4 minute read
Using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT in your everyday work as control systems engineer can help you work smarter and more efficiently. Importantly, this can help free up your time to focus on the more complex and creative parts of your job – which are likely the parts you enjoy the most.
We surveyed some of our Mipac engineers on the ways they use AI tools to make their lives easier. Here are their 7 AI tips to help control systems engineers.
1. Use AI to help you streamline tasks and enhance overall efficiency in your day-to-day work
As a control systems engineer, you often need to conduct data analysis. AI algorithms can help you process large datasets, extract valuable insights and automate repetitive analytical tasks. This not only speeds up decision-making but also enables you to focus on the more strategic aspects of your work.
2. Use AI to help with natural language processing.
You can use AI-powered tools to help you summarise documents, retrieve information and even draft initial versions of reports. This can help save time on routine documentation and ensure a more polished output.
3. Use AI as a tool to help with project management.
AI-driven automation can help you prioritise tasks, allocate resources and optimise timelines. This can significantly improve project delivery times and reduce the likelihood of bottlenecks.
4. Use AI to help you write code.
You can tell an AI tool, like ChatGPT, what you want to do and it can generate code (e.g. in Python) that will do that for you. For example, you could tell ChatGPT to write a Python code that reads the first three columns of an Excel sheet and summarise them. This can be a considerable time saver.
5. Use AI to help streamline Excel work.
ChatGPT can help with data analysis and interpretation of Excel data, as well as creating complex functions, troubleshooting and tailoring Excel functions to meet specific needs. This can save hours of watching Excel tutorials, reading manuals or finding the answers you need on conversation threads.
6. Use AI to help you write more professional emails.
AI-driven tools, like ChatGPT, can help you to draft professional-sounding emails based on the information you tell it to include. This can be especially useful if English is not your first language.
7. Use AI to help with problem-solving and troubleshooting
As a control systems engineer, you could describe an issue you’re facing to ChatGPT and it will provide suggestions for troubleshooting and problem-solving. This can be a great place to start coming up with solutions. AI can also give you suggestions on how to overcome common mistakes. For example, you could ask it “What are some common mistakes when installing this piece of instrumentation?” This can give you a starting point of discussion with your team and vendor.
Conclusion
Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), particularly tools like ChatGPT, into your daily workflow as a control systems engineer offers a multitude of advantages, as highlighted by the above AI tips for control systems engineers from Mipac engineers. The use of AI facilitates streamlined data analysis, allowing you to efficiently process large datasets and automate repetitive tasks, ultimately freeing up time for more strategic aspects of their work.
Additionally, AI’s prowess in natural language processing proves invaluable in summarising documents, drafting reports and enhancing project management through automation. Notably, AI’s coding capabilities, exemplified by ChatGPT’s ability to generate Python code based on user input, serve as a significant time-saving asset. Beyond coding, AI aids in Excel tasks, professional email drafting, and problem-solving, presenting control systems engineers like you with a comprehensive suite of tools for increased efficiency and effectiveness in your roles.
Of course, AI will never replace the expertise and real-world experience of a control systems engineer, so it’s important to tread cautiously with the use of tools like ChatGPT and ensure any solutions or ideas are verified and tested. This is particularly important as, in control systems engineering, it’s often a minute detail which determines whether something will work or not. Thus, instead of counting on it to give you the whole answer, ChatGPT and other AI tools should be used to point you in the right direction.
Do you use ChatGPT or other AI tools to help you in your day-to-day work? Let us know in the comments below!
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