Aussie Businesses Can Learn How to Build Custom AI

You might have heard a lot about ready-to-use AI tools like ChatGPT. They're handy for many tasks. But some big players, like French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, are taking a different path. They're choosing to build their own AI systems from scratch, tailored specifically for their unique needs.

Why would a company go to all that effort? Well, off-the-shelf software, while convenient, often means adapting your business to the tool. Sanofi found that these general AI tools weren't quite right for their complex science and research. By building their own, they can ensure the AI works exactly how they need it to, handling sensitive data and specific scientific challenges with greater accuracy and security.

This approach means Sanofi can keep their valuable data in-house, rather than sharing it with a third-party AI provider. It also allows them to integrate AI deeply into their existing operations, making it more efficient and less prone to errors. Think of it like buying a perfectly tailored suit versus an off-the-rack one – the custom fit often works better for specific situations.

For Australian small businesses, this might seem like a distant idea. But the underlying principle is important: don't just use AI because it's available. Think about whether a general tool truly fits your unique operations. There might come a time when even small businesses consider custom-built or highly customised AI solutions to gain a real competitive edge, especially for tasks that are core to their business or involve sensitive information. It's about making AI work for *you*, not the other way around.