AI Won't Make Your Business Processes Faster, Expert Argues
Original: I don't think AI will make your processes go faster
Why This Matters
Challenges widespread assumptions about AI's ability to accelerate business operations
Software consultant Frederik van Brabant argues that AI won't accelerate business processes as expected. Using Gantt charts, he demonstrates that software development bottlenecks stem from unclear requirements and scope definition, not coding speed. Simply applying AI to development doesn't address upstream problems that cause delays.
Van Brabant, referencing classics like 'The Toyota Way' and 'The Goal,' argues that organizations misunderstand process optimization when incorporating AI. He uses a project Gantt chart showing software development as the longest phase, explaining that throwing people or AI at the problem doesn't address root causes. The real bottleneck is translating vague requirements into clear specifications. For example, a simple request like 'send mail to user once sale is completed' requires extensive clarification about content, error handling, and sale completion definition. AI can generate code quickly, but it cannot resolve upstream issues of unclear requirements and inadequate scoping that actually slow projects down.