A few years back, everyone wanted to talk about blockchain, and now AI has become the most discussed technology. Just look at this issue of DRJ; AI is included in nearly every article. While AI tools are widely used, many—including myself—are still trying to grasp the full extent of their impact. AI is much more than chatbots or automation; it has the potential to reshape how businesses operate, particularly in business resiliency planning.
AI is already playing a significant role in predicting disruptions before they happen. By analyzing large amounts of data, AI can provide early warnings about supply chain issues, severe weather, or cyber threats. This kind of insight allows organizations to take action to reduce these risks rather than simply reacting to crises as they unfold.
Beyond predictions, AI is transforming how businesses respond to disruptions. Automated response plans powered by AI can instantly take action, whether isolating a compromised system during a cyberattack or rerouting shipments when a supply chain issue arises. These real-time actions help reduce downtime and keep critical operations running. Plus it can automate communication to key stakeholders during a crisis. But as some organizations integrate AI into their resiliency strategies, they must also be aware of the risks. One of the biggest concerns is data security and ownership. AI systems require enormous amounts of data to function effectively, and businesses need to be sure of where that data is stored and who has access to it. Many third-party AI tools collect and process data in ways that may not be fully transparent, raising questions about compliance and intellectual property.
Another challenge is the reliability of AI-driven decision-making. AI can quickly process information faster than humans, but it is imperfect. Are you old enough to remember the acronym GIGO (garbage in, garbage out)? AI models can produce errors, and when they are trained on biased or incomplete data, they can lead to bad decisions. Without proper guidelines or review processes, businesses could find themselves making critical decisions based on incorrect data.
Regulations around AI are exploding around us almost as quickly as adoption. Laws surrounding AI use are still being developed, and companies need to stay ahead of shifting regulations. What is considered acceptable AI usage today may face new restrictions tomorrow, making it essential for businesses to remain flexible and adaptable.
I have no doubt that AI will continue to influence business resiliency planning, but organizations must find the right balance between its strengths and risks. If you want to use AI as a resiliency tool, start small by improving existing processes rather than fully automating decisions. Human oversight ensures AI supports, not replaces, expert judgment. Also, make sure that whatever tool you use keeps your data—especially sensitive internal data—secure. AI has the power to revolutionize our world, including business resiliency, by enabling faster responses, improving risk prediction, and enhancing overall resilience. But with that power comes responsibility. Companies must use AI thoughtfully, keeping security, ethics, and regulatory challenges in mind. Those who strike the right balance will find themselves better prepared for future disruptions while maintaining control over their data, decisions, and operations.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bob Arnold
Bob Arnold, MBCP (hon), is the president of Disaster Recovery Journal
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