Weekly Velocity Meter 2.10
The AI & Business Playbook: Smarter Tech, Better Decisions
Good morning, innovators.
If AI were a superhero, it wouldn’t be Iron Man—it’d be Alfred, quietly making everything run smoother behind the scenes. From AI-powered workflow automation to strategy development, today’s issue is all about how AI is becoming the ultimate business co-pilot. Let’s dive in.
📚 1. Databases 101: The Backbone of AI & Business
Before AI can do its magic, it needs high-quality data—and that starts with a solid database. The New Stack breaks down SQL vs. NoSQL, when to use each, and how cloud databases are shaping the future.
Why it matters:
A messy database = bad AI insights. Get this right, and everything else runs smoother.
🔄 2. The Blur Between Software & Services
AI is erasing the lines between software products and consulting services. Horses for Sources explores how companies are blending automation + advisory to deliver end-to-end AI solutions.
The shift:
Instead of selling software or services, companies are bundling both—so AI doesn’t just provide data; it acts on it.
🤖 3. Do You Really Need an LLM?
LLMs (Large Language Models) are powerful, but they’re not always the best tool. CIO explains when smaller, more efficient AI models are better, faster, and cheaper.
Reality check:
More complex ≠ better. AI should solve business problems, not create new ones.
🛠️ 4. No-Code AI? Yes, Please.
AI development isn’t just for engineers anymore. TechCrunch highlights PromptLayer, a platform that lets non-technical users build AI applications—no coding required.
Why this is big:
AI is moving from tech teams to business users—meaning faster innovation with fewer roadblocks.
⚡ 5. AI Distillation: Making AI Leaner & Smarter
AI doesn’t have to be massive to be effective. The Atlantic breaks down AI distillation, a technique that makes AI cheaper, faster, and more energy-efficient—without losing power.
Biggest perk:
Companies can run high-performing AI without breaking the bank on infrastructure.
💼 6. How AI is Reshaping People Management
AI isn’t replacing HR—it’s enhancing it. McKinsey explains how AI is personalizing employee experiences, streamlining hiring, and optimizing team performance.
Key stat:
Companies that embrace AI-powered HR see up to a 25% boost in productivity.
🏭 7. Honeywell’s AI Transformation
Forget AI experiments—Honeywell is fully embedding AI across aerospace, manufacturing, and logistics to cut costs and speed up decision-making.
Key takeaway:
AI isn’t a side project anymore—it’s a core business strategy.
📊 8. AI-Powered Strategy Development
McKinsey explains how AI is revolutionizing corporate strategy—spotting trends, predicting risks, and making data-driven decisions faster than ever.
The future of leadership?
CEOs + AI copilots = faster, smarter decision-making.
🔧 9. Automate Everything: AI-Driven Workflow Engines
TechBullion highlights AI-powered workflow engines that are slashing manual work, reducing errors, and making operations seamless.
Reality check:
If you’re still copy-pasting data, you’re doing it wrong.
🚀 10. Getting Started with AI: A Beginner’s Guide
Before you dive in, read this. VentureBeat lays out a foolproof approach:
- Start small—focus on a real problem AI can solve.
- Test in a sandbox—experiment before scaling up.
- Choose vendors wisely—not all AI tools are worth the investment.
Biggest takeaway:
AI works best when it’s solving actual business problems—not just chasing hype.
Final Thought:
AI isn’t the future—it’s the present. The businesses winning today are the ones using AI to work smarter, not harder.
Until next time—keep automating, keep optimizing, and stay ahead of the curve. 🚀
