In the first of a series of columns for InDaily exploring the practical uses of AI, local expert Suhit Anatula provides some guidance on how to get started with the technology.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is dominating headlines, sparking both excitement and confusion.
While the hype is substantial, practical adoption remains a challenge for many businesses, government agencies, and not-for-profits. So, how can organisations in Adelaide move from buzzwords to meaningful outcomes?
Despite valid concerns, delaying AI adoption risks falling behind.
Remember this simple equation:
"Humans + AI > AI alone and Humans + AI > Humans alone. "
The key is to begin with one task where AI can help, such as drafting emails, summarising meetings, or generating content.
Action Tip: Identify one immediate task where AI can assist and begin experimenting this week. Add another use case next week and continue building from there.
Free AI tools are useful for exploration, but they often lack the security, privacy, and scalability that organisations require. Paid platforms like ChatGPT Team, Claude Pro, or Google Gemini Advanced or 365 CoPilot from Microsoft offer enterprise-grade features and compliance standards.
Action Tip: Choose a paid AI solution that aligns with your organisation’s size, needs and privacy requirements. Treat it as a core part of your digital infrastructure.
AI should not be adopted for its own sake. It should be used to address your most pressing challenges. Whether it is reducing administrative overhead, improving customer service, or forecasting demand, AI must be tied to business outcomes.
Action Tip: Conduct a quick internal audit to identify your top three friction points. Use tools like the free AI Clarity Scan at helixscan.suhitanantula.com to match AI solutions to real problems.
Where do you want your organisation to be in six months, one year, or two years? AI should support that vision. A clear roadmap helps prioritise tools, training, and investment.
Action Tip: Document your AI goals and milestones. For example, aim to reduce customer response time by 50 per cent using AI chatbots by the end of the year.
AI adoption is not a one-time project. It requires a mindset of experimentation and learning. Encourage your team to test, iterate, and share what works.
Action Tip: Run monthly AI experiments. Create space for your team to explore new tools and share insights. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
AI does not have to be overwhelming or expensive. With clear thinking, practical steps, and a willingness to experiment, Adelaide organisations can lead in this new era. The opportunity is here for businesses, government, and not-for-profits to build sustainable competitive advantages through thoughtful AI adoption.
Next Step: Attend a local AI workshop, connect with experts, or try a free AI scan to begin your journey.
About the Author
Suhit Anantula is a Strategy Designer and Systems Thinker helping leaders across business, government, and the social sector build future-ready organisations. As the founder of The Helix Lab, he works at the intersection of strategy, systems, and AI; enabling organisations to design smarter strategies, embed sustainable systems, and lead transformation with clarity and confidence. (www.suhitanantula.com)