Lay the Groundwork for AI Implementation in Your Facility

Brian Sokoloski - Chief Technology Officer at Easy Automation

Written by Brian Sokoloski - CTO at Easy Automation

We are in a transformative era, marked by the increasing implementation of AI in both our personal and professional lives. We’ve already seen tools like ChatGPT make their way into our conversations, and we don’t see these new tools going away. While there are still many unknowns surrounding AI and its potential benefits in agricultural facilities, we believe there is a significant opportunity for these new technologies to enhance the efficiency, safety, and profitability of our facilities.

While there are many different levels of comfort and acceptance in implementing AI tools at our facilities, we’ve identified five key areas to target when laying the groundwork for a potential AI implementation at your facility.

1. Clean and Refine Existing Data

2. Identify Missing Data and Capture It

3. Modernize Technology Stack and Storage

4. Clarify and Enhance Data Security

5. Align with Forward-Moving Partners

Clean and Refine Existing Data

Where is your data being recorded and stored? How many different software programs or spreadsheets do you have that store your data? Are those individual systems talking to each other, or is there duplicate data? AI technology can only run as efficiently as the data that is provided. In the agricultural facilities we work with, we often see multiple different software programs, including accounting, formulation, order management, trucking, automation, and many others. While many of these programs are necessary for each facility to achieve its business objectives, the systems must work together to provide clean, accurate, and real-time data to be compatible with any future AI integration.  

Identify Missing Data and Capture It

Is there an area in your operation where you don’t have any real information or data? Consider your equipment, hazard monitoring sensors, bin levels, truck routing, fleet management, and truck flow within your facility. What comes to mind for your facility? While some new-built facilities capture all this information from the beginning, as our facilities evolve, there are often areas that are missed. Without this data, we are seeing an inaccurate picture of your whole facility from a data standpoint. The power of AI lies in its ability to see the complete picture of data and draw insights and predictions from historical data. Invest in identifying your missing data and take steps to capture it in preparation for future AI implementation.

Modernize Technology Stack and Storage

At a minimum, your facility needs to be connected to the internet, and data must be stored on an accessible platform. Unfortunately, Excel documents on a desktop won’t suffice. Our recommended criteria for modernizing your technology stack include storing in an easily accessible database that offers API connectivity and cloud-based storage. They can log real-time, all-inclusive facility data quickly and accurately. We aim to avoid data silos with multiple disparate data storage areas and prevent systems that are difficult to access or integrate with. API connectivity will be essential, and we want to avoid any systems that require cumbersome custom development to connect to.

Clarify and Enhance Data Security

Security must be at the forefront of the AI implementation conversation. Your data is one of your most valuable assets.  We want to ensure that where you place your data or who you allow to analyze it is a reputable source that has been rigorously vetted. Before placing your data in any AI program, it is essential to understand all of the data privacy and security terms and conditions.

Align with Forward-Moving Partners

Do you want to be an expert in AI implementation at your facility? Maybe. However, we recommend aligning yourself with a partner in the industry who is moving forward in that direction and allowing them to become experts, meeting your needs in this area. It is essential to ask questions that provide insight into where that partner is today, as well as where they are headed in the future. Add it to your company's roadmap and ensure it is also included on your partners’ roadmaps. 

At Easy Automation, we have AI implementation on our roadmap and are actively taking steps forward to provide a solution that makes the most sense for our customers. Are you interested in seeing how we might align or learning more about this? Contact our team at 507-728-8214 or by visiting our website at www.easy-automation.com.