Real Use Cases of AI in Counties that Drive Efficiency & Enhance Operations
Counties are taking advantage of the opportunities that AI presents in terms of driving efficiency and enhancing operations through innovation and improved processes.
In the past several years, AI has evolved immensely from simple chatbots to becoming fully integrated in water utility operations and waste management. These real use cases are making a huge impact in their communities, introducing new and efficient ways to conduct certain tasks.
Common AI Use Cases in Counties
If you are not familiar with the common ways counties are using AI, here is an introduction.
AI has been integrated into many different public-facing and internal services and operations in an effort to enhance efficiency, productivity and the user experience. With proper governance frameworks and clear usage guidelines, these implementations prove to introduce great success and save many hours of time each week for county officials and IT teams.
Some of the ways AI is being used in counties include:
Enhancing Operations & Automating Workflows
Simplifying internal processes and improving productivity through the automation of repetitive tasks
Improving Public Services
Driving efficiency and accessibility when it comes to public access of resources and service delivery
Strengthening Emergency Response
Predicting resource demand and enhancing emergency response preparedness
Bolstering Cybersecurity Endeavors
Introducing AI to detect anomalies while enabling secure AI usage
Now, let’s explore some recent use cases of AI that have introduced innovative ways to conduct utility management and handle evolving waste streams.
Enhancing Water Utility Asset Management
Public utilities are witnessing the capabilities of advanced technologies like AI and moving forward to integrate them into asset management practices.
In Michigan, the Genesee County Drain Commissioner’s Division of Water and Waste Services (GCDC-WWS) began using AI to manage large quantities of data and is exploring its use in improving water quality. In addition, the division is utilizing AI to gain actionable insights from a variety of sources in an efficient manner and utilizing AI to help prepare grant applications more rapidly.
More recently, GCDC-WWS started leveraging MentorAPM, an AI-powered platform that provides real-time views into assets and their current conditions. Workers can take pictures of equipment which can then be quickly seen by staff to create condition assessments in days, whereas before it could take several months. A work order can then be automatically generated to conduct necessary repairs.
AI is not only transforming utilities through increased efficiencies, but in turn, freeing up valuable time for workers to focus on more complex tasks like preventative maintenance. With these innovations, counties are entering an era of enhanced productivity.
Integrating AI Into Waste Management
Another county in Michigan, Kent County, is introducing AI-powered recycling technology into waste management. Innovative sortation capabilities are expected to not only increase the percent of materials diverted from landfills but to support the overall waste management process.
In the 1980s, the county developed a waste-to-energy facility which has evolved with the introduction of different materials found in the waste stream. For instance, it was first focused on metal, and has since had to sort and process through corrugated cardboard and plastic. Its new system takes its existing infrastructure and adapts it to increase capacity for more modern needs.
AI has enabled more efficient sorting and documentation, taking a labor-intensive process and transforming it with advanced technology. With this evolved system, the facility is able to process more materials and extract more recyclables that are thrown in the trash.
This is a game-changer for waste management and energy optimization; diverting recyclable materials like plastic from landfills and incineration reduces operational temperatures.
These use cases show the great potential of AI in county operations. These intelligent technologies contribute to a more efficient and productive world while also driving transformations in crucial facilities that directly affect the public and the environment.
“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.”
– Paul J. Meyer, Motivational Speaker
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