Iglu, like many other companies, was motivated to investigate AI in order to keep up with competitors while also being keen to explore the potential benefits to productivity and efficiency. As Matt Compton, Head of IT Service Operations at Iglu, explained, "Lots of companies are implementing and using various forms of AI...you have chatbots...you have in-built, application-specific AI features...and others that are running more complex processes." As Google Workspace users, Matt and the Iglu team were particularly interested in Gemini for Google Workspace and its ability to assist with tasks like writing communications, processing documents and job descriptions, as well as analysing data to improve decision-making.

However, the company was also aware of the potential pitfalls of AI, including the risk of bias, and the importance of human oversight. Matt noted, "I think there are concerns around people taking what an AI tool says as fact and cannot be disagreed with." To mitigate these risks and maximise the benefits of AI, Iglu sought to implement Gemini in a responsible and strategic manner, focusing on specific use cases and providing adequate training and support to its employees.

To address any concerns associated with implementing AI, Iglu adopted a strategic approach by partnering with Netpremacy for a 30-day trial of Gemini for Workspace. Matt and his team recognised the value of a structured approach: "The way that Netpremacy managed it yielded far better results than if we had just turned it on and said, 'tell us what you think’.''

Netpremacy guided Iglu through the trial process, helping identify key users across various departments to ensure that the tool would be utilised by those who could benefit the most. Additionally, the Netpremacy Change Management team delivered comprehensive training and support, empowering employees to leverage Gemini's capabilities effectively.

By establishing clear metrics of success at the beginning of the pilot, Iglu was able to examine the trial's impact objectively. Matt emphasised, "I could go back to our CEO and our executive team and give them real, quantifiable detail on what improvements were made, and what efficiencies were made."

The structured approach implemented was essential for the success of the trial. Regular meetings and ongoing support ensured that employees remained engaged and motivated to explore the potential of Gemini and could get the most out of it whilst mitigating any concerns. Matt highlighted the importance of this support, stating, "The regular meetings were useful...The enthusiasm from the team never waned...Christos and Amara (Change Management - Netpremacy) were always on point and ready to help."

The Results: Improved Productivity and Efficiency

The 30-day trial, facilitated by Netpremacy, yielded significant benefits for Iglu. By adopting a structured approach and leveraging expert guidance, Iglu could harness the power of Gemini to drive productivity and innovation and explore how the tool could work for them before making a commitment to an AI tool. As part of the trial, Netpremacy conducts a series of feedback surveys, allowing users to share their thoughts on the tool and establish quantifiable benefits.

Key results from the trial included:

Significant Time Savings: As Matt noted, "I think the average person said it saved them 30 minutes per day in time. So that's 10 hours a month of time being saved."

Improved Quality of Work: By automating routine tasks, employees were able to focus on more strategic and creative work.

Enhanced Decision-Making: Gemini provided valuable insights and analysis, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Boosted Employee Engagement: The successful implementation of AI demonstrated the company's commitment to innovation and employee development.

Successful Proof of Concept: The trial allowed Iglu to demonstrate the value of AI to key stakeholders, paving the way for future investment in the technology.

As Matt stated, "I think as much as it [the trial] being time-boxed does limit you, I think it adds a sense of urgency." The structured trial approach, coupled with the expert guidance of Netpremacy, allowed Iglu to achieve significant results in a short period of time.

The successful 30-day trial with Netpremacy has given Iglu the tools to embrace the future of AI. By following a structured approach and prioritising employee training and support, Iglu has gained valuable insights into the potential benefits of Gemini for Workspace. As Matt highlighted, the trial provided a critical opportunity to "prove the concept" to key stakeholders and demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI. With a clear roadmap for future implementation, Iglu is well-prepared to leverage AI to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experiences.