Never more than in recent months has it been necessary for Italian companies to rethink their internationalisation strategies, taking into account the new variables introduced by uncertainty and tariffs. From this perspective as well, new technologies can provide support in developing predictive analyses and also make it possible to automate certain internal processes.
Predictive analysis, however, cannot simply be entrusted to general-purpose chatbots such as ChatGPT, because their knowledge base may be limited — and, even more importantly, opaque — when it comes to topics such as the import and export volumes of a specific sector. A more appropriate solution is to create a proprietary chatbot, for example through a private GPT or a notebook on Google Colab, and provide it with suitable, up-to-date and representative data so that forecasting models can be developed. In particular, Google Colab makes it possible to interact through Gemini with an interface that, based on proprietary data, can apply a forecasting model to generate forecasts and simulations.
Business process automation represents another area in which companies can consider adopting artificial intelligence and Generative AI technologies: improving the classification and accessibility of internal documentation, making repetitive administrative or logistics tasks more efficient, and assigning internal routines to autonomous agents are just some examples of AI projects that can be implemented across many areas of work.
In a context of uncertainty, improving decision-making through the development of predictive scenarios and automating certain business activities therefore represents not only a choice driven by efficiency, but often becomes a necessary condition for ensuring flexibility and speed, while allowing creativity and talent to focus on the added-value work without which a market approach cannot be successful, especially in international contexts.
How, then, can automation be successfully introduced into a company?
An interesting perspective comes from an analogy with archaeology, where different approaches can be adopted, all equally thought-provoking.
There are archaeologists such as Heinrich Schliemann — the scholar who succeeded in discovering the remains of the city of Troy — who excavate carefully after conducting in-depth research into historical sources. In the same way, a company wishing to introduce process automation must first “dig” into its own activities, identifying recurring tasks that can be handled by intelligent agents such as those developed through RPA (“Robotic Process Automation”) techniques or multi-agent solutions such as Copilot Studio, Make or Zapier, which have now been further enhanced through integration with language models. Identifying exceptions in supplier invoices or automating the management of a sales lead are both activities that can be addressed using these techniques.
Archaeology also relies on a deep knowledge of local cultures and legends: just as Indiana Jones immerses himself in traditions in search of useful clues for locating artefacts, interviewing company staff and mapping repetitive activities that can be improved through advanced technological solutions are approaches that should be pursued while protecting employees and recognising the supportive, rather than substitutive, role of Artificial Intelligence.
Automation means, first and foremost, streamlining. Manual activities such as data entry, document management and customer service can be made faster and less prone to error through software and artificial intelligence-based systems. Customer service, in particular, can be supported not so much by replacing staff with a chatbot, but by providing these professionals with an interface through which they can search previously handled tickets or efficiently consult company documentation. Sales activities can also be supported by quotation tools trained on previous offers or by lead-scoring systems that improve the collection and qualification of customer data.
Among archaeologists, Alberto Angela also deserves a mention, if only for his role as a science and history communicator: every efficiency initiative should, in fact, be accompanied by appropriate staff training and reskilling. The adoption of these technologies should not be driven by a passing trend or by the illusion that they can magically solve every problem, but by a thorough analysis of business processes.
There is, in fact, no single form of Artificial Intelligence, but rather a range of different technologies: machine learning, chatbots, data analysis tools, automation systems and intelligent agents. Each of these business process automation solutions must be selected and implemented according to the company’s actual needs. The importance of careful assessment stems from the need to protect not only the quality of work, but also the human value within the organisation. In these initiatives, it is therefore crucial to reassure the employees involved about the purpose of the technology: not to replace people, but to relieve them of tedious and repetitive tasks so that they can focus on more creative and strategic activities. Effective and empathetic communication, involving employees from the outset, is essential both to reduce resistance to change and to maximise the value of new technologies. To achieve tangible results, it is therefore advisable to identify internal “innovation ambassadors”, individuals who, with enthusiasm and critical thinking, can test and validate new solutions. These people can become points of reference for their colleagues and help facilitate the adoption of digital tools across all company departments, from production to customer management, from accounting to marketing.
It is also important to remember that process automation requires not only the implementation of new technologies, but also the ethical and responsible management of data, in compliance with international privacy regulations and the security requirements applicable to sensitive information. Continuous training and digital awareness therefore become essential for automating business processes in an international environment.