14 WESTERN PALLET
Making Sense of AI for the Pallet Industry
As it turns out, AI is already all around us. You may not be aware you are enjoying the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), but there is a strong possibility you are already utilizing it in everyday activities. For example, digital personal assistants such as Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant use AI to understand natural language, respond to voice commands, and assist with tasks.
And how is it that Netflix and Youtube can provide you with credible viewing recommendations tailored to your interests? These platforms use AI to analyze your viewing or listening history, preferences, and behavior to recommend movies, TV shows, songs, or videos you might like.
Then there are social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook. They leverage AI in various ways, including filtering content on your news feed, identifying and tagging friends in photos, and targeting advertisements. Bottom line: Our exposure to AI is increasing, and businesses are increasingly awakening to the possibility that the purposeful application of AI can boost productivity in a range of functional areas.
What Is AI?
AI is a branch of computer science focused on creating machines or software to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes understanding language, recognizing patterns, making decisions, and learning from experiences.
Imagine a robot that can converse with you, a computer program that can predict what you'll buy next, or a smart assistant that manages your calendar—all these are examples of AI at work. Essentially, AI aims to mimic human thought processes and actions through algorithms and data, enabling technology to solve complex problems, make predictions, or even understand and respond to human emotions. It's like teaching a computer how to think, learn, and make decisions independently, which can be applied across various fields, from healthcare and education to entertainment and transportation.
Master Learning Group Focuses on AI
To get a sense of the pallet industry’s heightened interest level in AI, look no further than the February 28 WPA Master Learning Group (MLG). That session, which focused on AI, was an early sellout. At the MLG, the conversation revolved around the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive business growth and improve industry operations.
Participants discussed various applications and benefits of AI, including content creation, art, marketing, and streamlining tasks. One attendee is integrating AI into the back end of their website to support automated ordering.
Multiple attendees use ChatGPT or similar AI technologies to develop marketing plans and materials. Several attendees reported using ChatGPT for tasks such as editing emails for brevity and grammar before sending them. AI also plays a role in some of the industry’s new technologies, such as automated pallet sorting. Overall, the speakers emphasized the benefits of using AI-powered chat tools for efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.
AI Platforms Explored at the MLG
MLG participants were provided a glimpse of several platforms, starting with the well-known and easy-to-use ChatGPT. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, represents a significant advancement in AI. Based on natural language processing (NLP), this technology resembles a highly sophisticated virtual assistant that can understand and engage in human-like conversations.
For those new to AI, ChatGPT serves as an exemplary introduction to the potential of modern AI technologies in transforming business operations, particularly in sectors such as the pallet industry. As mentioned above, MLG participants use ChatGPT for tasks such as editing emails, generating written content, and providing research. The related DALL-E program can create art. Some WPA members are using AI-generated art in social media posts.
You can get your feet wet with ChatGPT 3.5 for free. A subscription to ChatGPT Plus, which provides access to GPT-4, costs $20 per month. This subscription includes benefits such as general access to ChatGPT even during peak times, faster response times, and priority access to new features and improvements.
Gemini is an AI product similar to ChatGPT. Gemini acts as a versatile AI assistant within Google Workspace for businesses. It assists with various tasks, such as:
- Research and analysis: It can find trends, synthesize information, and identify business opportunities.
- Content creation: It helps draft emails, and
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proposals, and even generate creative text formats.
Presentations: It aids in crafting presentations by suggesting visuals and designs.
Communication: It can translate languages during meetings and even take meeting notes.
Overall, Gemini functions as a productivity booster for businesses, streamlining processes and enhancing communication. The basic version is free. The Google One AI Premium Plan costs $19.99 per month and includes access to Gemini Advanced. It also comes with a free two-month trial.