In today’s work environment, attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) have become something of a litmus test for our ability to adapt. Although opinions about AI differ, everyone has one. While one colleague has personified ChatGPT and half-jokingly nicknamed it “Chad,” another opens it as the first tab in their browser alongside their morning coffee. At the same time, there remains a circle of skeptics who do not trust the technology even with the simplest tasks. Be that as it may, one thing is clear – AI has evolved from an exotic experiment into an everyday assistant.
The central question remains unchanged: will it replace humans, or is its role fundamentally different? To dispel concerns, it is important to understand that AI’s primary objective has never been to replace people, but rather to serve as a support tool—enabling us to work faster, more accurately, and in a more structured manner, particularly in processes that are repetitive and monotonous.
AI Potential in Our Industry
In our sector, AI’s potential is already emerging in highly practical and measurable ways. One of the most illustrative examples is the coordination of meeting schedules and the automation of customer service. AI can make client calls, introduce itself appropriately, identify specific needs—such as required measurements in construction processes—and simultaneously integrate this information into company calendars. While such solutions significantly relieve human resources, they still require professional oversight, especially in non-standard situations where flexibility is essential.
Equally impressive is AI’s ability to perform visual analysis and interpret data. In engineering infrastructure construction, it can become an indispensable quality control tool by comparing photographic evidence with predefined standards—for example, verifying trench depth or width. If discrepancies are detected, the system automatically alerts the responsible person, who then makes the final decision.
This synergy between technology and human expertise is also evident in the processing of extensive documentation. For a person, analyzing procurement specifications or preparing summaries may take days, whereas AI can accomplish this in a matter of minutes. Even in seemingly simple processes such as drafting emails, AI helps maintain corporate tone and structure, allowing individuals to focus on what truly matters—the substance and intent of the message.
Human vs. AI
Artificial intelligence particularly excels in areas where humans are prone to error due to fatigue or inattention. Monotonous tasks are AI’s strong suit; however, it is essential to remember that this technology does not operate autonomously. It primarily performs supportive functions—administrative tasks, data comparison, and information structuring.
There remain processes where AI is still powerless and cannot replace human capability. Project management, creative challenges, physical work, and problem-solving that require intuition and years of accumulated experience remain firmly within human competence. Negotiations with suppliers over costs or resolving complex on-site situations continue to rely on the human factor—and, plainly speaking, AI will not dig trenches on our behalf.
Labor market transformation is inevitable, and certain routine positions may eventually be taken over by automated solutions. However, this process is not one-directional. If AI “takes away” certain responsibilities with one hand, it “gives” with the other—creating new opportunities and roles that we are only beginning to comprehend. It is a natural stage of evolution: something fades to make room for a more efficient and intellectually enriched endeavor.
Quality, Risks, and Responsible Use
Based on experience, I can confidently state that the quality of AI-generated output is directly proportional to the precision with which the task is defined. Effective use of AI requires a new skill set—the ability to formulate clear, detailed, and purpose-driven prompts. If the input information is fragmented or superficial, the output will be equally imprecise. Technology itself is not a magic wand; it is a tool whose effectiveness depends on the user’s professionalism.
At the same time, we must maintain healthy skepticism and vigilance. One of the key risks is the tendency to trust AI results too blindly. Failure to verify outputs and uncritical reliance on algorithmic responses can lead to serious errors. Data security must also not be overlooked—entrusting sensitive information to public platforms without clear safeguards poses a risk we cannot afford. Moreover, AI still cannot fully assess nuances such as tone of voice, body language, or social context—factors that are decisive in strategic decision-making or recruitment processes. Therefore, educating employees about AI’s limitations is just as important as implementing the tools themselves.
The cost of AI implementation depends on the organization’s ambitions. As a personal assistant, it requires minimal investment beyond time for learning. In contrast, full process integration in large enterprises is a complex and resource-intensive undertaking involving substantial business process restructuring.
Regardless of whether we choose to call AI an assistant, a friend, or a competitor, its role will only continue to grow. However, the central role of the human being will remain unchanged. AI is a tool designed to enhance our capabilities, not replace them. It should not be perceived as a threat to our jobs, but as an opportunity to free ourselves from routine and dedicate more time to creative, complex, and value-generating tasks that provide fulfillment and drive the entire industry forward.
Author: Kaspars Reinholds, Director of the Telecommunications Department, Latvijas Energoceltnieks
*Illustrative photo.
