AI agents combat the lack of skilled workers to improve AI models

These agents are formed by embedding AI with pre-built use cases into enterprise applications.

One of the challenges enterprises face when adopting artificial intelligence (AI) is finding a skilled talent pool to build, train, and continuously improve these models. Oracle aims to address this challenge for enterprises through AI agents.

These AI agents are created by embedding AI services into existing cloud applications, like the Fusion Cloud Applications Suite, with pre-built use cases tailored for different business functions in areas such as finance, supply chain, and operations.

“IT teams do not have to develop AI models from these use cases from scratch. This approach effectively bypasses the challenge of finding skilled talent, particularly in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region, where these skill sets are extremely limited,” said Sunil Wahi, Vice President of APAC Solution Engineering, Applications, in an interview with the Asian Business Review during OracleCloud World 2024, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from 9 to 12 September.

During the event, Oracle launched over 50 role-based AI agents within the Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite.

"AI agents function like digital employees embedded within your enterprise applications. These are toolkits that help automate end-to-end processes," Wahi said.

For example, in the "procure-to-pay" process, AI agents can scan invoices or purchase orders, capture the information, and enter it into the Fusion cloud's purchase order system. The AI then continues to automate steps such as generating payable documents and converting them into payments. This end-to-end automation eliminates the manual work that was once required with older application models.

Within the manufacturing sector, Oracle's AI agents provide personalised insights and recommendations for managing order queries. They offer guidance on handling delays or defects based on the organisation’s customer service policies and suggest ways to communicate any impacts to customers.

Regarding human capital solutions, Wahi noted that AI agents can assist with workforce scheduling applications.

“For example, in a hospital, an AI agent can provide advice on whether to schedule overtime for a particular nurse, based on the applicable benefits for that employee,” he added.

“Planners no longer have to sift through physical documents or access multiple applications to obtain these insights," he continued.

Beyond manufacturing and healthcare, Wahi believes AI agents will significantly benefit enterprises in finance, the public sector, and education-driven industries.