Technology is often blamed for making society less humane. Research has shown that shifting our communication online has resulted in less empathy. Yet, in the realm of human services – which includes areas such as assisted living, children's services, disability care, mental health organizations, residential care, and youth development – AI is actually helping to reintroduce a personal touch.
For many professionals like social workers and case workers, especially those in fields like youth development or disability care, the motivation is clear: they genuinely want to help. However, their aspirations are often bogged down by routine tasks.
Consider the day-to-day operations in areas such as children's services or assisted living. They are often overwhelmed with:
The essence of these roles is human interaction. Yet, these operational challenges can make direct support difficult, even in sectors like mental health organizations or residential care facilities.
So, how can AI help with this essential human element, particularly for workers in these sectors?
Across Canada, human service organizations are already utilizing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to streamline their operations. With the infusion of AI, these ERP systems can undergo a transformation, shifting the focus back to human-centric care.
ERP solutions serve as a unified platform for managing various business functions – from financial planning in children's services to procurement in assisted living facilities. The main issue? The inundation of repetitive, time-consuming tasks. Enter AI. With its assistance, ERP can automate areas such as:
When human services free up their time from these labour-intensive tasks, they can redirect their energies towards their primary mission: assisting those they serve. With AI-enhanced ERP systems, these organizations can expect:
AI can rapidly process and analyze vast sets of data, offering insights that might otherwise be overlooked. For example, in children's services, understanding patterns can lead to more effective interventions
Many human services rely on manual processes, such as data entry and reporting. Unfortunately, these tasks are time-consuming and prone to errors. Everyday tasks, like data entry in assisted living facilities or reporting in youth development programs, can be automated with AI. This means less paperwork and more person-focused work.
AI can also improve the accuracy and efficiency of forecasting in ERP systems. This task is essential for human service organizations, but with high turnover and large amounts of paperwork, this task can become more of an afterthought filled with misinformation. Especially in areas like mental health organizations, accurate forecasting is invaluable. AI can help predict needs, ensuring resources are in the right place at the right time
Providing exceptional customer service is paramount within human services, but many organizations find themselves stretched thin. A significant number of human service organizations in Canada employ call centres to cater to those seeking help. While these centres play a crucial role, they often experience high call volumes, which isn't ideal when people are in distress. Though not direct customer service tools, ERP systems can be instrumental in optimizing resource management. By facilitating efficient staff scheduling and ensuring that the right personnel are available at peak times, ERP systems can indirectly improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of these call centres.
Human services need to identify potential risks and threats to their organizations. This is paramount to these organizations as they’re handling the safety and well-being of clients. In sensitive sectors like disability care, anticipating risks is crucial. AI can provide foresight, allowing organizations to take protective measures.
AI's role in enhancing ERP systems has the potential to revolutionize human services in Canada. As AI's influence grows, those in areas from youth development to mental health must embrace this wave of change, ensuring they remain at the forefront of compassionate care.
Thinking of supercharging your organization with AI-powered ERP tools? Let's talk.