By Sandra Morrison
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making a significant impact across various sectors, and businesses in Aberdeen are exploring how it can support their operations and improve efficiency. From energy companies to local service providers, AI is helping companies streamline tasks, predict maintenance needs, and better understand customer behaviour. Here’s how local businesses can harness AI to stay competitive.
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Streamlining Operations for Aberdeen’s Energy Sector
Aberdeen’s energy sector, especially oil and gas, is already feeling the impact of AI technology. Predictive tools and machine learning can now help offshore companies manage and maintain their equipment, allowing them to avoid breakdowns and keep safety a priority. Using data collected from equipment sensors, these systems help spot issues early on, avoiding downtime and minimising risks in remote or challenging locations like the North Sea.
A local offshore firm might use AI-driven analytics to forecast when drilling machinery needs repairs, allowing them to plan around production rather than stopping unexpectedly. This type of predictive work is especially useful in situations, where weather and distance make unplanned maintenance costly and complex.
Supporting Digital Transformation Across Sectors
AI tools are helping domestic companies go digital by automating repetitive tasks and getting better use out of data. As more businesses adopt digital methods, AI can help with everything from analysing customer feedback to improving marketing strategies. A small business, for instance, could use AI to track social media comments, spotting common requests or areas where they can improve.
AI’s potential spans many areas. For regional-based companies, it could mean using chatbots to answer customer questions, automating finance reports, or analysing feedback to shape future services.
Take for instance sectors that are beginning to switch or to expand to using such AI tools, like cybersecurity companies for fraud detection, or others like e-commerce, customer support for gaming sites, media, entertainment or even an online casino. By leveraging AI-driven insights, they could offer personalised game recommendations, detect trends in user behaviour, and even enhance security by flagging any suspicious activity.
This level of personalization not only improves customer satisfaction but also builds loyalty, as customers feel understood and valued by the business.
Improving Efficiency in the Manufacturing and Construction Sectors
Construction and manufacturing businesses are also using AI to boost productivity and reduce mistakes on the job. Automation and AI-powered robots are able to handle repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on more critical projects. Construction firms, for instance, might use AI-enabled drones to monitor projects on-site, gather up-to-the-minute data, and help managers stay on track with their timelines and budgets.
In manufacturing, companies can use AI for quality control by using computer vision technology. This technology can scan products as they come off the production line, detecting defects that might be missed by human inspectors.
This not only ensures higher quality products but also reduces waste, as issues can be addressed immediately rather than after the production run is complete.
Optimising Logistics and Supply Chains for Local Businesses
Local logistics firms and businesses that rely on steady supply chains are also using AI to manage routes, cut down delivery times, and avoid disruptions. For businesses linked to the energy sector, AI provides valuable insights by spotting potential delays and suggesting alternatives to keep supplies moving smoothly.
An Aberdeen-based company importing parts for offshore equipment could use AI to track shipments in real time. If a delay is detected, the system might automatically suggest alternative routes or suppliers, allowing the company to avoid downtime due to missing parts.
This optimization translates into cost savings and higher reliability, both of which are indispensable in an energy-focused economy.
Advancing Data Security for Financial Services
The local financial services sector is also exploring AI to enhance data security. Banks and financial institutions can use AI algorithms to detect unusual transaction patterns that could indicate fraud or be utilised in the form of chatbots for customer service. An AI system might identify an unusual series of transactions from a customer’s account and immediately flag it for review, potentially stopping fraud before any funds are lost.
With AI, firms can also keep up with data protection laws by automatically identifying sensitive information and ensuring it’s securely stored. This proactive security approach is important as firms comply with GDPR and other data regulations. Enhanced security not only protects customer data but builds trust by demonstrating the firm’s commitment to safeguarding information.
AI’s Growing Role in Aberdeen’s Business Landscape
Looking ahead, AI could become a core part of Aberdeen’s business landscape, evolving well beyond today’s applications. Ultimately, as AI integrates further, local businesses will likely find new, innovative ways to use this technology to be more resilient, responsive, and ready for the future.
These tools won’t just improve today’s processes; they will open doors to reimagined ways of operating, building an Aberdeen that’s future-proofed and adaptable.
