Latest news with #predictiveanalytics
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
The AI transformation in construction risk management
CMiC is a Business Reporter client How AI-powered predictive analytics are bringing enhanced cost control, safety and quality and proactive decision-making to supply chains. Construction has always been an industry fraught with uncertainties. From fluctuating costs and delayed materials to safety incidents and quality concerns, risk management in this industry has traditionally relied on experience, intuition and reactive problem-solving. But while these approaches have proved adequate in the past, today's construction projects face unprecedented challenges: tighter profit margins, compressed timelines and increasingly stringent regulations. In this high-pressure environment, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, shifting the industry from reactive problem-solving to proactive risk prevention. By leveraging advanced algorithms, machine learning and real-time data analysis, AI is revolutionising how construction firms identify, assess and mitigate risks across multiple fronts. Predictive analytics: foreseeing cost and scheduling risks Cost overruns and schedule delays have long affected construction projects. Traditional forecasting methods – relying on historical trends and manual calculations – often lack precision, leading to budget miscalculations and unforeseen disruptions. AI-driven predictive analytics offers a more accurate alternative. By processing historical project data, supplier reliability metrics, labour productivity rates and environmental variables, machine learning models can identify risk patterns that signal potential delays. Supply chain bottlenecks, labour shortages and weather disruptions become predictable, allowing project managers to implement preventative measures before setbacks occur. The adaptive nature of AI further enhances its predictive capabilities. As new data flows in, algorithms continuously refine their predictions, creating a dynamic risk management system that evolves throughout the project lifecycle. Resource planning receives a significant boost from AI's real-time data analysis capabilities. Construction sites generate vast quantities of information through equipment sensors, workforce tracking systems and material logs. AI processes this data stream to optimise resource allocation, preventing shortages and minimising downtime. Smart scheduling tools dynamically adjust project timelines, ensuring isolated delays don't cascade through the entire construction sequence. Financial oversight also benefits from AI integration. Algorithms scan procurement records, subcontractor bids and invoices for inconsistencies, flagging discrepancies before they escalate into budget overruns. When combined with real-time financial tracking, these tools provide construction firms with unprecedented visibility into spending trends. AI-driven safety: preventing accidents before they happen Safety concerns remain paramount in construction. Traditional safety measures – training programs, manual inspections and compliance checks – help mitigate hazards but often fail to prevent incidents proactively. AI introduces a transformative approach to safety management through real-time risk detection and predictive threat assessment. AI-powered cameras analyse live video feeds from job sites, identifying unsafe behaviours. When these systems detect a risk, they trigger automated alerts to safety managers, enabling immediate intervention. Wearable technology amplifies AI's safety impact. Smart helmets and vests equipped with biometric sensors monitor worker fatigue, heart rate and environmental exposure. AI analyses these signals to detect signs of exhaustion or hazardous conditions, alerting supervisors when predetermined risk thresholds are crossed, thereby reducing accidents caused by human error. Predictive safety analytics adds another protective layer. By analysing historical incident reports, weather patterns and project schedules, AI models identify when and where safety risks are most likely to emerge. This allows site managers to proactively adjust work schedules, reinforce training or implement additional protective measures in high-risk areas. Compliance management also benefits from AI automation. Natural language processing tools review safety documentation and incident reports, ensuring regulatory standards are met while reducing manual paperwork burdens. Quality control: minimising defects and failures Construction defects lead to costly rework, project delays and potential structural failures. Traditional quality control methods – manual inspections, material testing and compliance checks – are effective but limited by human oversight constraints. AI strengthens quality assurance through automated inspection processes and early inconsistency detection. Computer vision and deep learning algorithms analyse images and video from job sites, with AI-powered drones and robots scanning buildings for defects often invisible to the human eye. These systems detect cracks, misalignments and improper installations early, reducing expensive corrections later. Material performance assessment improves through machine learning models that analyse supplier records, environmental conditions and past project outcomes. If materials show failure likelihood, AI flags them before installation, ensuring only specification-compliant materials enter the construction process. Building information modelling (BIM) integration further enhances quality control. AI-enabled BIM platforms compare design blueprints with actual construction progress, triggering alerts for any deviations and allowing timely corrections. AI simulations also test structural resilience under various stress scenarios, ensuring compliance with engineering standards before material placement. Supply chain and