Implementing AI: Where are IT Managers Focused? - TEM and Call Accounting Technology Blog - TeleManagement Technologies, Inc.

Finally, after years of hype, CIOs and IT managers are getting a handle on generative AI. What was just a few years ago a nebulous concept is taking its place among other technologies and tools for IT departments to assess, acquire and implement to serve real world user needs.

We’re seeing less written in general terms about things like ChatGPT and more being written about practical use cases of AI. We’re seeing fewer prototypes and more hands-on apps being used. That said, there is still plenty to look forward to, or brace yourself for, depending on your company, budget, and technology strategies.
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Here are five key areas IT managers will be focusing on this year:

1. _Moving beyond chatbots._The days of popping a chat window on a website are changing. What has been primarily text-based AI interfaces are now using voice generators to include audio and video.

2. Moving towards AI customer service agents. This trend has been building and we’re starting to see a new model evolve where AI enabled “agents” can handle things like scheduling and answering simple questions. Further innovation will add the ability to dynamically alter responses by adapting based on the input of new, added information.

3. _Requiring AI skillsets for job applicants._Experience with AI applications is already finding its way to job postings and will continue to do so. Employees will need to not only need to be AI-literate, but will know how to use AI tools, analyze their effectiveness, and work through issues.

4. _Increased concern about potential security threats._This comes from all directions. AI enabled applications provide an inexpensive way for hackers to breach programs and wreak havoc. Other opportunities for hackers involve using AI generated voices that sound like real humans and can be used to impersonate actual individuals as they target unsuspecting victims.

5. _Looking at ROI for every AI project._This may lead to slower, more careful adoption of AI as companies struggle to determine the value it brings in the form of greater efficiency, faster service, and greater access to information. They will begin to look more carefully at how AI brings measurable results and cost savings.

​While more companies have budgeted for AI, many of the actual implementations are taking longer. In some cases this is due to having to deal with day to day needs and expenses. But saving money is more important than ever and IT managers must be able to make the case for each piece of new technology they plan to acquire and implement.

Saving money is an area we know something about, having helped thousands of IT professionals to enjoy dramatic savings by managing their telecom and other expenses more effectively.

If you are searching for ways to afford AI and other new technologies we are ready to help. Our TEM (telecommunications expense management) system, WinBill®, is on the job every day for companies, giving them badly needed visibility over their bills, contracts, and equipment. Telecom is the third highest expense for most companies. Finding ways to curb these costs significantly can make the difference between a “now” or “later” deployment of AI and other key technologies.

Reach out to us and let us know what your technology implementation plans are. We’ll be glad to share our insights and expertise and show you ways to save the money you’ll need to continue to implement and innovate this year.