GenAI Prep: Know your data, workflows, and SOPs
How much do you really know about your data, workflows, and procedures for a GenAI needs assessment?
Barbecue, green beans, and banana pudding. It’s my go-to order at any BBQ restaurant. I didn’t know I needed, or wanted, that combo until I started analyzing my current state of BBQ awareness. How much do I really know about BBQ preparation? Which BBQ meats ignite the senses of my palate? Why is the aroma of BBQ so tantalizing? Is there a preferred seasoning for the green beans? What are the most delectable ingredients of a banana pudding? All of these questions required answers before I could choose a satisfying BBQ combo from a restaurant’s menu. (BTW - the image associated with this post was taken at Terry Black’s BBQ in Austin, Texas.)
In the same way (sort of…), an organization needs to understand the current state of its data, workflows, and procedures before performing a GenAI needs assessment. Decision makers can’t make decisions to invest in GenAI based on vague descriptions of the current state of internal operations. And, without a precise understanding of the current state, strategic opportunities and business needs can be missed during the assessment phase.
Analyzing the current state by answering questions, such as - Is our data qualitative or quantitative, structured or unstructured? Which data points are confidential? What is the quality of our data? How many workflows do we have? Which tasks occur in which workflows? Are procedures up-to-date? - can lay the foundation for performing an effective needs assessment.
In addition, an analysis may reveal areas for improvement. For instance, the quality of the data fed into a GenAI tool is the measure of the quality of the tool’s output. Poor data produces poor results. If, during the analysis, it’s determined the data quality is poor, and improving it requires an investment of some sort, then a GenAI needs assessment doesn’t make sense until the data quality is improved.
On one hand, this pre-needs assessment work may sound overwhelming and time consuming. On the other hand, no organization wants to invest time and money in a tool that fails to meet business needs. Managing the pre-work as a project is an effective bridge between “Where do we start in our analysis of current state” and “Let’s proceed with a needs assessment.” Project management frameworks are proven methods for organizing and completing work. And, project management professionals possess the skills, training, and experience to guide multiple, related activities to a single end.
In addition, many project management professionals are members of the Project Management Institute (PMI), which is considered the global authority in project management. PMI is on the AI frontline, and membership in the organization provides project professionals with access to AI training and networking opportunities with others actively using GenAI. Project management professionals who are engaged in GenAI in some way will have the adoption and growth mindset necessary to help an organization achieve its GenAI strategic goals.
Effective Continuous Improvement begins with clarity on workflows, procedures, and training plans.
This blog was written and edited by a human!
© 2024 Lori K. Barbeau