Computers have always been faster and more efficient than humans at consuming, calculating and computing data. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a prime example of that and a significant player in  the global economy.

Yet, computers do have their limitations. They are machines and lack native precision when attempting to recognize and interpret language, objects or images on demand. In those instances and especially when verification is required to proceed with a transaction, most programs require a fail-safe checkpoint.

Combining insights from computer science with cognitive science can advance human thought, shape outcomes in ways that transform the process of human capital development, and enhance overall employee contributions and engagement. These synergies can also boost the quantitative and qualitative results that factor into an organization’s big-picture efforts to stay competitive and drive revenue.

A prime example of this is IBM’s Watson. The cognitive system enables IT departments to data mine and analyze unstructured content. It’s structured to enhance active learning and results in more effective business decision-making for the organization at-large.

2019 promises to be a prime breeding ground for more emerging technologies to find their own. As organization’s develop their most valuable assets and scale both their short and long-term goals, it will be important to consider the benefits of cognitive computing. There are a few areas where the benefits are so easily achieved, they appear as instant gratification.

One is in human resources. Cognitive computing can improve employee capabilities, contributions and performance in a realistic way. Employees can benefit from self-learning algorithms that help them to do their jobs better and faster. Such programs support increased productivity by automating repetitive, low-value tasks such as collecting relevant statistics or updating client records with demographic, financial or even medical data.

Analytics is another arena that pairs well with cognitive computing. Technological advances and endless industry contributions have taken the sea of data constantly being thrust into the business ecosystem and produced accurate, timely and meaningful analysis. There’s so much information out there, that it’s extremely difficult for data scientists to keep up with and manage. Whether filtering through high levels of structured or unstructured content, human error and clear limitations on efficiently consuming, calculating and computing data all factor into the equation. Cognitive computing helps to accomplish this worthwhile, strategic goal by optimizing the process.

In addition to these, the industries under demand for cognitive computing solutions and services are healthcare, IT, telecom, energy, utility, retail, aerospace and defense, media, entertainment, agriculture, and education.

Melody K. Smith

Sponsored by Data Harmony, a unit of Access Innovations, the world leader in indexing and making content findable.