If your business processes are flawed, adding AI won’t fix them. The article emphasizes that without addressing underlying inefficiencies, using AI merely amplifies existing problems. Many companies mistakenly think that AI can magically solve structural issues, but it only speeds up bad decisions. The author argues that organizations need to focus on Business Process Optimization (BPO) instead of chasing an elusive AI strategy, which doesn’t exist. AI is particularly adept at handling unstructured data, unlike traditional software that requires structured inputs. However, the processes that involve unstructured data are often chaotic and poorly documented. To effectively implement AI, businesses must first clarify and structure their workflows. This means understanding the triggers for data, what needs to be extracted, and how the results integrate back into existing systems. The distinction between speed and intelligence is critical. While AI can process information faster than humans, it lacks the nuanced understanding that comes with experience. For example, an analyst might take three days to review contracts, while AI can do it in three minutes. However, the process still needs rigorous definition to make AI effective. The real task is to streamline business processes first, then leverage AI to enhance speed.