Latest news with #efficiency
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Redefining Efficiency: AI That Aligns With Human Intention
Aditi Godbole – AI/ML Expert optimizing enterprise software for efficiency, innovation & data-driven decision-making. Since the beginning of time—or at least since humans learned to shape the world around them—we've been chasing efficiency. We've always wanted to get more done, faster and with less effort. Whether it was the invention of the wheel or the discovery of fire, every breakthrough pushed us further toward that goal. Every era reflects this pursuit—from the Stone Age to the Industrial Revolution. And the AI revolution we're living through now is no exception. But here's what sets this era apart: speed alone is no longer a meaningful metric. In enterprise environments, just doing things faster doesn't guarantee value. If a process still misses the mark for users, automation only delivers irrelevance more efficiently. That's why AI matters—not just for acceleration, but for understanding. AI enables enterprise systems to interpret ambiguity, synthesize context and adapt in real time. It's no longer about automating a button push. It's about recognizing why the button matters in the first place. Where Traditional Systems Fall Short Enterprise software has long relied on structure: fixed logic, predefined flows and clearly delineated inputs and outputs. That model worked well when the rules stayed constant and tasks could be broken into repeatable steps. But that's no longer how modern work operates. Consider IT ticketing systems. Users often submit tickets like 'can't access folder,' 'VPN dropped' or 'laptop slow.' These are symptom descriptions, not diagnostic statements. Traditional logic routes them based on keywords, which often leads to miscategorization and delays. AI systems, by contrast, draw on past tickets, device data and behavioral signals and can create bespoke categorization: • Clustering similar issues for pattern recognition • Recommending next steps based on context • Initiating self-healing workflows automatically It's not just faster resolution—it's resolution that makes sense. Bridging Questions With Context-Aware Systems Or consider HR systems managing employee inquiries about leave policies, remote work eligibility or performance cycles. A user might ask: 'Can I carry over my unused PTO if I switch to part time?' A rules-based bot might surface a generic FAQ list. An AI-powered system, on the other hand, can interpret intent, cross-reference layered internal policies and deliver a personalized response with source context—bridging policy, role and timing without requiring human escalation. Now apply this to enterprise teams prepping for internal audits. Requests often come in vague, like 'pull documentation for data access controls last quarter' or 'show proof of compliance for external integrations.' The data lives across tools, platforms and formats. AI serves as the connector, surfacing relevant evidence across systems, explaining how the data satisfies compliance requirements and flagging gaps and inconsistencies without requiring manual digging. In each of these scenarios, speed alone isn't the goal. The priority is reducing friction, building trust and getting to the right answer faster, with less back-and-forth and fewer missed steps. Redefining Efficiency: From Speed To Alignment For decades, enterprise technology has focused on a single question: How can we make this process faster? The better question is: Is this process serving the right user, in the right way, at the right time? Efficiency today is about alignment, not just automation. AI helps enterprise systems align with how people think and work. That means workflows that adjust to intent, systems that learn from patterns and decisions that adapt to context. As AI introduces new capabilities and complexities we've never faced before, history reminds us that acceleration alone has never guaranteed impact or endurance. The Roman aqueducts, for instance, were built to deliver water where and how it was needed rather than to move it as fast as possible. Their success was in intelligent alignment with geography and human use, not just throughput. In contrast, the Concorde was designed for speed but failed commercially. Here's the timeless truth: sustainable systems serve real needs. What has changed today is the complexity of those needs and the opportunity for AI to meet them with alignment, not just acceleration. In this new model, efficiency isn't measured by how many tasks were automated. It's measured by how consistently the system helps users reach the right outcome, with minimal friction or rework. Designing Systems That Actually Help To deliver meaningful value, enterprise AI can't be treated as an afterthought. It needs to be embedded from the foundation, shaping how systems are designed, deployed and evolved. The following are five core design principles that turn AI into a collaborator, not just an add-on: 1. Start with the decisions, not the workflows. Focus on moments where users hesitate, escalate or second-guess—these are high-friction areas where AI can reduce ambiguity and guide action. 2. Treat ambiguity as a signal, not an error. Real-world inputs are rarely perfect. AI systems should be built to interpret partial, unstructured or imprecise requests as the norm, not the exception. 3. Build for clarity, not just speed. Systems that can't explain their reasoning won't earn trust. AI should be transparent, offering insight into how and why decisions are made, not just results. 4. Design with feedback loops. Let systems learn from user behavior. Ignored suggestions or overridden actions provide valuable signals to refine future recommendations. 5. Measure usefulness, not just throughput. Go beyond completion metrics. Track whether users got what they needed with less friction and greater confidence. The Real Opportunity AI isn't just about automating tasks—it's about helping people navigate complexity with confidence. It's what transforms enterprise systems from rigid utilities into responsive, adaptive collaborators. Speed still matters. But in today's enterprise world, it's context, trust and relevance that truly define intelligent efficiency. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
The Independent
18 hours ago
- The Independent
