiate a whole workflow. For instance, the sales opportunity question mentioned earlier about which deals may slip, cannot be resolved by referencing static content. Such requests will involve triggering other systems or human workflows that fall outside of an LLM's purview. A sales manager or chief revenue officer will seek to initiate some type of action if deals are slipping so they can maintain the sales forecast. They may want to offer a discount to accelerate a deal or offer an incentive if excess inventory is available. It's essential to realize that while LLMs are an important part of the solution, they are not the entire solution. To handle queries related to static content, real-time information, and integrated systems or workflows, you need to marry LLM capability with other systems. With this integrated approach, you can limit LLM hallucinations, ensuring the AI system provides more accurate and beneficial responses. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
The State of Generative AI 20:36

vor 2 years20:36

20:36

In this episode of The Union podcast, Chris and I review McKinsey &Co.'s "The state of AI in 2023: Generative AI’s breakout year," exploring its impact on various industries and job functions and how it's shaping the future of work. How High Performers Achieve Results with Generative AI McKinsey's report summarizes 1684 survey responses and highlights how companies are using generative AI, some of the opportunities they are taking advantage of and several concerns with the technology and how it integrates into applications and workflows. The report authors split the responses and highlight how differently high performers are leading the way in the use of AI. High performers are organizations that, according to respondents, attribute at least 20 percent of their EBIT to AI adoption. They're able to quickly identify opportunities and capitalize on them with a data-driven mindset, leveraging AI solutions to rapidly develop new products, services and processes--not just save money. High Performers Are Using Generative AI Differently How are high performers achieving a 20% lift in earnings with generative AI? This is a big lift and demonstrates that AI is truly transforming businesses. Interestingly, the survey showed that high-performing organizations state they focus on building new products using AI rather than cost savings. Building new products opens adjacent markets or enables one to grab more share and spend from current customers. I'd like to see this data further segmented by industry or use cases since they are getting such a lift. I assume that the high performers are likely to be companies with dedicated data science teams who understand how AI can contribute to product development. Companies just starting with AI might be more focused on potential cost savings, given their lesser familiarity with AI's potential. Concerns with Generative AI are Consistent As with any technological advancement, there are apprehensions surrounding generative AI adoption. Is it secure? Are the outputs accurate? Where does my data go? These are valid concerns and the report states generative AI inaccuracy, cybersecurity, and IP infringement as the top concerns. However, these risks can be mitigated by using AI integration platforms like Krista to help govern data, and prompt generative AI with data and answers from your internal systems thereby reducing inaccuracies or hallucinations, and cybersecurity risks. How Are Companies Using Generative AI? Of the individuals surveyed for the report, most have used generative AI at least once and one-third use it regularly. Industries using generative AI the most include tech, media, and telecom sectors followed by financial services and other business services. This suggests that the more data-intensive an industry is, the higher the usage of AI, and therefore a greater opportunity to make sense of the business and build new products. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
Translating Machine Learning Model Performance Into Business Value 38:29

vor 2 years38:29

38:29

Companies evaluating AI want the most accurate machine learning models (ML) to predict or summarize business outcomes. However, many times achieving high levels of accuracy and confidence inflates expenses and erodes value versus adding to it. In this episode, Luther Birdzell and Scott King discuss what is and what is not AI, evaluating ML model accuracy against costs, and how to maximize your ROI when building or maintaining your models. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
What is Predictive Analytics? 19:06

vor 2 years19:06

19:06

Embracing Predictive Analytics in Decision-Making In this episode of The Union Chris and I discuss predictive analytics and how to use it to help you make better decisions. We explored how advanced analytics can help business process owners and IT professionals boost their decision-making prowess. The most important topic in this episode is using machine learning to build machine learning. It's possible to capture and interpret business process data to streamline and improve them over time. This capability helps automate decisions that, until now, many may not have recognized as automatable. Automating HR Processes with Machine Learning In a given process, predictive analytics can supplement or could replace a manual decision with an automated one, increasing efficiency and speed. For instance, when an employee requests vacation, a machine learning model can evaluate multiple variables rather than a manager looking up the same information - such as the employee's leave balance, work capacity needs, and crew shift patterns - to make an informed decision about if or when the employee can take a leave of absence. Enhancing Cash Flow Predictions We also discussed an intriguing case in finance where predictive analytics helped improve the decision-making process. Accounting can tally the invoices sent out, but it's finance that often struggles to predict when these invoices will be paid. Machine learning can analyze patterns in past behavior to predict when a customer is likely to pay an invoice. This insight can assist finance in determining cash flow so they can pay invoices or invest. This kind of prediction is impossible to achieve manually, especially for large organizations with thousands of vendors. With machine learning assisting in evaluating data and helping predict outcomes you can boost accuracy and get a better grip on cash flow forecasting. Strategic Decision-Making with Predictive Analytics Then we tackled the topic of strategic decision-making. Companies need to move beyond using predictive analytics for making isolated decisions. Instead, they should harness it to drive strategic actions. For instance, once finance knows which invoices are likely to be paid soon, they can offer an early payment discount to accelerate cash flow. It's all about leveraging the predictive power of analytics to achieve business objectives and streamline operations. Envisioning the Future of Predictive Analytics Looking ahead, predictive analytics will continue to enhance business decisions as companies move processes to software. As more organizations recognize its potential, we'll see a shift from simply making faster decisions to automating actions based on these decisions. The future is about integrating predictive analytics within business processes to drive automated, data-driven outcomes to improve the ways businesses operate. The Indispensable Value of Predictive Analytics Predictive analytics and automation have the potential to automate decision-making, predict future trends, and drive strategic actions, all of which will revolutionize the way businesses operate. Embracing predictive analytics is no longer a choice; it's imperative for those seeking to boost efficiency and enhance both employee and customer digital experiences. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
Using Automation to Orchestrate Your People 24:49

