AI Agents Can Run Companies, But Also Drain Their Accounts, Expert Warns
Translated from Slovak, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Nearly half of Slovak companies use AI-powered business software, a rate slightly higher than in the Czech Republic.
- AI is transforming business operations faster than the internet did in the 1990s, impacting planning, purchasing, sales, and customer service.
- While AI agents can significantly cut costs, they pose risks if not properly trained and supervised, potentially leading to financial losses.
SME, a leading Slovak daily, highlights the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in the country's businesses. Martin Ferenec, CEO of SAP Slovensko, notes that nearly half of Slovak companies are already leveraging AI-powered software, surpassing even the Czech Republic in adoption rates.
It is a decent number. It is even a bit more than in the case of the Czech Republic.
Ferenec emphasizes that AI represents a fundamental technological shift, advancing at an unprecedented pace. The question for businesses is no longer *if* they will adopt AI, but *how quickly* they can integrate it into their operations. This technology is permeating every facet of corporate life, from strategic planning and procurement to customer service and recruitment.
The article delves into the rise of specialized AI agents capable of managing entire processes autonomously, from initial planning to customer communication and payment. While these agents offer substantial cost savings, Ferenec cautions that inadequate training or supervision can lead to significant financial damage, such as draining company accounts. He stresses the critical need for continuous training, monitoring, and data integrity to ensure AI agents perform tasks correctly.
It is a turning point in the lives of companies and people. The question is no longer whether companies will use AI, but how quickly they will adopt it and adapt their operations. No company will avoid it.
Furthermore, the integration of AI is reshaping the labor market. While 57% of companies anticipate reducing staff due to AI, the technology is also creating new roles, leading to a transformation rather than a net loss of jobs. This nuanced view reflects a common discussion point in Slovakia and across Europe: how to balance technological advancement with workforce adaptation and social impact.
The agent needs to be trained, controlled, and taught to do the right things with the right data.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by SME in Slovak. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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