Walking is four times less efficient than this common exercise
Cycling is an exceptionally energy-efficient mode of transport, enabling people to travel further and faster with less effort than walking or running. The efficiency stems from the bicycle's design, which allows for a compact, circular leg motion, reducing the energy wasted on swinging heavy limbs. Bicycles utilise wheels for smooth rolling contact with the ground, eliminating the energy loss and jarring impacts associated with each footstep in walking or running. Gears on a bicycle help muscles operate at their peak efficiency by allowing them to maintain an optimal contraction speed, preventing them from becoming less effective at higher speeds. Overall, cycling is considerably more energy-efficient, being at least four times more efficient than walking and eight times more efficient than running, though very steep gradients can favour walking.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DHL Air (UK) Limited Partners with TA Connections to Enhance Crew Logistics with TA Crew Hub
DHL Air (UK) implements the latest technology by TA Connections, improving crew lodging and transportation and affirming its commitment to crew support MIAMI, July 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TA Connections, a Corpay (NYSE:CPAY) company and leading provider of airline crew logistics and accommodation technology, is proud to announce a new partnership with DHL Air (UK) Limited. The global logistics leader has signed on to implement TA Crew Hub, TA Connections' comprehensive solution for managing crew lodging and ground transportation needs. DHL Air (UK) Limited selected TA Crew Hub as part of its strategic commitment to improving efficiency, transparency, and communication across its crew operations. With a growing network and an ongoing emphasis on reliability and speed, DHL sought a solution that could reduce workload on its operations center, integrate with its existing crew management system, and provide real-time visibility into layover logistics. "As a global airline committed to connecting people and markets, it's vital our crews are supported with seamless logistics and the ability to rest and recharge between flights," said Tom Mackle, Managing Director at DHL Air (UK) Limited. "TA Crew Hub provides the automation, compliance, and transparency we need to uphold our service standards and continue delivering for our customers around the world." TA Crew Hub enables airlines like DHL Air (UK) Limited to streamline complex processes such as hotel sourcing, transportation coordination, and cost control. The platform offers real-time access to crew schedules and layover data, aligns contract terms with flight schedules, and helps carriers maintain global compliance standards. Additionally, the solution provides greater financial visibility through automated billing and auditing tools. "We're excited to support DHL Air (UK) Limited with our TA Crew Hub platform," said Ryan Guthrie, Group President of Lodging at Corpay. "Their dedication to operational excellence and global service aligns with our mission to simplify crew logistics for airlines operating at scale." This partnership marks another milestone for TA Connections in expanding its footprint with global cargo and logistics carriers. DHL Air (UK) Limited joins a growing list of airlines leveraging TA Crew Hub to enhance crew well-being, optimize operations, and keep the world moving. To learn more about TA Crew Hub, visit About TA Connections Through decades of innovation, TA Connections is committed to automating operations for airlines. With a suite of solutions that manages crew layover logistics and streamlines resolution for disrupted passengers, TA Connections is focused on continuous advancements and transforming processes for its more than 140 airline and cruise line companies. For additional information on TA Disruption Hub and the full suite of TA Connections offerings, visit About DHL Group DHL Group is the world's leading logistic company. The Group connects people and markets and is an enabler of global trade. It aspires to be the first choice for customers, employees, investors and green logistics worldwide. To this end, DHL Group is focusing on accelerating sustainable growth in its profitable core logistics businesses and Group growth initiatives. The Group contributes to the world through sustainable business practices, corporate citizenship, and environmental activities. By the year 2050, DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics. DHL Group is home to two strong brands: DHL offers a comprehensive range of parcel, express, freight transport, and supply chain management services as well as e-commerce logistics solutions. Deutsche Post is the largest postal service provider in Europe and the market leader in the German mail market. DHL Group employs approximately 602,000 people in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion Euros in 2024. View source version on Contacts Jessica Berger, Director of Marketing TA
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
UAE launches 2027-2029 budget cycle with focus on sustainability and AI
The UAE on Wednesday launched its 2027-2029 budget cycle, focusing on sustainability, artificial intelligence and efficiency. 'The budget cycle will play a key role in the development of the UAE's public financial system and is part of our government approach driven by proactivity, flexibility and policy integration,' Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, said on social media platform X. The latest budget cycle will focus on vital sectors that directly affect people's lives, including education, health care and social welfare, while empowering federal entities to deliver services to support the objectives of the government's UAE Centennial 2071 plan, he added. The total value of the federal budget over four consecutive cycles is Dh900 billion ($245 billion), the post said. The value of federal government assets by the end of 2024 reached Dh464.4 billion. In October last year, the UAE Cabinet approved the general budget of the Emirates for the fiscal year 2025, describing it as the largest in the country's history, with spending estimated at Dh71.5 billion. The Union General Budget Plan for next year also projects revenue at Dh71.5 billion. In October 2023, the UAE Cabinet approved a federal budget of Dh192 billion for 2024 to 2026.
The Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Drowning in admin? 14 productivity hacks to regain control of your diary, inbox
Some of us are utterly hopeless with admin, others so good they do it for a living. What are the best ways to get your working life under control? Administrators share their productivity tips and efficiency hacks. 'First thing in the morning, I spend half an hour going through emails and making a plan for the day,' says Claudine Hopgood, an administrator for the heads of product planning and network sales at Volkswagen Group UK in Milton Keynes. 'You can never schedule 100% of your day; I schedule 80%, and the other 20% is to allow for unforeseen interruptions.' 'Have a good overview of your week,' says Suzanne Ekpenyong, the lead virtual assistant of an agency of VAs that she runs from Woodford, east London. 'Check your availability and whether it works for you. Do you have enough desk time? Are you travelling too much? Does it work around your personal life? What is your energy going to be like that week? I think everybody should get into the habit of looking at their diary from an energy perspective and seeing if there is enough balance there.' 'I eat the frog first,' says Hopgood, referring to motivational speaker Brian Tracy's theory that you should start the day with your most tedious task to get it out of the way. 'Procrastination is king. If you continually put off the three tasks you have to get done, you know they're not going to get done. So get them done first and get the dopamine hit afterward.' 'Make sure you have notifications set up on your diary system,' says Ekpenyong. 'Google or Outlook might give a notification 15 minutes before something starts but, when you set up the meeting or appointment, it is useful to put in a notification three days before, two days before, and so on, so that you're on top of your preparation. This helps you to not stress at the last minute.' Craig Bryson agrees. The executive assistant at a private equity company in Mayfair, who hosts a podcast for administrators, says: 'I use my mobile calendar to remember birthdays and anniversaries – I have 46 cousins, so I need to be on top of that. I always hear the comment, 'Oh, you're a man – are you able to multitask?'' 'This is great for culling your inbox,' says Ekpenyong. The Ds stand for do, defer, delegate and delete. 'Do what you need to do in the moment; defer it until later, so it might go on your to-do list at that point; delegate it to someone else – that's amazing because then they can crack on with it; and the most wonderful thing is deleting things that you don't need, you've already done, that are no longer relevant – they can go straight in the bin.' 'I'm motivated by the challenge and excitement of thinking, 'Today's the day I'll reach inbox zero',' says Bryson. 'I never do, but I think it's about the passion of trying.' 'Inbox zero is just the best way of working,' says Jess Branch from St Albans, personal assistant to Simon Allford, architect and co-founder of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. 'Especially working with my jobshare, Georgia. We use it as a very clear gauge when we are trying to work out our workload. We categorise all our emails: red is an email that needs to be actioned, green is an email that is waiting on a reply. So it is basically using your inbox as a to-do list and just constantly trying to get it down so you feel ahead of the game.' 'I'm a big list-maker,' says Ekpenyong. 'I use the Asana app, a project- and task-management system. But sometimes it is quicker just to grab a pen and pad and write down your three top priorities because sometimes, when you're really busy, it's really easy to think, 'I can't cope.' That is why I swear by a 'must-do' list, which is different from my to-do list. These are the things you know are very critical and must absolutely happen that day. Anything else is a bonus.' She also recommends keeping a 'ta-da list' of everything you have completed: 'It gives you a great sense of achievement, which is often what you need to keep going with the rest of your to-do.' 'The Notes app on my phone is my saviour,' says Shanice Robertson, a virtual assistant based in Aberdeen. 'I've tried a few apps but honestly, between my notebook and the Notes app on my phone, I think old-school is the best way.' Hopgood adds: 'I have a 3am brain-dump notebook by the bed of just random things.' At work, she has a pen on her lanyard for 'when you're on the fly, you're going to a meeting and somebody stops you. I've always got a small notebook with me that fits in my pocket so I can quickly scribble something down.' 