b'NEW TECHNOLOGIESThe challenge is to determine how AI caneliminate the guesswork in appraisingavoiding the use of this technology as assist in finding solutions to real companyproperty and works effectively for realit grows, says Kim. AI and machine challenges in a way that can be meas- estate pricing decisions. learning are already being used in the ured against current processes. The rootrelocation industry and will grow as more objective for relocating employees is to ESTIMATING providers use AI to automate relocation increase business value to employers, whoEstimating moving expenses is anothertasks. AI used for repetitive processes in turn maximize value to the relocatingarea where AI is currently used. Yembo, areduces errors and frees up time for employees while minimizing any impact onsoftware manufacturer in California, hascompanies to concentrate on those areas them and their families. A typical reloca- developed technology that uses AI and tion has a massive volume of data that isrobotics algorithms. The software includesthat need more human interaction.related to aspects such as timing, budgets,functions that can see household goods,However, there is one concern tied to AI destination, etc. Currently, these vari- count each one and pull together the infor-ables are factored into human decisionsmation it observes into an estimate of theusage that needs to be sorted out in the primarily based on past experiences. moving expenses. The software platformvery near future: ethics. Ethics can be a can be accessed by a mobile browser. significant challenge to companies plan-AI and machine learning can providening to implement AI solutions. As the use specific responses to these variables. By IMMIGRATION of AI increases, companies may need to reviewing the data and experience fromIBM Canada leveraged the power ofengage their legal and HR organizations previous relocations, AI can forecast manyWatson to solve challenges with theirup front to ensure algorithms do not result of the variables in advance of the reloca- work permit application process. Whenin incidences of discrimination, profiling, tion process and revise them as the reloca- the government of Canada updatedand other non-inclusive barriers which tion progresses, as well as provide explana- work permit regulations in mid-2014, tions and recommendations could be introduced by AI applications, going forward. IBM Canada, like many other Canadiansays Pariag. This is of particular concern employers, saw its approval rate for highlyin governments use of AI.The practical side of AI is its ability toskilled temporary foreign workers decline learn and identify repetitive patterns fromsignificantly. By analyzing internal dataMobility service providers need to explore large amounts of historical data to showon adjudicated work permit applicationsthe advantages of using AI for certain what is likely to happen in the future. Asubmitted from 2015 to 2017, they builtprocesses to save time and costs. The May 2019 online report from Canadianan AI model to predict the likelihooddigital age is upon us, and AI is an integral HR Reporter noted, whether you call itof approval. After implementing the AIpart of its future. Relocation professionals predictive analytics, machine learning orsystem, IBM saw their approval rateneed to look at this expanding technology AI, these technologies are all about gainingincrease from below 80 per cent to above insights to improve outcomes no matter95 per cent within six months. and learn how it can make their work what business you are in. more efficient and effective. We are in the THE FUTURE early stages of another technical evolution The report went on to say, Its aboutThe future of AI is unlimited, andthat is moving quickly, warns Pariag. Try exploring AI to look at ways to embedcompanies will have a very difficult timeto ensure you are not left behind.it into the mobility process, providing intelligent and transparent advice to guide decision-making and deliver the best possible outcome for employers and employees. With AI analyzing new data on an ongoing basis and revising its predic-tions as the relocation moves forward, employers and service providers relocating personnel can move from being reactive to proactive in the relocation process.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe professional mover So what are some practical applications ofyou can trust. AI in the relocation business? The ideal application is one that requires a repeti-tive task or tasks and definable guidelines. Here are some AI applications that are currently being used: APPRAISALSAI is assisting with real estate appraisals through the use of a software program called Appraisal. The AI algorithms in the software allow relocation providers and client companies to forecast property values and end up with solid pricing for properties involved in the reloca-tion process. AIs ability to handle largeNew locations in Toronto, ON & Kitchener, ON www.matco.caamounts of data on the subject helps to Fall 2022PERSPECTIVES25'