Do you need help & advice with AI & Automation?
If you’re a business leader feeling a bit lost about where to begin with Artificial Intelligence (AI), this is for you. Instead of jumping into random tools or letting unofficial AI use spread through your company, there are two straightforward documents that can help you get started safely and with a clear plan.
Key Takeaways
- Appoint an AI Evangelist: Designate someone to track AI ideas and progress.
- Create an AI Policy: Clearly outline what staff can and cannot do with AI.
- Avoid Shadow AI: Prevent unmanaged AI use by having a central point of contact.
- Protect Confidential Data: Ensure sensitive information isn’t uploaded to public AI tools.
The AI Evangelist Template
The first step is to download and use the AI evangelist template. This involves choosing someone within your organisation and putting them in charge of AI initiatives. This person will be responsible for tracking progress, perhaps using a spreadsheet that’s been set up to help. This approach helps you keep an eye on opportunities and prevents what’s known as "shadow AI" – situations where employees are using AI tools without the company’s knowledge or oversight.
Your AI Policy
Secondly, you’ll want to create a clear AI policy and share it with your team. This document is pretty simple: it tells everyone what they can do with AI and, just as importantly, what they shouldn’t do. A big part of this is making sure people don’t upload confidential company data into public AI tools, especially since this data can then be used for training purposes by those AI providers. Having this policy in place means your staff know the boundaries and what’s acceptable.
Getting Started Quickly
Both of these documents can be put in place very quickly, often taking just a few minutes to get going. They provide structure, assign ownership, and give you a sense of control right from the start. This way, you’re not just reacting to AI but actively managing its introduction into your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AI, and how can it help a construction business?
AI, or artificial intelligence, is technology that can help with tasks like writing, analysing data, spotting patterns and answering routine questions. For a construction business, it can save time, improve decision-making and reduce admin, so your team can focus on running projects and winning work.
Do we need to be a tech company to start using AI?
No. Most businesses can start with simple, practical uses of AI without needing specialist staff. The key is to begin with one clear problem, such as speeding up admin or improving customer responses, and then build from there.
What should a construction MD consider before using AI?
You should think about data security, staff training and whether the tool is suitable for your business. It is also wise to make sure any AI you use fits with your existing systems and does not put sensitive company or client information at risk.