'Always write it down,' agrees Bryson. When the executive he works for calls him in, he grabs a pad, 'because, by the time you get back to your desk, you've probably forgotten exactly what you got asked to do that is important. Your brain is more for ideas and not storage.' 'I use AI to tell me to do stuff,' says Branch. 'When I make my packed lunch for the next day, I will say, 'Alexa, set an alarm for 7.20am for me to take my lunch out of the fridge.' So while I'm running around, getting my girls out of the house, Alexa will say, 'Don't forget to take your lunch.' Sometimes, I will go to [Microsoft's AI assistant] Copilot, and say, 'I need to write an email. It needs to include this, this and this. How should I do it?' And I'll just put the facts in, and then it will write an eloquent email that would have taken me 10 minutes.' 'If you are feeling overwhelmed,' says Robertson, 'you could put into ChatGPT, 'Tomorrow, I've got to do this; can you work out a plan for me? Break it down into 15-minute goals', and then you'll feel better about the next day.' Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion 'Copilot and ChatGPT are massive time-saving tools,' says Hopgood. 'You can enter a report and ask for a PowerPoint of 80 slides. You can put a document in and, within seconds, you have a really accurate summary that would have taken you two hours. I joke to my boss, 'You won't need me any more.' But we will still need people. It's about using AI to your advantage.' 'Sometimes I'd rather stick pins in my eyes than fill out another Doodle poll [to agree a time for a meeting],' says Branch. 'If I'm dealing with PAs in other companies, it is much easier to just pick up the phone.' Alternatively, send a voice note, says Robertson: 'If I'm in the middle of a task and I remember I need to tell a client something, I'll just quickly do a voice note – you can work away while it's recording.' Robertson is a fan of the American author Mel Robbins' five-second rule: 'She was lying in bed and she'd seen a rocket on TV the night before, shooting into space, so thought, 'I'm going to count down 54321 and then launch myself like a rocket.' 'If I find I'm scrolling on my phone, or if I'm thinking about doing a task, I say to myself '54321' and I just do it.' 'I love being distracted,' says Hopgood, 'so I do this thing called 'tactical hiding' where, if I have something that needs to be done, I will leave my desk. I tell one person where I'm going. I go offline, and I put my phone away. There is a really good app called Forest and, if you have a job, you put in an hour and it grows [virtual] trees. If you pick up your phone and go on to Instagram or something, all your trees die. At the end of the week, you can see how many trees you've grown.' Inevitably, even the most organised people sometimes forget things and the admin assistants all agree you have to have some perspective on this. 'If you put the wrong link in an email, is somebody still going to be talking about that five years later? No,' says Branch. 'Sometimes things do go wrong, and that's fine, because I'm not perfect.' 'Own up to mistakes,' says Hopgood. 'Just put your hands up and say, 'I messed up. I forgot to do that. This is what I've done to put it right.' But just own your mistake. There's no point trying to cover it up, because you will always be found out.' 'There is no such thing as perfection,' says Bryson. 'When we make mistakes, we have to think, 'I will never do it again, because I remember the feeling from that mistake.' We learn from them, which is a great thing.' 'When I go on holiday, I delete Teams from my phone,' says Branch. 'There is no reason for me to know anything. I care about my job very passionately, but it isn't life or death.' During the working day, she says, 'make sure you're standing up and moving around, taking a trip to the photocopier or whatever, and taking breaks. Sometimes, if you have loads and loads to do, it feels like the thing you should do is sit at your desk until it's done. But you need to have a lunch break, and you'll be so much more productive when you come back.' 'You just have to switch off,' says Bryson. 'I've heard of people taking a month off work as a result of burnout, because they always reach for their mobile just to see whether there are any messages at 8pm. I have a family and a life I want to be able to focus on. You have to create boundaries to help protect your mental health.'