labour risk management Supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages pose significant project risks. Traditional planning methods often fail to anticipate these challenges, relying on historical data and reactive decision-making. AI-driven procurement systems analyse market trends, supplier performance and geopolitical factors to predict material shortages and price volatility. These systems recommend alternative suppliers, optimise order timing and adjust procurement strategies before disruptions occur, helping firms minimise supply chain-related delays. Material tracking improves through AI-powered logistics platforms using RFID sensors and IoT devices to provide real-time shipment visibility. Automated scheduling tools adjust deliveries based on project timelines, preventing material shortages and excess inventory. Labour shortage risks decrease through AI-enhanced workforce analytics that assess skill availability, predict labour gaps and recommend hiring or training strategies. These systems optimise workforce distribution by matching assignments with workers based on skill level and availability. Automation further mitigates labour risks, with AI-powered robotics handling repetitive tasks such as excavation and bricklaying, allowing human workers to focus on higher-value responsibilities. The human-AI partnership Despite AI's transformative potential, human expertise remains essential in construction risk management. The most effective frameworks integrate AI capabilities with institutional knowledge, ensuring that algorithmic insights align with on-site realities. Successful firms combine AI risk assessments with superintendent evaluations, continuously validate models with field data and maintain transparent accountability structures across all stakeholders. This balanced approach leverages AI's data processing power while preserving the irreplaceable value of human judgment and experience. As construction firms increasingly adopt these technologies, they will not merely reduce project risks – they will fundamentally redefine how projects are planned, executed and completed. In an industry where margins are tight and expectations are high, AI-powered risk management represents not just an advantage but a necessity for future success.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
89% of organisations are investing in both AI-powered experiences and predictive analytics
A staggering 89% of organizations are investing in both AI-powered experiences and predictive analytics, highlighting an unprecedented leap toward proactive, self-directed customer engagement strategies, a report showed. The newly released Customer Experience Live Intelligence Report 2025 outlines how enterprises are leveraging intelligent systems to not just automate, but think, act, and adapt independently. Agentic AI, in particular, is gaining traction — these autonomous systems are designed to independently assess, decide, and respond to customer needs in real-time, redefining the very foundation of service delivery. This transition is empowering businesses to move from reactive service models to predictive, hyper-personalised engagement — while freeing human agents to focus on complex, high-value interactions. 'This isn't just an upgrade in tools — it's a philosophical shift in how organisations approach customer experience,' said Ayusha Tyagi, Managing Director, Customer Experience Live. 'AI and Agentic AI are allowing brands to deliver human-like support at scale, while creating space for empathy, creativity, and more strategic CX design. The future belongs to companies that can fuse intelligence with intention.' In a region undergoing a digital renaissance, AI — and more critically, AI-powered experiences and Agentic AI — have emerged as the defining force behind customer experience transformation. This paradigm shift took center stage at the Customer Experience Live Show Middle East 2025, the region's most prestigious CX leadership gathering. In a bid to deliver intelligent, intuitive, and immersive experiences, organisations across the Middle East are aligning their technology investments with customer-centric strategies. The report reveals that 59% of companies are deploying AI agents to enhance responsiveness and automate interactions, while 83% are prioritising operational excellence as a critical driver of CX transformation. At the same time, 69% of businesses are focusing on improving customer engagement and satisfaction, reaffirming that strong relationships are central to long-term success. Additionally, 56% are investing in outsourcing CX support and services, aiming to scale service delivery and improve efficiency. As 81% of organisations are actively pursuing increased customer satisfaction and retention to remain competitive, it is evident that customer experience is no longer confined to a single department — it has become a strategic business imperative. 'The future of CX is here: AI and Agentic AI are combining the power of automation with human insight to deliver experiences that are not just personalised—but predictive, proactive, and powerful,' noted Sanjay Gupta, VP Sales, South Asia & Middle East, NICE. This year's edition also brought together influential voices and decision-makers from companies such as Al Futtaim Group, Bank Muscat, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Etihad Airways, NEOM, The Coca-Cola Company, Unilever, and Zurich among others. Held in Dubai on 13-14 May 2025, the event further celebrated innovation through the Customer Experience Live Awards, honouring leading organisations transforming their customer journeys through data, design, and digital intelligence. This year's winners included Saudi Ports Authority 'Mawani', Aster DM Healthcare, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Saudi EXIM Bank, NICE, Oman Data Park, Tawuniya, Tasleem Metering & Payment Collection, Dammam