The introduction of AI into project management has generated controversy. A commonly held belief amongst professionals is that robots are coming to take people’s jobs. At first glance, the data appears to confirm this. A report from Gartner in 2019 claimed that “By 2030, 80% of the work of today’s project management discipline will be eliminated as AI takes on traditional PM functions.”. Yet, the Project Management Institute recently predicted that 88 million people will still be required to be working in Project Management by 2027. The informed conclusion from this data is AI is coming to work with people, not instead of them. There are inherently human necessities that technology cannot replicate. At Execview, we see this as a virtue and an opportunity.
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The current relationship between AI and PPM software
Presently, AI is in the early stages of its potential growth. But there are already a few ways in which PPM software providers have integrated it.
- Automated chatbots – You may have seen these before on other websites or pieces of software. Chatbots are bots that are programmed to answer your queries and questions. At Execview, we don’t see the need for chatbots. We recognise that they can cut out hours of troubleshooting, but any question of complexity, nuance, or of a personal nature, makes the chatbot obsolete. We pride ourselves on offering a human touch. Our dedicated helpdesk gives you access to our highly trained professionals, whom we believe can offer targeted support that solves your problems and answers your questions and queries quicker.
- AI-powered estimation – This is where AI can make predictions about project outcomes through machine learning. The AI identifies trends behind data and makes accurate predictions on project cost and duration. AI-powered estimation requires a skilled Project Manager who is well versed in data collection and processing, so the AI is only as good as the human who operates it. Execview can integrate with AI-powered estimation. Our role is to improve the performance of project managers to allow them to show-off their skills. We estimate using our software reduces individual effort by around 15%. We also offer mentoring and support.
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The future of AI and PM
The development of AI will improve project managers performance, not replace them. AI needs humans to help it do its job. It is good at locating links and similarities between data sets, but not nearly as original, open-minded or context-driven as a human project manager. The belief is that AI will take on the menial tasks in PM. Formstack recently estimated project managers spend an average of 8 hours on low-value tasks. If AI can eliminate this, it creates time for more valuable work like team building, project vision, managing people and growing networks. Collaboration with AI will improve the output of projects, increasing the value of those who work in project management.
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Why AI needs Execview
We help project managers with their decision making. Project management is about human connection, leadership, and strategic thinking outside-the-box, skills only a human can provide. Execview improves professional relationships through a platform where staff, clients and suppliers can collaborate on one easy-to-use platform. Jobs like task management are achievable with clarity on the Execview, and project managers can keep track of individual progress, eliminating the need for external consultants. As the human side of project management becomes the dominant requirement, Execview can provide a programme where people can make clear decisions in one place.
by Will Davis
