PlainlyAI, Data & Automation in Operations
AI, data and automation in operations for growing SMEs
Practical AI that removes friction instead of adding noise. I help organisations use AI, data and automation to simplify operations, reduce manual work and improve decision making. The focus is on real problems and measurable outcomes, not hype. Where it makes sense, I also advise on blockchain for traceability and tamper evident records.
This is for you if:
- You are under pressure to "do something with AI" but want to stay in control.
- Your teams spend too much time on repetitive, low value tasks.
- Important information is buried in documents, emails and spreadsheets.
- You have data, but it is fragmented and hard to turn into decisions.
Where AI actually helps in operations
Most value comes from improving existing processes, not standalone experiments
- Forecasting and demand planning.
- Quality, nonconformance and complaints handling.
- Compliance, policy and audit workflows.
- Supplier onboarding and due diligence checks.
- Document creation, summarisation and search.
- Monitoring of key operational and risk signals.
What I do
AI readiness and use case discovery
Assessment of your current data, systems and processes to identify realistic, high value AI and automation opportunities.
Process first design
Mapping of the process and controls before choosing tools, so any AI or automation supports the way you want to work.
Prototyping and pilots
Design and support of small, contained pilots using tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, workflow automation and existing platforms.
Data and reporting foundations
Help to tidy up data structures, definitions and reporting so AI outputs are trustworthy and decisions are based on a single version of the truth.
AI governance and ISO 42001 alignment
Support to define principles, roles, risks and controls around AI use, and to align with emerging standards such as ISO 42001.
Blockchain for traceability
Where appropriate, design of simple blockchain based approaches for provenance, chain of custody and tamper evident audit records.
Approach
Start small, learn fast, scale safely
Clarify the problem
We start with the operational problem or opportunity, not the technology.
Select the smallest useful solution
We look for the simplest way to create value, often by combining existing tools with light automation.
Pilot with clear measures
We run a controlled pilot with clear success criteria, so you can see whether the solution genuinely helps.
Scale carefully
If the pilot works, we plan how to scale, including training, governance and integration with your existing ways of working.
Outcomes you can expect
Reduced manual effort on repetitive, low value tasks.
Faster, more consistent decisions in key processes.
Better visibility of performance, risk and exceptions.
Clear guardrails for safe and compliant AI use.
A roadmap of practical AI and automation opportunities instead of a collection of one off experiments.
Who I work with
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a data science team to work with you?
No. Most of my work is about applying existing tools in smarter ways and improving processes, data and governance. Where specialist data science is required, I can work alongside your internal team or partner with external experts.
Which tools and platforms do you work with?
I am technology agnostic. Many clients use Microsoft 365, cloud business systems and off the shelf automation tools. The key is to choose tools that fit your environment, skills and risk appetite rather than chasing the latest trend.
Is blockchain always the right answer for traceability?
No. In many cases a well designed database and clear process are enough. Blockchain becomes useful when you need shared, decentralised, authentic records across multiple parties, for example tracking product provenance across a supply chain or keeping a tamper evident audit trail of inspections and handovers.
Want to make AI work for your operations?
Start with a short, focused conversation.
We can explore where AI would genuinely help your operations and what a sensible first step might look like.