key insights
- Although there are pros and cons, it is useful for government officials to learn about AI and automation and their potential uses.
- Common uses for business intelligence tools include budget reporting, accounts payable processing, and credit card transaction tracking.
- Using a large-scale, approved language model helps both employees and voters get the right answers to their questions.
There is a lot of interest and different opinions about automation and artificial intelligence (AI). Some believe that AI will take us into the next industrial revolution, while others believe that AI is overhyped and will not bring about change.
Different interpretations of AI have added to the confusion, leaving further doubts about the safety and effectiveness of this technological advancement.
Despite the pros and cons, it would be wise for government officials to be aware of AI and automation and its potential uses. Learn how this technology can benefit government agencies and see real-world examples.
What is artificial intelligence and automation?
artificial intelligence
When discussing various AI technologies, it is important to establish a foundation of understanding. AI is a broad field of computer science that focuses on creating machines that can perform tasks that require human intelligence. It includes a wide range of technologies and methodologies that enable machines to perceive, understand, act, and learn from their data and environment.
Within AI, there are subsets that focus on specific data or outcomes.
- machine learning It primarily focuses on algorithms that learn from data.
- deep learning — A deep dive into neural network-based algorithms for complex data tasks embedded in machine learning. This is commonly referred to as a large-scale language model (LLM).
- LLM is a highly focused AI tool used to specifically address a specific business use case (see example below).
All AI fundamentally relies on statistics, which are key components of data analysis and algorithm training.
automation
Automation uses technology such as AI and business intelligence tools to reduce human intervention. Rather than replacing the value of humans, automation improves human efficiency, allowing them to perform higher-value tasks while retaining basic knowledge of the automated tasks.
There are benefits to using AI and automation. Consider the following benefits and implications for automatic reporting:
| manual report | automatic report |
|---|---|
| 80% of reports are ad hoc and 20% standardized | 80% standardized, 20% ad hoc |
| it takes time | time saving |
| prone to errors | more accurate |
| inconsistent | real time |
| depends on the individual | scalable |
Real-world use cases for AI and automation
Business intelligence tools like Microsoft Power BI and Tableau are becoming more popular. These tools combine data and automation, moving from highly manual reporting mechanisms (often Excel) to near real-time access to data and key performance indicators.
Common ways to use business intelligence include:
- budget report : Having the ability to automate geospatial reviews of budgets, budget vs. actuals, expenditures, and even expenditures not only saves preparation and review time, but also aids in internal control reviews.
- Credit card and purchase card transaction data : Understand trends and reduce fraud risk with robust banking data in automated, easy-to-consume dashboards.
- Accounts payable processing — Using computer vision, technology goes beyond reading text on documents to understanding their context and preparing data from invoices, receipts, and purchase orders to auto-populate financial systems. can do.
Large language model example
Applying LLM to your policies, procedures, ordinances, and legal documents can save your internal resources and the people you serve significant time.
How an LLM can help employees
A secure internal LLM (such as Company GPT) allows employees to ask questions, provide scenarios, and receive conversational answers with sources. For example, what if your employees want to better understand your company's travel policies? With an in-house LLM, employees can quickly learn about per diem rates, how to record time, and how to submit expenses. You can learn.
How an LLM can help voters
With an LLM focused on local ordinances, building codes, and other important local government resources, voters have easy access to cited answers. This provides a true 24/7 automated source to glean insights into what's important to your community (or what needs to be communicated better).
how we can help
The right use of technology and data can reveal deep insights about your organization and help you save time.
Our digital team has extensive experience in data, data analytics, and data science. Contact us to learn how automation and AI can help your organization.
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