Airports Company, EHS, Octopus Outsourcing, NEOM Operations, Dubai National Insurance, Medcare Hospital & Medical Centres, Saudi Awwal Bank, Fitness First MENA, Silah Gulf, Sprinklr, Verint, and Qatar Airways Group. The event was co-presented by NICE and e& enterprise, with Sprinklr joining as Spotlight Partner, each bringing deep expertise and innovation to the forefront of customer experience transformation. This year's edition was further enriched by co-located shows — the AI Experience Show, Digital Excellence Show, and Contact Centre Show Middle East 2025 — offering attendees a 360-degree view of the technologies, trends, and strategies shaping the future of customer experience. Other distinguished sponsors included Cisco, AWS, Verint, Ipsos, Qualtrics, Sydr Systems by SITE, Sideways 6, Exotel, Locobuzz, Kanari, Konnect Insights, Robosoft Technologies, Silah Gulf, intella, Hamsa, November Five, Calabrio, 2Ring, Answered by Aramex, and NovelVox. Strategic partners for the event were the International Customer Experience Institute and Bpo Search, with media partners being Customer Data Platform Institute, ACN Newswire, Call Centre Helper, CrmXchange, siliconindia, CIOReview, AI Tools Network, Financial Service Review, Conference Alerts, Applied Technology Review, The European Business Review, CIO Outlook, AIPressRoom, OnestopNDT, Worldoils, and Energy Business Review.
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AI and Agentic AI take center stage as Customer Experience Live Show Middle East 2025 Charts the future of CX in the region
Customer Experience Live Intelligence Report 2025 reveals 89% of organizations are investing in AI-powered experiences and predictive analytics as companies move from reactive service to intelligent, adaptive engagement. Dubai, UAE – In a region undergoing a digital renaissance, AI — and more critically, AI-powered experiences and Agentic AI — have emerged as the defining force behind customer experience transformation. This paradigm shift took center stage at the Customer Experience Live Show Middle East 2025, the region's most prestigious CX leadership gathering, where the newly released Customer Experience Live Intelligence Report 2025 outlined how enterprises are leveraging intelligent systems to not just automate, but think, act, and adapt independently. According to the report, a staggering 89% of organizations are investing in both AI-powered experiences and predictive analytics, highlighting an unprecedented leap toward proactive, self-directed customer engagement strategies. Agentic AI, in particular, is gaining traction — these autonomous systems are designed to independently assess, decide, and respond to customer needs in real-time, redefining the very foundation of service delivery. This transition is empowering businesses to move from reactive service models to predictive, hyper-personalised engagement — while freeing human agents to focus on complex, high-value interactions. 'This isn't just an upgrade in tools — it's a philosophical shift in how organisations approach customer experience,' said Ayusha Tyagi, Managing Director, Customer Experience Live. 'AI and Agentic AI are allowing brands to deliver human-like support at scale, while creating space for empathy, creativity, and more strategic CX design. The future belongs to companies that can fuse intelligence with intention.' In a bid to deliver intelligent, intuitive, and immersive experiences, organisations across the Middle East are aligning their technology investments with customer-centric strategies. The report reveals that 59% of companies are deploying AI agents to enhance responsiveness and automate interactions, while 83% are prioritising operational excellence as a critical driver of CX transformation. At the same time, 69% of businesses are focusing on improving customer engagement and satisfaction, reaffirming that strong relationships are central to long-term success. Additionally, 56% are investing in outsourcing CX support and services, aiming to scale service delivery and improve efficiency. As 81% of organisations are actively pursuing increased customer satisfaction and retention to remain competitive, it is evident that customer experience is no longer confined to a single department — it has become a strategic business imperative. 'The future of CX is here: AI and Agentic AI are combining the power of automation with human insight to deliver experiences that are not just personalised—but predictive, proactive, and powerful,' noted Sanjay Gupta, VP Sales, South Asia & Middle East, NICE. This year's edition also brought together influential voices and decision-makers from companies such as Al Futtaim Group, Bank Muscat, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Etihad Airways, NEOM, The Coca-Cola Company, Unilever, and Zurich among others. Held at the JW Marriott Hotel Dubai Marina on 13-14 May 2025, the event further celebrated innovation through the Customer Experience Live Awards, honouring leading organisations transforming their customer journeys through data, design, and digital intelligence. This year's winners included Saudi Ports Authority 'Mawani', Aster DM Healthcare, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Saudi EXIM Bank, NICE, Oman Data Park, Tawuniya, Tasleem Metering & Payment Collection, Dammam Airports Company, EHS, Octopus Outsourcing, NEOM Operations, Dubai National Insurance, Medcare Hospital & Medical Centres, Saudi Awwal Bank, Fitness First MENA, Silah Gulf, Sprinklr, Verint, and Qatar Airways Group. The event was co-presented by NICE and e& enterprise, with Sprinklr joining as Spotlight Partner, each bringing deep expertise and innovation to the forefront of customer experience transformation. This year's edition was further enriched by co-located shows — the AI Experience Show, Digital Excellence Show, and Contact Centre Show Middle East 2025 — offering