EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
HOW CAN CIOS MAKE THE MOST FROM THEIR MACHINE LEARNING DEPLOYMENTS ?
Machine Learning is a type of AI that allows software applications to become more accurate at predicting outcomes without being explicitly programmed to do so . Machine Learning algorithms use historical data as input to predict new output values . In addition , Machine Learning systems apply algorithms to data to glean insights into that data without explicit programming : It ’ s about using data to answer questions . As such , enterprises are applying Machine Learning to a wide array of issues , from customer purchasing patterns to predictive maintenance .
According to research and consulting firm International Data Corporation ( IDC ), spending on Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) systems in the Middle East and Africa ( MEA ) is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory as businesses continue to invest in projects that utilise the capabilities of AI software and platforms .
An IDC survey that interviewed over 2,000 IT leaders found that the adoption of Machine Learning increased customer and employee experience by 25 % and also led to accelerated rates of innovation within the organisation .
Analyst firm Gartner has estimated that by 2022 , 70 % of white-collar workers will be interacting with chatbots daily .
Automotive vehicles are also able to collect complex data from their surroundings and interpret it to make precise and accurate decisions on their own , using Machine Learning . IDC forecasts that the number of vehicles capable of level one autonomy ( driver assistance ) will increase from 31.4 million units in 2019 to 54.2 million units in 2024 .
Fady Richmany , Senior Director and General Manager – UAE , Dell Technologies , said with the developments being made in the field of Machine Learning today , the practical uses in enterprises are endless . Richmany said Machine Learning systems can be used to help anticipate trends and identify problems , thereby playing an important role in supporting decision-making processes . “ Enterprises can also use Machine Learning for customer retention , since Machine Learning systems can study customer behaviour and identify potential steps for customer retention ,” he said . “ Additionally , they can make use of Machine Learning to help with market research and customer segmentation . This allows them to deliver the right products and services at the right time , while also gaining valuable insights into the purchasing patterns of specific groups of customers to better target their needs .”
He said furthermore , enterprises can also increase their operational efficiency by deploying Machine Learning to handle day-to-day routine business tasks , thereby speeding up operations , freeing up their employees for more innovation and creating new business opportunities .
Machine Learning secret sauce
With vendors often claiming to have some Machine Learning secret sauce in their wares that will revolutionise an enterprise ’ s business , CIOs are being urged to be careful when selecting the right Machine Learning systems and tools .
Alan Jacobson , Chief Data and Analytics Officer , Alteryx , said the three top considerations to selecting any Machine Learning system should always include usability , breadth of scope and an outcomesbased view .
Jacobson said much of the emphasis for Machine Learning has been on the technology , not the people and that ’ s where failed projects are rooted . “ As technologies continue to converge , so do the consumers or producers of those capabilities . The current skills , gap continues to be any issue for enterprises . There is a distinct lack of data scientists across the globe ,” he noted .
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