Next week, leaders across Greater Cincinnati will gather for Cincinnati AI Week, a three-day conference showcasing how businesses in our region leverage Artificial Intelligence to drive innovation, increase efficiency, and create smarter, more responsive organizations.
From manufacturers optimizing their supply chains to financial institutions enhancing fraud detection, the message is clear: AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a practical tool used today by businesses in our community.
At Strategic Data Systems (SDS), we’re proud to see Cincinnati stepping onto the national stage as a hub for applied AI. However, we also recognize that AI still feels out of reach for many companies. Maybe you’re intrigued by the possibilities but unsure where to begin. Perhaps you don’t have data scientists on staff, or your IT team is already stretched thin.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to boil the ocean to start your AI journey.
3 Practical Steps to Get Started with AI: 3 Practical Steps
- Start Small, Think Big
Identify a single business problem that AI could help solve. It might be customer service automation, sales forecasting, resume screening, or reducing manual data entry. Focus on a narrow, well-scoped use case with measurable outcomes. - Leverage the Tools You Already Have
Many platforms, such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and HubSpot, already have built-in AI capabilities. These tools can offer a low-risk entry point into AI-enhanced productivity without requiring custom development or infrastructure changes. - Build the Right Team
AI isn’t just a technical initiative; it’s a cross-functional effort. Bring IT, operations, and business stakeholders together to define goals, identify data sources, and test solutions. And when you’re ready to scale or need specialized expertise, partner with a trusted advisor who knows the territory.
Let SDS Be Your AI Guide
Whether you’re taking your first steps or looking to build a roadmap for responsible, scalable AI adoption, SDS can help you navigate the landscape. We specialize in assisting mid-sized businesses in applying AI in ways that are practical, ethical, and aligned with tangible business outcomes.
Our team of consultants, developers, and data experts brings hands-on experience with:
- Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot
- Predictive analytics and machine learning
- AI-powered workflow automation
- Custom AI solutions tailored to your industry
Let Cincinnati AI Week inspire you to take action and let SDS help you take that first step.
Contact us today to explore what AI can do for your business. Steve Held at steve.held@sds.io / 513-218-1706 would love to help you start your journey.
About the author
David Pledger is a founding partner of Strategic Data Systems (SDS), established in 1992 alongside Keith Stafford. With a foundation in electrical engineering and early career experience as a database consultant specializing in Sybase and SQL Server, David helped build SDS into a trusted provider of high-quality information technology consulting services. Under his leadership, SDS has delivered talent and solutions to clients across the region and the nation. David believes deeply in the philosophy that if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers—an idea that continues to shape the company’s culture and success.
david.pledger@sds.io; 513-782-2020
