Beyond Artificial Intelligence: We Need Business Intelligence

Today, everyone swears they have mastered artificial intelligence. From the CEO who has just learned to copy and paste prompts, to the intern who claims that "AI wrote my report ... and also my resignation letter."

We are surrounded by so much information that, if we put it all in a single file, Windows would ask us if we are sure we want to open it because "this could damage your computer."

The truth is that the problem is no longer getting data, it's separating useful information from the digital garbage we generate every day. Because yes, we may have 20 dashboards, 15 reports, and an Excel file with 40 tabs, but we continue to make decisions as we always have: staring at the ceiling and waiting for divine inspiration.

How About We Dance With the Lady?

While we entertain ourselves with AI that "predicts trends," there is one issue that does not need predictions: insecurity. In Mexico, insecurity is not a risk, it is another line item on the income statement. And an expensive one. Very expensive. For businesses and families.

That's why it's time for us, as business owners and directors, to stop thinking that security is the responsibility of Batman, Kaliman, or the mayor in office. If we want companies that last, we need communities that are safe. This means everything from strengthening the police force (yes, even if we dislike the traffic cop who fined us) to investing in technology and private security with more discipline than the national soccer team's defense.

So, Who Can Help Us?

While all this is happening, artificial intelligence comes along and says it's going to save the day. And, of course, it's excellent for eliminating repetitive processes, organizing information, and helping us write our emails more effectively. However, from there to making decisions or dealing with an angry customer who demands to "talk to a human" is still a long way to go. A very long way.

Make Mexico Great Again

Here's a business reminder that never fails: Companies exist to improve people's lives, not to feed data to a robot. If we take care of our people, our people take care of the business — simple human math.

Although AI is excellent, it will never possess emotional intelligence. It can't motivate a team, give a good scolding, or detect when someone needs support. That's why we're still here — business people, leaders, humans — with all our quirks.

Something That Hurts More Than Paying Income Tax in April: Purchasing Mexican Products.

I got into an Uber where the driver told me his work story,  and no, it wasn't the classic Ricardo Arjona-style taxi story. The man was outraged, as after a lifetime in the shoe industry, his company had to “let him go” due to the flood of Chinese imports. Shoes of all qualities, all sizes, and at prices that made ours look like luxury items.

Workers and bosses alike were left out on the street. I listened to the seriousness of the case, until I turned to look at the brand of the car we were riding in: a BYD. Chinese.

Obviously, I asked him why he bought a Chinese car instead of one made — or at least assembled — in Mexico.

His answer, without a hint of irony, was that it was the cheapest and of good quality.

There was dead silence for the rest of the trip. A silence that perfectly summed up our problem: We want a strong Mexican industry, but we don't always support it with our wallets.

Please.

So yes, we must let artificial intelligence do its job. And in the meantime, let's practice business intelligence.

It's free, doesn't need updating, and works surprisingly well.