More than meets the AI: why planning ahead is vital to reap the rewards of GenAI

GenAI is set to revolutionise the way we work. It's not, however, as simple as downloading a new App or software extension. 
Martin Hawksey explores some of the pitfalls organisations will face with GenAI adoption and how they can successfully navigate these.

Research by McKinsey & Company suggests that current generative AI (GenAI) and similar technologies have the potential to automate work activities that consume 60 to 70 percent of employees' time.

Google Workspace, with its long history of integrating AI, is well-positioned to capitalise on this potential. The introduction of Gemini for Workspace promises even more powerful AI collaboration capabilities, and Google-funded research estimates that its AI tools could save the average UK worker over 100 hours per year.

However, seamlessly weaving the vast capabilities of Large Language Models (LLMs) into existing products is a complex challenge. Balancing AI automation with user control and catering to diverse needs requires thoughtful design and implementation. The rapid pace of development in Gemini for Workspace further underscores the need for solutions that simplify the adoption and utilisation of GenAI. The learning curve associated with LLMs and effective prompting, coupled with the cost and ROI calculations, can be daunting for businesses.

The good news is that today, you can harness the same GenAI capabilities behind Gemini for Workspace in your own solutions using Google’s Vertex AI. But how can you do this, without building complex custom solutions? Let's take a look.

GenAI - look before you leap

While the potential of GenAI is undeniable, harnessing its power presents a multi-faceted challenge for businesses:

1. The Complexity Conundrum: Integrating powerful LLMs like Gemini into existing workflows isn't as simple as flipping a switch. It requires technical expertise, strategic planning and a deep understanding of how AI can best augment human tasks. In our experience working with clients, they find that the initial excitement of GenAI quickly gave way to the realisation of the intricate implementation process.

2. Striking the Balance: AI should enhance, not replace, human ingenuity. Finding the sweet spot between automation and user control is crucial. Too much automation can lead to a loss of personalisation and adaptability, while too little fails to unlock the full potential of AI. For example, a common concern we hear from customers is maintaining their unique brand voice while leveraging AI-generated content.

3. The Cost-Benefit Equation: The cost of implementing and maintaining GenAI solutions can be significant, especially for smaller businesses. Calculating the return on investment (ROI) is often difficult, as the benefits of GenAI can be both tangible (e.g., increased productivity) and intangible (e.g., improved quality). We've seen this firsthand with customers, who struggled to justify the upfront investment in GenAI technology without a clear path to measurable results.

The Google Solution - your GenAI Power Tool

Fortunately, Google Workspace businesses have a powerful ally in their quest to leverage GenAI: AppSheet. This no-code development platform allows you to rapidly prototype and build custom applications that seamlessly integrate with your existing Google Workspace tools.

While AppSheet continues to integrate AI capabilities into the product for both app creators and users, there are often overlooked opportunities to add your own GenAI features to solve your specific business problems.

Here's how AppSheet empowers your business to overcome the GenAI challenge:

• Simplified Integration: AppSheet simplifies integration by seamlessly connecting to a wide range of data sources, from Google Sheets to BigQuery, as well as enabling easy ways to capture real-world data like photos and locations. With AppSheet's Apps Script integration, you can harness Google's Vertex AI and the same GenAI capabilities behind Gemini without complex coding.

• Tailored Solutions: AppSheet's flexible design environment allows you to create apps that precisely match your unique needs. You have full control over the level of automation, ensuring that AI complements your human expertise rather than overshadowing it.

• Rapid Prototyping: AppSheet's interface enables you to quickly create and iterate on prototypes, allowing you to experiment with different GenAI use cases and find what works best for your business. This agile approach minimises risk and accelerates time-to-value.

• Real-World Results: AppSheet is already empowering businesses to unlock the transformative potential of GenAI. We've prototyped solutions that enhance risk assessment, using Gemini to analyse captured photos and deliver near-instant feedback, streamlining decision-making. Additionally, we've enabled the rapid generation of draft reports by combining user and third-party data, significantly enhancing both speed and quality.

These are just some of the ways Google’s Vertex AI can be used to enhance your AppSheet apps. Under the hood the Gemini API in Vertex AI has a wide range of capabilities, including more advanced features like ‘function calling’.

Let's chat

I’ll be at the Google Workspace Developer Summit in Berlin on 17 September where I'll be speaking about AppSheet integrations, Gemini Function Calling and more. Come and speak to me if you are interested in hearing more about GenAI integrations in AppSheet and Google Workspace.

Martin Hawksey is a Collaboration Engineer & Google Development Expert at Qodea, Europe’s largest Google transformation partner.