attendees a 360-degree view of the technologies, trends, and strategies shaping the future of customer experience. Other distinguished sponsors included Cisco, AWS, Verint, Ipsos, Qualtrics, Sydr Systems by SITE, Sideways 6, Exotel, Locobuzz, Kanari, Konnect Insights, Robosoft Technologies, Silah Gulf, intella, Hamsa, November Five, Calabrio, 2Ring, Answered by Aramex, and NovelVox. Strategic partners for the event were the International Customer Experience Institute and Bpo Search, with media partners being Customer Data Platform Institute, ACN Newswire, Call Centre Helper, CrmXchange, siliconindia, CIOReview, AI Tools Network, Financial Service Review, Conference Alerts, Applied Technology Review, The European Business Review, CIO Outlook, AIPressRoom, OnestopNDT, Worldoils, and Energy Business Review. About Customer Experience Live Customer Experience Live is a leading digital customer experience insights and research powerhouse in the EMEA and APAC regions. Committed to driving growth within organisations through rigorous research and insightful activations, the company plays a pivotal role in facilitating successful business ventures and fostering innovation in customer experience solutions. With a focus on understanding end-user needs and market dynamics, Customer Experience Live empowers top-level executives and solution providers to navigate the ever-changing landscape of customer experience. About Customer Experience Live Show Middle East Customer Experience Live Show Middle East is the region's most prestigious show designed for the top-tier CX suite. For 8 successful editions, this premier conference has empowered enterprises to enhance their customer experience strategies through insights on Omni AI experience, operational efficiency, VoC redesign, and proactive engagement. With a strong focus on positioning CX as a driver of business growth, the event brings together senior executives and industry experts to address evolving challenges and build long-term customer loyalty. Participate in the upcoming edition to gain actionable insights, connect with CX leaders, and benchmark against the very best in the field.
Entrepreneur
10-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
From Lead to Loyalty: How AI Builds Market Leaders in Financial Services
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Asia Pacific, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In today's hyper-competitive financial landscape, institutions that embed artificial intelligence across the entire customer journey are emerging as clear market leaders. What distinguishes these frontrunners is not just their adoption of technology, but their ability to harness AI as a strategic infrastructure—one that unites data, intelligence, and personalized engagement from the very first interaction to long-term loyalty. The journey begins with precision-driven lead qualification. AI systems are now capable of parsing massive volumes of behavioural, contextual, and transactional data to identify high-value prospects. Platforms like BOF's AIMEE integrate advanced segmentation with predictive analytics to deliver customized outreach and content. This translates into higher conversion rates and lower acquisition costs, giving firms a competitive edge in a crowded market. Onboarding, traditionally a pain point in financial services, is transformed into a seamless digital experience. AI facilitates instant identity verification, document authentication, and real-time risk assessment. These innovations reduce friction while ensuring compliance with complex regulatory frameworks. Importantly, they also set the tone for a responsive and trustworthy client relationship. Yet, the most significant value of AI unfolds after onboarding. Financial institutions are increasingly relying on AI models to continuously analyze account activity, spending patterns, investment performance, and long-term goals. This enables real-time personalization, from tailored financial advice to proactive alerts and fraud detection. Clients benefit from services that feel intuitive, relevant, and always a step ahead. Generative AI (GenAI) enhances this dynamic by adding a layer of intelligence that goes beyond pattern recognition. These models can create financial simulations, generate customized product summaries, and support human advisors with rapid scenario analysis. For instance, GenAI tools help simulate mortgage plans or investment outcomes based on personal financial data—making complex decisions easier for the end user and increasing trust in the institution's advisory capabilities. Such integration of GenAI isn't just technological sophistication—it's a strategic differentiator. Institutions that scale these capabilities gain a notable advantage in cross-selling, client retention, and customer lifetime value. Indeed, personalization driven by AI has been shown to significantly reduce churn and improve satisfaction across all customer segments. However, market leadership through AI requires more than technical capacity. Financial firms must address critical challenges such as data security, AI explainability, and ethical use. The increasing reliance on algorithmic decisions raises the bar for transparency and fairness. Regulatory expectations are evolving rapidly, and institutions must design governance frameworks that anticipate scrutiny, ensure data integrity, and uphold public trust. Furthermore, as AI expands the digital footprint of financial services, cybersecurity becomes both a risk and a necessity. While AI can detect and neutralize threats in real time, it also broadens the attack surface. A robust, "security by design" approach is essential to balance innovation with resilience. In this new paradigm, intelligence is no longer an add-on. It is the engine behind scalable growth, deeper customer relationships, and enduring market leadership in the age of algorithmic finance.
