Artificial Inteligence
Print and mail operations create data – a lot of data. Some data points in the hundreds of jobs processed include:
-
Basic information – customer contact, date received, requested delivery date, date completed, number of pieces, inventory
-
Equipment metrics – pieces processed, operating time, repair time, substrates, configuration
-
Mail metrics – number of pieces, postage applied, date delivered to the USPS, Mail.dat file upload, address information
The minutiae that make up those metrics can now be drilled down to the piece level with an impressive level of exactness – the precise line in a data file, when the piece was printed, and when it was processed on an inserter, including what additional inserts were added to the envelope. With an Informed Visibility feed, the piece can be tracked as it makes its way through the USPS, including a “virtual scan” at the mailbox.
In the past, savvy managers used spreadsheets to track information, and many migrated to databases. Then in the mid-2010’s, Microsoft launched Power BI (Business Intelligence). The analytics program is able to connect multiple data sources, build reports and create interactive dashboards. Managers use the insights to identify trends and anomalies, improving operational efficiency.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings analytics to a new level. Databases work through the information gained through queries. Managers can describe a database structure to an AI assistant, explain the question they want answered, and then ask it to write the SQL query (note – the most common AI assistants are Large Language Models – LLMs. Examples are Claude, ChatGPT, and CoPilot).
Depending upon the AI technology, privacy regulations, and governance rules, data can be uploaded to an AI assistant directly. Using plain language, the user can ask the AI engine to identify trends, spot anomalies and create reports. The AI assistant can explain what the results mean to your operation, even recommending questions you should ask next.
As we generate more and more data in print and mail operations, we need tools to turn that data into useful information. When combined with existing software, AI assistants can help managers answer better questions in an increasing complex environment.
Amazing Astronomical Fact: The gold and silver jewelry we wear was first forged in the stars. When neutron stars collide, the energy of the collision is greater than that of a supernova. The heaviest occurring elements, including platinum, silver and gold are produced. Those elements were later delivered by asteroids to the Earth in the early history of our planet.
#artificialintelligence #ai #education #analytics #llm #theberkshirecompany
