6 ways to convert GenAI adoption into real business value

China leads the world in business use of generative AI, with 83% of organizations saying they’re active adopters. However, using the technology and making it work for purpose are two different things. And the U.S. leads all countries in terms of full implementation, at 24% (vs. 19% for China).

Researchers with SAS and Coleman Parkes Research made the findings after surveying 1,600 decision-makers around the world who have responsibility for strategy around GenAI or data analytics.

Respondents represented numerous sectors, healthcare among them. Surveyed organizations ranged from at least 500 employees to more than 10,000.

Posting the results and an analysis July 9, SAS offers tips on meaningfully embedding the technology into existing or unfolding operations. Here are six.

1. Use data management tools to ensure that large language models (LLMs) are fed the highest quality data and prompts—data that is both auditable and traceable.

These tools can provide user privacy and security, with robust data protection measures, including data minimization, anonymization and encryption, the report’s authors note, ensuring that sensitive information remains safeguarded. “Furthermore, workflows can be automated for the shortest, most direct route to building or tuning an LLM.” More:

‘Organizations should refer to governance and compliance policies for an essential framework within which data management tools can be applied.’

2. Ensure that key decision makers are AI-literate before they develop your comprehensive GenAI strategy.

“This requires time and will most often involve hiring outside experts to advise your team,” the authors write. To this SAS’s executive VP and chief technology officer, Bryan Harris, adds:

‘With any new technology, organizations must navigate a discovery phase, separating hype from reality, to understand the complexity of real-world implementations in the enterprise. We have reached this moment with generative AI.’

3. Identify your best GenAI use case to deliver speedy return on investment.

The first step in successfully deploying GenAI is to identify high-impact use cases for the technology, which helps deliver a measurable return on investment as quickly as possible, the authors suggest. Expounding on this point is Marinela Profi, strategic AI advisor at SAS:

‘LLMs alone do not solve business problems. GenAI is nothing more than a feature that can augment your existing processes, but you need tools that enable their integration, governance and orchestration. And most importantly, you need people who can use tools to ensure the appropriate level of orchestration.’

4. Make sure your GenAI software vendors can integrate with existing workflow and decisioning platforms.

GenAI is an ideal contributor to hyper-automation, which facilitates the automation of all feasible tasks within an organization, the authors state before adding:

‘GenAI excels in summarizing vast amounts of data to support decisioning workflows, enabling real-time interactions aligned with your preferred business processes.’

5. To facilitate measurable outcomes, use a decisioning workflow system to infuse GenAI into existing business processes.

LLMs can only execute a few tasks of a use case, the authors point out. More:

‘Organizations still need an end-to-end process that orchestrates the AI life cycle while enhancing the transparency and governance of LLMs.’

6. Prepare for snags.

“Across all organizations, GenAI use can create anxieties about data privacy, security and lack of governance—along with concerns about technology dependence and its potential for amplifying bias,” the authors write. “Many of these organizations have not fully prepared themselves to comply with regulations and do not have GenAI governance in place or ways to monitor the technology.” More:

‘Our research shows that businesses are rushing into GenAI before establishing adequate systems of governance, which could result in serious issues with quality and compliance later.’

There’s more in SAS’s full research report (contact info needed for access) and interactive data dashboard.