Is Your Company Ready for AI? It's Not About the Tool

In the rush to adopt AI, many companies overlook a essential consideration: readiness. It's not just about selecting the right tool. It's about ensuring your company is actually prepared to integrate AI effectively. Without this foundation, even the most advanced AI solutions won't deliver the promised benefits.

Beyond the Tool: Infrastructure and Culture

Buying an AI tool is like buying a high-performance sports car. If you don't have the roads to support it, you're not going anywhere fast. The AI-AI Venn diagram is getting thicker, emphasizing the need for strong infrastructure and a culture that supports AI integration. Without these, any AI investment is likely to stumble.

Consider the compute resources necessary for AI. If your infrastructure can't support the increased demand, you'll face bottlenecks. Similarly, a team resistant to change or lacking in AI expertise will struggle to adapt. The compute layer needs a payment rail, metaphorically speaking, to flow smoothly.

Why Readiness Matters

Why should you care about readiness? Because AI isn't just another tool. It's a shift in how businesses operate. The convergence of AI capabilities with business processes demands a rethink of traditional roles and structures. If agents have wallets, who holds the keys? It's a question of control and direction.

We've seen companies jump on the AI bandwagon only to realize they lack the necessary skills or infrastructure. According to a 2023 survey, over 60% of businesses reported underwhelming results from their AI investments. This isn't a partnership announcement. It's a convergence of technology and business strategy that requires careful preparation.

The Path Forward

So, what's the path forward? Start with a readiness assessment. Evaluate your current infrastructure, team capabilities, and organizational culture. Are they aligned with the demands of AI? If not, prioritize these areas before making any AI purchases. We're building the financial plumbing for machines, and that starts with a solid foundation.

Ultimately, the company's success with AI won't be determined by the tool itself but by how well it's incorporated into the business. Companies must think beyond the immediate tool and focus on the broader implications of AI adoption. Those who do will find themselves not just keeping pace but leading the charge in the AI-driven economy.