(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Let’s Recap:
- Intuit integrates QuickBooks and Mailchimp with Perplexity
- John Deere’s new AI assistant “helps put farmers to work”
- More construction firms are using drones
- Younger workers are scared of AI
- E&Y encourages staff to be more “human”
Intuit and Perplexity Partner to Bring Trusted Financial Action for Businesses in Perplexity Computer
Intuit has announced a new partnership with Perplexity Computer — the agentic AI system that creates and executes multi-step workflows — extending Intuit’s reach to users. According to announcement, QuickBooks and Mailchimp will be integrated into Perplexity Computer, allowing businesses to move from asking an AI questions to performing financial and business tasks within the same interface. This gives Perplexity access to Intuit’s financial and business data — with user authentication — so its AI can provide personalized information and carry out actions such as monitoring cash flow, managing payroll and marketing campaigns. (Source: Intuit)
Why this is important for your small business:
These out-of-the-box connectors are excellent for businesses that want to leverage an AI platform (and it’s not just Perplexity) to get access to data in QuickBooks. Remember — this isn’t just a QuickBooks thing. If you’re using another accounting system you can likely use Model Context Protocol to connect an AI Assistant to it. It may be a little more expensive because you’ll likely need to use a developer but it’s worth it.
John Deere Launches New AI Assistant, JD
Deployment of AI in agriculture has been rapidly expanding and now John Deere is introducing its new AI assistant “JD” — to help farmers “put their data to work.” According to Kevin Seidl, Deere’s director of product management for digital solutions, the goal is to make field, machine and operational data easier for farmers to access and understand. For example, analyzing differences presented in the data from season to season and identifying factors that may have impacted crops — rather than manually combing through datasets. John Deere is initially making JD available through an Early Access Program with plans for wider use later this year. (Source: Brownfield)
Why this is important for your small business:
Right now the details are a little scant, but I’m sure that the capabilities of this application will grow as more systems are connected to this application. This type of application reveals two trends. The first is that more AI applications will be connecting to objects and things (i.e. tractors and farm equipment). Also, it’s part of a trend of larger brands creating AI applications for their customers to better use their products.
ABC Survey Finds Drones Gaining Ground in Construction
A new report that was released by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has shown a significant increase in the use of drones on construction sites. According to ABC’s Drone Usage report, 36.1 percent of contractors surveyed currently use drones on their projects. The most common applications are monitoring site progress (80.8 percent), producing media and marketing content (77.5 percent), and conducting inspections or mapping (50 percent). Regarding financial investment in the technology 62 percent of respondents said they spend between $1000 and $10,000. Though drone technology is steadily increasing in the construction industry, regulatory requirements and workforce challenges continue to limit wider adoption. (Source: For Construction Pros)
Why this is important for your small business:
I’ve been talking and writing about this for years and now we’re finally seeing this in action. And it makes sense. Drones can be put to many useful purposes on a construction site and as their cost and reliability improves I expect that their usage will be extremely common. If you’re in the construction business it’s worth looking into — and even testing — some of these products.
Younger Workers are More Scared of AI Than Older Employees, Survey Finds
With the onslaught of AI topics in the media, CBS News reported on a salient snapshot of how the technology is being perceived among generations. According to a Glassdoor study Gen Z workers are more pessimistic about AI than older employees, despite their demographic being viewed as more comfortable with new technology. Glassdoor’s analysis found that only a third of Gen Z workers expressed a positive outlook on AI’s impact on the workplace. By comparison, 47 percent of Gen X workers had a positive outlook.. (Source: CBS News)
Why this is important for your small business:
According to one expert a major reason behind this contrast is concerns over job security. Glassdoor senior economist Chris Martin says younger employees are worried that AI could eliminate or reduce the entry-level positions traditionally used to begin careers. Many also expressed concerns about AI replacing them altogether. Given the various statements that have been made about AI potentially eliminating jobs, Glassdoor’s findings coincide with that conjecture. I think this report is important for business owners — when rolling out AI applications it’s important to take into consideration the concerns of all employees, across generations.
Ernst & Young is Giving $100 Million in Bonuses to Staff for ‘Human’ Skills
Global professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY) is investing $100 million in employee rewards designed to recognize and honor human skills, the Wall Street Journal reported. As AI continues to sweep through the workplace, rather than rewarding employees for embracing the technology, EY is choosing to recognize qualities including judgement, adaptability, business acumen and leadership alongside the expansion of artificial intelligence. According to the article, the company plan to reward up to $25,000 to individuals and teams that “make a material difference to the firm.” Employees can also nominate a colleague at any level. EY’s objective is to reward skills and behaviors and intends to use this bonus system to attract new talent. “What we recognize signals what we value,” said Ginnie Carlier, chief talent and culture officer for EY Americas. (Source: Wall Street Journal)
Why this is important for your small business:
We can debate this, but I think this policy is going backwards. Why fight the inevitable?
Note: Have a technology story that small business owners should know about? Don’t mind me sharing my opinion? Share it with me on X @genemarks.
