Moving from AI Hallucinations to Informed Decisions

Harnessing Proven Technology Strategies to Sidestep the Kodak Fate in the AECO Industry

Last month, I opened a discussion on our industry's 'Kodak Moment' with AI – a critical point where embracing advanced technology is not just an option but a necessity. The conversations that followed revealed a shared recognition of our industry's challenges, particularly in making informed decisions with the knowledge we already have.

I will expand this narrative with a new series titled "From Hallucinations to Informed Decisions." 

This isn't just about AI's shortcomings or capabilities; it's about addressing a more profound, pre-existing challenge in the AECO industry – the struggle with accessing and utilizing high-quality data for decision-making.
In this series, we will explore:

• Breaking Free from Hotel California: Data on Your Own Device: How data locked into silos and the lack of standards hindered our industry's decision-making leading to 'hallucinations' in our planning and execution long before AI hallucinations.
• The Role of AI: How AI, supported by valid and accurate data, can transform challenges into opportunities by making more informed decisions, particularly in sustainability and climate change.
• Beyond AI's Hype: While AI holds great promise, it's crucial to recognize that it's not a panacea. This reality highlights a twofold need: strong leadership and collective responsibility within the AECO industry. It's about leaders who grasp AI's potential and are committed to fostering a culture that values collecting and analyzing quality data. 
• Collaborative Innovation: Highlighting the importance of industry-wide collaboration, as seen in our AI BIMStorm sessions, in gathering and sharing high-quality data to fully harness AI's potential.

AI is not a magic bullet. It's an enabler, a powerful one, but its efficacy is directly tied to the quality of data it's fed. Our industry's move towards more informed decisions hinges on this crucial aspect.

We must remember that our exploration of AI in the AECO industry is ongoing and dynamic. To further this discussion, I invite you to join me at an upcoming webinar hosted by the National Institute of Building Sciences: "The Intersection of AI and Building Sciences: A New Era of Intelligent Infrastructure," scheduled for January 25th. 

This webinar will delve deeper into the topics we've discussed and explore the future of AI in our industry.
Following the webinar, participate in the weekly Asset Leadership Network discussion, where we'll have a chance to debrief and continue the conversation. 

Kimon Onuma, FAIA
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