vor 2 years24:49

24:49

There's a lot of AI buzz and businesses everywhere are feeling the pressure to integrate this exciting technology. However, amidst all the hype, there's a need to clarify a few things. First off, AI isn't a panacea for all business woes. It needs a foundation of sound data and processes to be effective and it's intended to assist rather than replace human decision-making. The power of automated workflows A major component that tends to get lost in the AI conversation is the power of business workflows. These are the cogs and gears that keep an enterprise running smoothly, but they're often overlooked. Consider a scenario where a company needs to manufacture a specialty item for a valuable client that isn't on the standard price list. How can you effectively orchestrate such a process that is outside of the norm? Different decisions will need to be made. Other concurrent processes will need to be modified or stalled. How do you keep everyone informed in such a situation to make sure you provide superior customer service at the lowest costs? Your people cause process delays Now, let's extrapolate this to the reality of remote work and multiple stakeholders in a process. Many times the complexities of business operations across time zones or business units can lead to inefficiencies, especially if the responsibility of coordination falls on a single individual. Moving well-orchestrated workflows to software could greatly simplify these processes, allowing you to keep your global operations moving at machine speed. In the absence of well-orchestrated workflows, we run into several issues. For instance, if someone is on vacation, who steps in to approve and follow up on their tasks? Without a well-defined process, tasks could easily fall through the cracks, leading to delays and errors. Automating communication offers immediate ROI But there's a solution within your reach - intelligent automation . Intelligent automation offers immediate ROI by identifying areas within business processes that can be streamlined. By automating tasks, you set the stage for AI integration, thereby further enhancing your operations. There's a wealth of evidence supporting the ROI of automation, from case studies to quantitative data. This prepares you for your iterative AI journey and paves the way for a smarter, more productive workforce. You need good processes and data for AI To sum it all up, while AI is undoubtedly a game-changer, we need to keep our focus on the big picture. AI can help us make better decisions based on good data, but the underlying processes that service our customers and employees are just as crucial. We can make immediate impacts by taking the time spent on emailing and follow-ups and transferring them to software. By focusing on orchestrating our workflows, we can improve our efficiency, better serve our customers and employees, and make room for transformative technologies like AI. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
Decoding the Value of Generative AI-- An Analysis of McKinsey's 'The economic potential of generative AI' 26:32

vor 2 years26:32

26:32

Generative AI is transforming how data and content are generated in many types of use cases. Its ability to quickly summarize data and enable people to interact with systems in a conversational manner is redefining what work is and the value associated with it. In a recent conversation with Chris Kraus, we reviewed McKinsey & Co.'s, "The economic potential of generative AI: The next productivity frontier" on how generative AI is shaping different roles across several industries, particularly in customer service, labor cost efficiency, and the implications for high-value work. Generative AI assists in front and back office tasks The line between back office and front office operations is blurring as generative AI takes on a more significant role. AI's ability to assist in automating tasks previously managed by humans in areas such as customer service is remarkable. For example, consider the scenario where AI meticulously examines incoming documents in a loan application process, distinguishes them, and then forwards them to a loan officer for approval. AI aids professionals by automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-priority matters. Generative AI ROI One cannot overlook the financial implications of AI. In certain regions where labor costs are low, the financial burden of resolving a problem with AI may outweigh the cost of human labor. However, relying on humans in this context merely postpones the inevitable adoption of AI. High-value work, which is the cornerstone of any successful business operation, deserves our attention. Every employee is often bombarded with requests from peers and external stakeholders. Amid these demands, it's important to prioritize. Generative AI can help by taking on tedious tasks, freeing up individuals to focus on high-value projects that require creative and critical thinking. Generative AI innovation accelerated When reflecting on McKinsey's previous reports, the advancement of natural language understanding technology surpasses all expectations. Previously, experts predicted that AI technology capable of human-like tasks would emerge in 2027. However, as of 2023, we are witnessing this transition happening right now. This leap signifies a four-year acceleration, which has tremendous implications for businesses worldwide. What are the practical uses of Generative AI? The question remains: How should businesses perceive and respond to this accelerated development? While some might dismiss it as mere hype, the practical use cases of AI, as outlined in various research papers, are too compelling to ignore. In one instance, a Krista partner who sought ten potential use cases for AI from customers ended up identifying a hundred viable scenarios, each with a distinct dollar value. With the rapid advancement of technology, waiting and watching is no longer an option. If you don't adopt AI now, your competitors will, leaving you trailing in their wake. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
How to Properly Govern Your AI Data 19:32

