How to Start Using AI in Project Management?
by Sami Vattula
So, you want to dive into using AI in project management, but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. AI is becoming a big deal in project management, like everywhere else. Gartner even predicts that by 2030, 80% of project management tasks will be handled by AI. While we’re not there yet, it’s getting more common. The Project Management Institute found that 21% of project managers are already using AI, and 91% believe it’ll have at least a moderate impact on their work.
AI: Your New Best Friend in Project Management
As a project manager, you might wonder how AI will affect your job. Don’t worry—AI isn’t here to replace you but to help you. By using AI tools, you can make your work more efficient and effective, saving time and boosting your productivity. Think of AI as a superpower that amplifies your project management skills. Or maybe like having a super smart intern who never takes coffee breaks.
Why You Should Learn About AI?
Every PM should get familiar with AI. You don’t need to be a tech wizard or a programmer, but understanding how to use AI tools can make your job easier and help you manage projects more effectively. Imagine having a sidekick who handles all the boring stuff while you focus on the big picture.
AI in Action: Practical Uses
Here’s how AI is already helping with project management:
- Scheduling: AI can create and optimize schedules based on resources and data. It can adjust schedules when things change. Like having a personal assistant who always knows the perfect time for everything.
- Cost Estimation: AI analyzes past projects and current prices to estimate costs quickly and accurately. Think of it as having a budget guru who never misses a decimal point.
- Resource Allocation: AI helps assign the right people to the right tasks by analyzing data and project requirements. It’s like being a matchmaker but for tasks and team members.
- Modeling: AI lets you explore different scenarios, like adding resources or changing timelines, to see the outcomes. It’s like playing a video game where you can simulate different strategies without the risk of a game over.
- Methodology Adjustments: AI tools help you experiment with different project management methods, like switching between Waterfall and Agile. It’s like trying on different outfits to see which one fits best for the occasion. Side note: have you ever tried Gen AI to come up with ideas for an outfit? You should give it a try!
- Predictive Analytics: AI identifies potential issues in advance, so you can address them before they become problems. Imagine having a crystal ball that actually works.
- Risk Management: AI spots potential risks and suggests mitigation strategies. It’s like having a guardian angel who’s really good at spreadsheets.
- Automation: AI handles routine tasks like generating status reports, freeing up your time for more complex work. Finally, you can focus on the important stuff without getting bogged down by paperwork. This is my personal favorite, and the area where I use AI the most.
Generative AI for Admin Tasks
Generative AI can also handle admin tasks, such as:
- Note Taking: AI can take notes during meetings and summarize reports, giving your team more time for important work. I’m personally using MS Copilot – a huge time saver!
- Project Planning: AI helps build project plans, especially for routine projects.
- Task Planning: AI proposes action items and sets agendas for follow-up meetings, helping your team stay on track. Consider it your new to-do list guru.
Getting Started with AI Projects
Here’s a simple guide to get started with AI projects:
- Understand the Business: Align AI with your business goals. Know what problem you’re solving. No point in using AI to solve problems that don’t exist.
- Understand the Data: Assess what data you have, what’s missing, and its quality. More to come on this later. Stay tuned!
- Prepare the Data: Clean and organize your data. Bad data leads to bad results.
- Develop the Model: Build your AI model using the prepared data. It’s like putting together IKEA furniture but without the confusing instructions.
- Deploy the Model: Integrate the AI model into your business processes and adapt as needed.
Conclusion
These steps are iterative, meaning you can revisit them as needed. By embracing AI, you can enhance your project management skills and stay ahead in the evolving landscape. AI is here to help you work smarter, not harder. So go ahead, make friends with AI—your future self will thank you.
#SamiVattula #AIprogrammanagement #AIprojectmanagement