AI ecosystems
Taffy Chaduka MCInstCES MRICS, Commercial Manager, Supply Chain & Operations, Ernst & Young
Recently, I had the privilege of attending LEAP 24, one of the world’s most attended tech events, where I explored numerous exhibition stands showcasing the latest innovations from industry giants like Google Hewlett Packard, Lenovo +Intel, Tonomus – Neom, STC, Aramco, Huawei, FLIR, Smart City, Takamol, Adobe, IBM Watson, Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), Dell Technologies, Zoho, GO Telecom, SNC ICT, and NAVER and many others.
This article delves into the importance of adopting an ecosystem perspective when incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in infrastructure projects.A recurring theme throughout the event was the concept of AI ecosystems and their transformative potential.
Inspired by this experience, this article delves into the importance of adopting an ecosystem perspective when incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in infrastructure projects.
It will explore how leveraging AI ecosystems can revolutionise project management, risk mitigation, quality assurance, project governance, project resource optimisation and supply chain ecosystem integration.
Advantages of AI ecosystems in infrastructure projects
Pre-Project Delivery
Outlining advantages, including leveraging AI ecosystems in infrastructure projects enhances project planning, risk management, quality assurance, governance, resource optimisation, and supply chain integration, ultimately leading to improved project outcomes and greater organisational success.
When considering infrastructure projects, the pre-project phase plays a crucial role in setting the foundation for success, with the aid of AI ecosystems, projects can benefit from enhanced planning capabilities. AI-driven predictive analytics can analyse historical project data, market trends, and external factors to provide valuable insights into potential risks and opportunities.
When considering infrastructure projects, the pre-project phase plays a crucial role in setting the foundation for success, with the aid of AI ecosystems, projects can benefit from enhanced planning capabilities.
By leveraging this information, stakeholders can make informed decisions before project initiation, leading to more robust project plans and improved outcomes.
Furthermore, AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots can streamline communication channels during the pre-project phase. These tools facilitate better stakeholder engagement by providing timely updates, answering queries, and coordinating activities.
As a result, project teams can foster collaboration, ensure alignment with project objectives and lay the groundwork for successful project execution.
During project delivery
The implementation phase of infrastructure projects is often marked by complexity and uncertainty. However, AI ecosystems offer several advantages to mitigate risks and optimise project performance.
Advanced risk management is one area where AI can make a significant impact, by analysing vast amounts of data in realtime, AI algorithms can identify emerging risks and opportunities, allowing project managers to take proactive measures to mitigate issues and maintain project timelines.
The implementation phase of infrastructure projects is often marked by complexity and uncertainty. However, AI ecosystems offer several advantages to mitigate risks and optimise project performance. Furthermore, AI-enabled quality management systems can enhance project delivery by automating inspections and detecting defects with higher accuracy. Through the use of AI-powered sensors and IoT devices, project teams can monitor construction activities and identify potential quality issues early on, thereby reducing rework and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
In addition to risk management and quality assurance, AI ecosystems can also play a vital role in dynamic project governance.
AI-driven dashboards and analytics provide project managers with actionable insights into project performance, enabling them to make informed decisions in response to changing project conditions, by leveraging AIpowered tools, project teams can maintain transparency, accountability, and agility throughout the project lifecycle, ultimately leading to improved project outcomes.
Post-project delivery
Even after project completion, AI ecosystems continue to offer value by facilitating continuous improvement and knowledge management. AI-powered post-project analysis tools can analyse project data and identify lessons learned and best practices. Capturing and documenting this knowledge, organisations can leverage it to inform future projects, drive innovation, and enhance project delivery capabilities.
Furthermore, AI-driven knowledge repositories ensure knowledge continuity across project teams, enabling organisations to preserve valuable insights and intellectual capital. By institutionalising a culture of learning and knowledge sharing, organisations can foster innovation, reduce project risks and improve overall project performance.
Through the use of AI-powered sensors and IoT devices, project teams can monitor construction activities and identify potential quality issues early on, thereby reducing rework and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
Recommendations for leveraging AI ecosystems in large infrastructure projects
It is imperative for organisations to adopt an ecosystem perspective when integrating AI into infrastructure projects to maximise benefits and overcome challenges across the project lifecycle. Therefore, the following recommendations are offered.
Collaborate with AI ecosystem partners
Partner with leading AI providers and technology firms to access cutting-edge AI solutions tailored to infrastructure project requirements. By leveraging the expertise and resources of AI ecosystem partners, organisations can accelerate innovation and achieve better project outcomes.
Invest in talent development
Equip project teams with the necessary skills and training to leverage AI technologies effectively. Invest in continuous learning and professional development programs to ensure that project teams are equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed to leverage AI ecosystems to their full potential.
Embrace open innovation
Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing with industry peers and academia to harness the collective intelligence of the AI ecosystem. By engaging in open innovation initiatives, organisations can access new ideas, technologies and perspectives that can drive innovation and improve project outcomes.
As we move forward in the digital age, embracing AI ecosystems will be essential for staying competitive and delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions for the future.Prioritise data security and privacy
Implement robust data security measures to protect sensitive project information and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations. Prioritise data security and privacy throughout the project lifecycle to build trust and confidence among stakeholders and mitigate the risks associated with AI-powered solutions.
Monitor and evaluate performance
Continuously monitor AI-driven processes and evaluate their impact on project outcomes. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of AI-powered tools and technologies. By monitoring performance and evaluating outcomes, organisations can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimise project performance.
Conclusion
Incorporating AI ecosystems into infrastructure projects offers immense potential for driving efficiency, innovation and value creation throughout the project lifecycle. By adopting an ecosystem perspective and leveraging AI technologies strategically, project stakeholders can overcome challenges, mitigate risks and achieve greater success in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
As we move forward in the digital age, embracing AI ecosystems will be essential for staying competitive and delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions for the future.
Taffy Chaduka MCInstCES MRICS, Commercial Manager, Supply Chain & Operations, Ernst & Young