From AI buzz to business results

Last week, Committee for Echuca Moama hosted an insightful AI Breakfast, led by Chris Motton from Advance Computing, bringing together local businesses to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in modern organisations.

Chris walked us through the journey of AI over the past ten years, starting with the launch of Azure Machine Learning in 2014, which enabled cloud-based model development. This was followed by Microsoft Cognitive Services in 2016, offering APIs (Application Programming Interface) for vision, speech, and language — making AI more accessible.

By 2017, AI had entered the productivity space with features like Editor in Word and Designer in PowerPoint. The real game-changer came in 2023, with the integration of generative AI (Copilot) into Microsoft 365 and Bing, powered by OpenAI. Today, Microsoft offers a unified AI platform across Azure, Microsoft 365, and developer tools, supporting both predictive and generative capabilities.

Chris spoke about where AI was delivering measurable value right now — particularly in automating repetitive tasks and enhancing decision-making processes. These practical applications are helping businesses save time, reduce errors, and focus on higher-value work.

He noted it was also important to set realistic timeframes and resource requirements. Understanding what AI can and cannot do today helps businesses make informed decisions, rather than chasing every trending solution. Realistically, success comes from solving specific business problems, not from implementing AI for its own sake.

For Australian businesses, digital transformation is no longer optional; it’s a core requirement. But as Chris reminded us, AI is not magic. While the image, video, and audio capabilities might feel magical, AI doesn’t fix poor systems or bad data.

There are two key areas where AI can deliver real value:

• Major digital transformation uplifts, where AI is thoughtfully integrated into existing systems.

• Micro wins such as automating tasks, improving workflows, or enhancing customer service help on a day-to-day basis and improve efficiency.

However, businesses must be cautious of Shadow AI — AI tools used by staff outside official governance frameworks. This is similar to Shadow IT, where unapproved software or hardware is used without oversight. The risks are real: data leakage, security vulnerabilities, and compliance issues.

To mitigate these risks, organisations need:

• Clear AI policies and governance

• Training for staff on approved platforms

• Awareness of what tools are being used across the business

Chris also addressed some of AI’s current limitations. One key issue is hallucination — when an AI generates information that sounds plausible but is factually incorrect or entirely fabricated through AI. Another is the use of outdated data, which can skew results or lead to poor decisions.

The breakfast was a valuable reminder that AI is a tool — powerful, yes, but only as good as the systems and data it’s built on. With the right strategy, governance, and education, regional businesses can harness AI to drive innovation and efficiency.