The Independent
07-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
New AI model uses NHS data to predict future disease and complications
A groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) model is being trained using NHS data from 57 million people in England in the hope it could predict disease and complications before they occur. The world-first study, spearheaded by researchers at University College London (UCL) and King's College London (KCL), has the potential to 'unlock a healthcare revolution', officials said. The AI, known as Foresight, uses technology similar to that of ChatGPT, however, instead of predicting text, Foresight analyses a patient's medical history to forecast potential future health issues. As part of the pilot, it will be trained using eight routinely collected datasets, including hospital admissions, A&E attendances and Covid-19 vaccination rates, which have been stripped of personal information. 'Foresight is a really exciting step towards being able to predict disease and complications before they happen, giving us a window to intervene and enabling a shift towards more preventative healthcare at scale,' Dr Chris Tomlinson of UCL said. 'And to give a practical example of what that actually looks like, we could use Foresight to look across the whole population and predict the risk of, for example, unscheduled hospitalisation. 'This is a really significant event that often heralds deterioration in the patient's health but can occur from a variety of different causes, and also has a major resource implication on the health service. 'We can then use Foresight to understand the drivers for that deterioration, and potentially suggest personalising opportunities for intervention so that might include, for example, optimising medications to improve blood pressure control and reduce the risk of, say, stroke.' Foresight is currently restricted to Covid-19-related research. Dr Tomlinson added: 'We're looking at predicting Covid-19 outcomes – which may help us inform the next pandemic – but we're also testing the model's ability to generalise to other important healthcare outcomes, such as predicting the risk of hospitalisation or death in the next year, as well as the onset of over 1,000 different conditions. 'Ultimately, we'd like to increase the depth and capability of Foresight by including richer sources of data – information like physicians' notes and the results of investigations such as blood tests or scans.' The pilot study will operate within NHS England's Secure Data Environment, which will provide access to de-personalised records with patient data remaining under strict NHS control. Dr Vin Diwakar, national director of transformation at NHS England, said: 'The NHS Secure Data Environment has been fundamental to this pioneering research, shaping a future where earlier treatments and interventions are targeted to those who will benefit, preventing future ill health. 'This will boost our ability to move quickly towards personalised, preventative care.' Science and technology secretary Peter Kyle added: 'This ambitious research shows how AI, paired with the NHS's wealth of secure and anonymised data, is set to unlock a healthcare revolution. 'This technology is transforming what's possible in tackling a host of debilitating diseases, from diagnosis, to treatment, to prevention. 'This is work that that will be instrumental to this Government's missions to overhaul healthcare and grow the economy, which sit at the heart of our Plan for Change. 'And an unrelenting focus on privacy and security means people can rest assured that their data is in safe hands.' The new pilot comes after a study, published in the Lancet Digital Health in March 2024, found Foresight was able to predict the type of health conditions a patient is likely to develop in the future. Professor Richard Dobson, deputy director of the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre and another lead researcher at KCL and UCL, added: 'This pilot is building on previous research that demonstrated Foresight's ability to predict health trajectories from data from two NHS trusts. 'To be able to use it in a national setting is very exciting as it will potentially demonstrate more powerful predictions that can inform services nationally and locally.'
