AI Appreciation With ZAG Technical Services' Thuan Ngo

Technology generations are aging before our eyes. Not long after I joined AndNowUKnow, our Chief Executive Officer acquired an Oculus headset and invited us into the world of Augmented Reality (AR). Beyond the opportunity to walk with dinosaurs from our desk chairs, we began to see digital farm tours unfold. Leaps and bounds later, Artificial Intelligence (AI) now stands where AR once was.

“AI is everywhere in the media right now, much like augmented reality was in years past. But in agriculture, it's not as prominent as in mainstream uses. There are companies leading the charge in ag tech, particularly in crop management, like machines with AI-enabled cameras that detect early weed growth and zap them with lasers,” explained Thuan Ngo, Vice President of Data and Software Services, Marketing, and Sales for ZAG Technical Services. “These advancements improve operations while saving on labor. However, on an enterprise systems scale, AI can augment what you do, like drafting reports, but it can't fully replace you. With that said, the increased dependency and usage of AI will largely rely on alignment with business objectives, budgetary constraints, resources, and specialized expertise. Of course, there may be some reluctance to embrace AI as we still see with cloud adoption.”

Speaking specifically to cybersecurity, Thuan called AI a powerful tool, capable of monitoring vast amounts of data much more efficiently than a person can, organizing and inventorying landscapes on a dime, and more. But, he stressed, it doesn’t replace human interaction or decision-making.

“It enhances our ability to do our jobs. At the core, cybersecurity concerns are fundamentally the same across any vertical industry. The unique practicality comes with specific technologies and processes. The majority of security technologies have embraced AI in the front or back end of their systems and are aimed at increasing operational efficiency and ensuring that the security professional has the information they need to be successful. Nation-State Actors and Threat Actors are leveraging AI as much as the next good guy and have the time and resources to ensure that they are maximizing its usage,” he shared.

The crucial point, Thuan advised, is setting realistic expectations. As with anything new, it takes a while for regulatory compliance to follow. Cyberattacks in the headlines, concerns surrounding privacy and security, fuel this need. But life, even digital life, always finds a way. Likewise, our industry is adapting, Thuan said.

"The majority of security technologies have embraced AI in the front or back end of their systems and are aimed at increasing operational efficiency and ensuring that the security professional has the information they need to be successful."

Thuan Ngo, Vice President of Data and Software Services, Marketing, and Sales, ZAG Technical Services

“There's some education happening,” the VP shared in terms of grower education and integration of AI. “But it’s more about the 'what' rather than the 'how.' Unfortunately, there's probably not enough education based on what farmers are asked to do from an operations standpoint. If a risk isn't front and center, it's often put on the back burner. Farmers are likely more focused on immediate concerns like product yield and shipping, making cybersecurity a lesser priority until something tragic happens, like a ransomware attack. At ZAG, we aim to educate about cybersecurity risks, both tangible and intangible. Many companies don’t realize the risks until something major happens, like a ransomware attack. The intangible threats, like system vulnerabilities, can be the most damaging because they disrupt operations. With so many AI solutions being developed, not all have robust security standards, making it crucial to have a solid system in place to mitigate risks as we advance.”

Consulting with a partner like ZAG should especially be on the checklist when undergoing a merger or acquisition when geographically dispersed. But companies of all sizes can benefit from investing in cybersecurity, even if we aren’t talking AI machines in the field.

“The reality is that all ag companies have been digitally transformed and will continue to be as businesses rely on cloud storage solutions like SharePoint, OneDrive, or vendors who rely on cloud systems to operate their businesses,” Thuan concluded, seeing it as a stepping stone regardless. “AI presents several opportunities for agribusinesses by streamlining data management, enabling predictive analytics, and automating back-office tasks. It can forecast crop yields based on historical data enhanced by environmental sensory data and automate time-consuming routine workflows, allowing staff to focus on strategic activities. Additionally, AI enhances the interoperability between different systems, ensuring seamless integration and information exchange across the business when used effectively.”

The best proactive measure is ensuring a foundational security program is in place. With the nation having just celebrated AI Appreciation Day, it is the perfect time to reflect on where the business is and where we are going as the next generation of technology unfolds.