Thursday Tech Tip: The 15-Minute AI Audit

Here's a quick way to gauge if your organization is using AI effectively or just jumping on the hype train. Take 15 minutes today to ask these five questions about any AI tool or system your company has implemented:

1. Can someone explain how it works in plain English? If your team can't explain what the AI is doing without resorting to buzzwords, you might have an implementation problem. Ask for a simple explanation of what data goes in and what comes out.

2. Is it solving a real problem? Look at the metrics. Has the AI improved something measurable or just a shiny new toy? If you can't point to specific improvements (cost savings, time saved, better customer satisfaction), it's time to reevaluate.

3. Who's responsible for it? If the answer is "everyone" or "no one," that's a red flag. Every AI implementation needs clear ownership and accountability.

4. What's the backup plan? If the AI system went down right now, what's the process? If there isn't one, you've identified a critical gap in your implementation.

5. When was it last reviewed? AI systems need regular maintenance and evaluation. Schedule a review now if it hasn't been reviewed in the past quarter.

Quick Action Item: Block 30 minutes tomorrow with your tech lead to review these questions for your most critical AI system. You might be surprised at what you find.

Remember: Good AI implementation isn't about having the most advanced technology – it's about having technology that effectively serves your business goals while being maintainable and reliable.

Want to explore AI further? My article "AI and Its Strategic Role in Business" provides a comprehensive look at AI implementation strategy.