In recent years,artificial intelligence (AI) has crept into our daily lives, sometimes without us even realizing it. Whether it’s suggesting a faster route on Waze, automatically correcting an email, or analyzing thousands of pieces of data in the blink of an eye, AI is everywhere. And it’s not just a technological gadget: it’s profoundly transforming the way businesses work.
But like any revolution, it raises questions. Is it really working for humans? Could it undermine autonomy or judgment? Here’s a clear and nuanced overview of what AI can do… and what it demands in return.
The upside of AI: more efficient, faster, sometimes fairer
Considerable time savings
AI is excellent at automating repetitive tasks such as extracting data, filing documents, and answering simple questions. As a result, human teams can focus on tasks that require judgment, empathy, or strategy.
For example, a conversational assistant that answers frequently asked customer questions allows your customer service team to better handle complex requests.
Data-driven decision support
AI systems can analyze thousands of variables in seconds. They spot trends that a human might easily miss. This improves decision-making in areas such as finance, inventory management, and IT security.
Example: In cybersecurity, AI can detect abnormal behavior on a network before a human even has time to react.
Greater accessibility for SMEs
In the past, only large companies could afford complex analysis or automation systems. Today, thanks to accessible AI tools, SMEs can also increase their productivity without breaking their IT budget.
Things to watch out for: beware of blind spots
The illusion of neutrality
No, AI is not “objective.” It learns from human data… which contains our biases. A poorly trained tool can reproduce (or even amplify) certain inequalities. It is therefore essential to understand how AI has been designed and trained.
Example: an AI-based resume filter could favor certain profiles simply because they resemble those of people who have already been hired.
The risk of dependency
The more a company automates its decisions, the more it risks losing some of its critical judgment. AI is a tool, not a replacement for human thinking. It is important to know when to trust it… and when to question it.
Tip: regularly validate AI recommendations, especially when it comes to important decisions.
Privacy issues
Some AI platforms process your data in the cloud, sometimes abroad. This raises questions about privacy and compliance with laws such as Law 25 in Quebec or the GDPR in Europe.
Data classification: an essential prerequisite
Before giving AI access, you must first organize and classify your data. This step is often overlooked, but it is crucial. If nothing is labeled, AI could unintentionally access sensitive information.
Imagine that a curious employee asks an internal AI, “Show me the salaries, contracts, or discussions of senior executives.” If this data is not properly protected, the AI could provide it… unfiltered.
AI tools cannot always distinguish between what is confidential and what is not. It is therefore up to the company to clearly define access and confidentiality rules before connecting AI to its environment.
How can AI be integrated intelligently?
AI should not be seen as a threat, but as a lever for transformation, provided it is used with care and awareness. Here are some practical tips:
- Start small: test AI tools on specific tasks before integrating them on a large scale.
- Train your teams: your employees’ understanding of AI is the best defense against its misuse.
- Classify your data upstream: identify confidential content, necessary access, and rules of use.
- Choose your tools carefully: favor solutions that are transparent, ethical, and designed for your business reality.
Artificial intelligence is a wonderful toolbox… as long as you know what you’re putting in and what you’re getting out. It can save you a lot of time, improve your processes, and even transform the way you do things. But it also deserves to be questioned, observed, and guided.
At Mon Technicien, we believe that technology should remain human, accessible, and aligned with your business objectives. AI does not replace humans. It empowers them.
💬 Thought of the day: “AI is like a super-powerful calculator: you still have to know what to ask it.”
in your taskbar.