Generative AI: A Tool to Reclaim Time
During a recent virtual “lunch and learn” session hosted by the West Kentucky chapter of Women in Maritime Operations (WIMOS) on October 29, Susan Olson, founder of Action Intel, highlighted the rapid advancement and utility of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Referencing hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, she noted that staying ahead of the curve is essential because AI is evolving at lightning speed.
“Generative AI is a valuable tool that gives you time back,” Olson emphasized. “I use it every day in a variety of ways.” She detailed its application in tasks such as research, writing, marketing, predictive modeling, data visualization, and computer coding.
Participants shared their own experiences with AI, including comparing PDF documents for differences and narrowing research topics to specific contexts like inland maritime settings for academic projects.
Enhancing Efficiency While Recognizing Limitations
Olson praised AI’s ability to improve coding efficiency and spot errors swiftly. However, she cautioned against blind reliance. She likened AI to an overzealous intern — always eager but occasionally careless. “It’s critical that humans verify AI-generated content,” she stressed.
One recurring issue Olson identified is AI’s handling of numerical data. She shared an example where AI consistently failed to correctly convert bushels to metric tons. “AI operates on probability,” she said, “so it can produce wildly inaccurate results if not supervised.”
She illustrated how omitting key steps in an AI prompt — like forgetting to mention cracking an egg in a recipe — can lead to undesirable results. To mitigate such issues, Olson frequently tests AI by inputting questions she already knows the answers to, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
The Importance of Informed Query Design
Olson advises users to request source citations when querying AI and to verify those sources independently. She also recommends instructing AI to seek clarifications before proceeding with complex queries. “The quality of the results depends heavily on how well the prompt is structured,” she said.
When asked about the learning curve, Olson shared her strategy: she allows for three iterations of a prompt before switching methods if it still doesn’t yield the desired result. She noted that image generation often requires even more refinement.
Comparing AI Tools: ChatGPT vs. Claude
Olson compared two prominent AI platforms — ChatGPT and Claude by Anthropic. She described ChatGPT as user-friendly and versatile, dubbing it the “Swiss Army knife” of generative AI. Claude, on the other hand, is more methodical and excels particularly in coding, though it can feel “dry” in its responses. Olson mentioned limited experience with Microsoft AI but acknowledged its growing relevance.
Practical Demonstration: Researching Maritime Importance
To demonstrate AI’s potential, Olson led participants through a live exercise using generative AI to research Paducah, Kentucky’s role in the inland maritime industry. She structured the prompt using “## research interests,” activated deep research mode, limited processing time to seven minutes, and required extensive in-text references and a bibliography.
The results, she said, were impressive in terms of time saved. “What would have taken me three or four hours, AI completed in five minutes,” she noted. However, she rated the results at about 80 percent accuracy, underscoring the need for human review and interpretation.
AI Integration in Maritime Applications
Olson discussed the future of AI in the maritime sector, predicting that it will increasingly be embedded in existing technologies, operating behind the scenes. This could include enhancing features in email clients or automating parts of contract creation. She also envisions AI being used to streamline and present information in more actionable formats, both onboard and onshore.
“Those in the maritime industry often have never-ending to-do lists,” Olson remarked. “AI is already helping me tackle those tasks more efficiently.” She concluded by highlighting how AI has allowed her to focus more on projects she is passionate about. “There are things I have to do and things I want to do. Now I get more time for the things I’d rather be working on.”
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.