In this second part of our series about Generative AI, we delve deeper into the technology’s inner workings and explore its implications for businesses.
How does generative AI work?
The answer to this question is a resounding “We’re not entirely sure.” Despite extensive research on the GPT-4 model, researchers still struggle to fully understand how it produces its output. The complexity of generative AI models makes them notoriously difficult to interpret, earning them the nickname “black box” technology.
However, we do know that the output of generative AI is heavily influenced by the input data used during the machine learning phase of model creation. The quality and quantity of this training data will determine what comes out the other end. Generative AI cannot create anything truly original; it can only reassemble existing content in new and innovative ways.
To generate a specific type of output, the model must first be trained with the appropriate content. This process is often referred to as “data curation,” where large amounts of relevant data are collected and used to train the model. The more diverse and high-quality the training data, the better the model will perform on tasks that require it.
Why does generative AI matter?
Generative AI can be thought of as a tool for making open-ended, creative content. This makes it perfect for automating routine, mundane tasks – much like a calculator. Just as calculators take care of boring, repetitive sums quickly and easily, allowing the user to focus on more complex tasks, generative AI can automate tasks such as data entry, document summarization, and even basic programming.
The humble desktop calculator takes care of boring, repetitive sums quickly and easily. Meanwhile, the calculator operator can spend the time (and energy!) saved on other, more complex tasks. Generative AI works in a similar way, freeing up human professionals to focus on higher-level tasks that require creativity, critical thinking, and expertise.
Unlike a calculator, generative AI is not limited to basic mathematics or simple tasks. Developers can describe a specific app functionality and the model can write working code automatically. A time-poor executive can upload a PDF ebook and the AI can summarise the key points into an at-a-glance bullet point list. Marketers can prompt the AI model to create an image for use in their email newsletter without troubling the in-house graphic designer.
Generative artificial intelligence can fulfil all these tasks and more, making it an incredibly powerful tool for businesses looking to automate and accelerate their operations. By leveraging generative AI, companies can:
- Automate routine data entry and processing tasks
- Generate high-quality content such as blog posts, social media posts, and product descriptions
- Create custom graphics and images for marketing materials
- Develop new software applications and features
- Summarise large documents and reports into concise, actionable summaries
Generative AI and you
By now, you should be able to see at least some of the potential of generative AI for your business. Almost any low-level task can be automated and accelerated using gen AI – if you have the right models in place.
However, it’s essential to note that generative AI is not a silver bullet solution. It requires careful planning, execution, and ongoing maintenance to ensure that it meets your specific needs and goals.
To get started with generative AI, consider the following steps:
- Identify areas of your business where automation can make the most impact
- Choose the right models and tools for your specific use case
- Develop a clear understanding of how your model will be trained and updated
- Establish a process for monitoring and evaluating the performance of your model
- Continuously refine and improve your model to ensure it meets evolving business needs
By following these steps and embracing the potential of generative AI, businesses can unlock new levels of productivity, efficiency, and innovation. The future of work is here, and it’s time to harness the power of generative AI to drive success.
To learn more about harnessing the power of generative AI for your business, please give us a call