GHD, a global leader in design, engineering and environmental services, is taking a bold path toward AI adoption. His proactive attitude means he is focused not only on using AI to improve productivity, but also on seizing opportunities to tackle some of the world’s most complex challenges. I am.
“We look at AI in two dimensions,” says Paul Murphy, chief information officer at GHD. “First, we are already seeing increased efficiency as our employees are able to focus on where they can create more value for themselves and our customers. “Second, we believe that AI opens the door to solving global challenges that were previously beyond the scope of human capabilities, especially in areas such as the environment and critical infrastructure.”
As Murphy explains, GHD believes generative AI has the potential to create new solutions to tackle important problems such as traffic management and transportation networks. “This could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and road fatalities.”
The company’s forward-thinking approach led to the launch of an AI Center of Excellence (CoE) in June 2023. The CoE combines GHD’s deep industry expertise with cutting-edge AI technology and data science to help clients realize the full potential of AI. For example, the company has developed an AI “librarian” that helps access customer information, extract insights, respond to Freedom of Information requests, and support ESG reporting.
GHD’s AI efforts are not just for internal gain. It also aims to expand the industry’s knowledge and understanding of this rapidly evolving technology. The company’s recent report on generative AI provides a comprehensive analysis of its transformative potential across a variety of sectors. The report also highlights the urgent need for organizations to adapt to the rapid growth of generative AI, predicting that these advances will increase global gross domestic product by 5-6% over the next decade. I’m predicting.
GHD’s professional services expertise in sectors such as water, energy, resources, environment, real estate and buildings, and transportation means we are in a strong position to leverage AI in a variety of innovative ways. Masu. At the heart of the AI-centric initiative is a commitment to help the company maximize the benefits of this technology in all aspects of its operations.
Embrace the future with Copilot in Microsoft 365
In September 2023, GHD joined the Copilot for Microsoft 365 (M365) Early Access Program (EAP) with a desire to be at the forefront of AI technology. Andrew Kaddatz, chief technology officer at GHD, said Copilot EAP provided a unique and exciting opportunity to experiment with generative AI and understand its impact on everyday activities.
GHD ensured a well-managed data environment with robust access controls before deploying 300 Copilot licenses. This preparation was essential to effectively use the solution while maintaining data security and integrity.
Kaddatz says that understanding employee awareness and attitudes toward generative AI was also important to fostering a comfortable and productive environment for employees to explore Copilot’s capabilities. This influenced his GHD deployment strategy to break away from traditional prescriptive training methods and encourage free exploration of AI, helping employees become familiar with her Copilot through natural language interactions. I did.
“We find that it typically takes three to four weeks for employees to become proficient with Copilot and start having meaningful conversations with each other about potential use cases,” says Kaddatz.
Increases individual productivity and has a significant impact on the organization
GHD recently surveyed Copilot users and found that 41% save time at work, 29% save more than 30 minutes, and 12% save more than an hour. Additionally, 75% of users feel more efficient when using Copilot, and 45% feel more fulfilled at work.
One survey respondent said he used Copilot to efficiently analyze two requests for proposals and identify important differences in the scope of project deliverables. This streamlined approach reduced review time from hours to just 15 minutes, ensuring no important details were overlooked.
