Written by: Adam Gazaleh

Presentation OverviewAlliata-Zorina

Zorina Alliata, Senior Global Machine Learning Strategist at Amazon, introduced the AEC Forum to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and provided tips for bringing AI and ML projects and products to any company. Zorina started as a programmer and moved into the world of project and program management and became interested in AI and ML later in her career while working for Nasdaq. In her role at Amazon, she finds new and innovative ways to bring value to companies through AI based products. In her presentation, Zorina went over the basics of AI and ML. AI is the broader umbrella under which ML sits. She also emphasized the importance of using Agile or another flexible methodology when starting a project or developing a product that incorporates ML. The main point that she drives home is that AI and ML based products are only as useful as the value that they provide to the business.

Takeaways

  • One must be flexible when developing an AI/ML based product and be prepared to throw away work and start over.
  • Identifying the needs of the business, having sufficient data to start with, and being prepared for scope and schedule changes are key in AI/ML product development.
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest in AI and ML requires constant research as it is a cutting-edge field that is ever changing.

Next Event

Join us at the next PMI Atlanta AEC Forum on Tuesday, April 13th, 2021 featuring Tom McDonald, Consultant at Sherlock Resources; Peter Dumont, CEO of PrairieDog; and John Josserand, Partner Manager at Data Gumbo.