vor 2 years19:32

19:32

Artificial intelligence (AI) has an immeasurable impact on various industries, from finance to healthcare to customer service. It can automate repetitive tasks, derive insights from massive data sets, and even help manage and govern data. However, effectively governing AI data requires a well-thought-out strategy and proper implementation. Chris Kraus and I discussed the importance of data governance in AI and how to effectively manage it in this episode of The Union. AI Should Involve People in the Same Context Any AI conversation should maintain a 'shared context'. A shared context refers to the ability of an AI system to maintain a consistent understanding of a situation across multiple interactions and even multiple users. For example, in a customer service scenario, a shared context would allow a customer service agent to pick up where a previous interaction left off, saving the customer from having to repeat information. Maintaining a shared context across multiple interactions is crucial since customers may require help from multiple systems or people spanning several sessions. Therefore, AI systems should be able to manage long-running conversations and provide previous knowledge. Many conversations are not resolved on the first attempt so any AI system should be able to recognize that it is the same conversation and maintain the same context. AI Should Know Who Is Allowed to Know What! When implementing generative AI for customer or employee assistants, it is critical to understand who has access to what data and for what reasons. With many different stakeholders involved, from employees to managers to end users, you cannot afford to expose data to those who should not have access to it. For instance, a call center agent may need to consult with a manager to approve a customer interaction or an offer. This decision may involve accessing customer data that the agent does not have the privilege to view. An automated AI workflow can handle this situation by learning how such decisions have been made in the past and using that knowledge to decide on its own, without the need for human intervention. However, it's essential to ensure that AI does not provide answers to those who should not have them, maintaining data privacy and security. You wouldn't want employees to ask the HR or payroll systems questions about employee health, benefits, or salary information. AI Conversations Should Transfer from Chat in a Browser to Mobile Platforms to SMS Today's customers expect a seamless experience across all platforms, whether it's desktop, mobile, or SMS. By enabling 'long-running conversations' across these platforms, businesses can enhance omnichannel customer experiences while also governing the data that supports them. Effectively governing AI data involves maintaining a shared context across many people, understanding who is allowed to access what data, and managing data across multiple user interfaces. By focusing on these areas, you can reap the benefits of AI while also ensuring your data is managed effectively and securely. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
AI Should Help You "Do" Things 22:40

vor 2 years22:40

22:40

Generative AI possesses great abilities to craft impressive content. Its capacities in generating text, photos, and videos, and engaging in conversational interactions are remarkable, yet they represent only one step in a customer's or employee's quest to complete a process. Imagine a customer reaching out to an organization for assistance. Generative AI can answer this person if its model supports the request or it can suggest another method. However, its true potential can only be exploited when it transcends conversational limitations and takes definitive actions to help you actually "do" something. We must view AI not just as an intelligent service that generates content, but as an operative tool that propels actions and leads to substantial business outcomes. AI should be more than an impressive chatbot; it must guide your customers and employees based on the next best actions for the outcome they are seeking. This is a fundamental concept in the realm of AI: operationalization and optimization. And, this AI shouldn't merely exist in the realm of conversations but rather connect to real-time systems, actively engage with multiple people, and most importantly, facilitate actions that drive positive business outcomes. This journey of operationalizing AI starts with a simple, yet important, concept. Eventually, you will want customers and employees to have one-on-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many conversations with your real-time systems. Doing so provides them the capability to complete an outcome by themselves. In essence, what we are striving for is an AI automation system that does more than just chatter—it must "do" things. Chris and I delve into this intriguing aspect of AI in this second of three episodes, breaking down AI complexities and understanding its capacity to "do" things, which ultimately leads to measurable outcomes. More at krista.ai…

The Union

1
Integration at the Speed of AI 23:27

vor 2 years23:27

23:27

Implementing generative AI or any other form of AI within a business framework demands more than mere installation. Businesses need to be confident that their data remains secure and that there are role-based administrative procedures present in managing the least privilege. The AI should be capable of synchronizing with current systems in real-time to provide pertinent information and precise responses to users in any format. In instances where a response or conversation involves additional personnel, the AI should maintain the same context for all of the parties. This method ensures everyone comprehends the narrative and collaborates towards the identical objective. Most of all, businesses need to connect and change AI services almost instantly. Businesses cannot continue with slow and resource-intensive deployment and integration cycles. This is the first of three podcasts where we explore quickly connecting AI solutions. This first episode discusses three enterprise requirements for connecting generative AI into your business to improve employee and customer experiences. You must connect generative AI to enterprise systems in real-time You must be able to instantly integrate and interchange different AI tools and services You must be able to efficiently synthesize vast data volume More at krista.ai…

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