Choosing the Right AI Platform: What, Why, and How
AI is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Whether you’re in construction, tech, marketing, or any other industry, the right AI tools can save time, improve accuracy, and boost productivity. But with so many options out there, choosing the right platform (or platforms) can feel overwhelming. Do you go all-in on one tool or mix and match? What features do you really need, and how do you avoid overpaying for bells and whistles you’ll never use?
Let’s break it down: what AI platforms are, why they matter, and how to pick the right ones for your needs.
What Is an AI Platform?
At its core, an AI platform is a software system that uses artificial intelligence to solve problems, automate workflows, or generate insights. These platforms come in all shapes and sizes, from general-purpose tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini to specialized platforms tailored for industries like construction, healthcare, or finance.
AI platforms typically fall into a few categories:
General AI Assistants: Broad tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot that can help with a wide range of tasks, from writing to data analysis.
Industry-Specific AI: Tools focused on niche use cases like progress tracking, compliance, or analytics.
Task-Specific AI: Specialized tools like Jasper for marketing copywriting, DALL-E for image generation, or Grammarly for editing.
Customizable AI Platforms: Platforms like Azure AI or AWS AI Services that let you build and deploy AI models tailored to your business needs.
Why Do You Need an AI Platform?
The "why" of choosing an AI platform comes down to two things: efficiency and competitive edge.
Efficiency
AI platforms eliminate repetitive tasks, speed up decision-making, and simplify complex processes. For example:An AI assistant like ChatGPT can help you draft emails, summarize reports, or brainstorm ideas.
A specialized tool might automatically analyze jobsite photos to detect progress issues or safety risks.
Bottom line: Less time wasted on manual tasks = more time for high-impact work.
Competitive Edge
Adopting the right AI tools can put you miles ahead of competitors still stuck in old-school workflows. Whether it’s faster project turnarounds, clearer communication, or more accurate forecasting, AI can make the difference between winning bids and losing out.Scalability
AI grows with you. As your business expands, you can add new tools or scale up existing ones to handle more data and bigger challenges.
How to Pick the Right AI Platform
Choosing the right platform requires a systematic approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you make the best decision for your needs.
Step 1: Define Your Needs
Before diving into AI options, you need to answer a few key questions:
What problems are you trying to solve?
Are you drowning in administrative tasks? Struggling with accurate scheduling? Looking for better analytics? Focus on the pain points.Who will use the platform?
Will it be for your PM team, field crews, accounting department, or marketing staff? The end users should heavily influence your choice.What’s your budget?
AI platforms range from free to enterprise-level pricing. Knowing your budget upfront helps narrow the field.How will it integrate with existing tools?
If you’re already using platforms like Excel, Notion, or Microsoft Teams, look for AI tools that integrate seamlessly.
Step 2: Research Your Options
Now that you know your needs, start exploring platforms that match. Here’s how to organize your research:
General AI Tools
These are your all-purpose problem-solvers:
ChatGPT (OpenAI): Great for brainstorming, writing, and research. The new “Projects” feature allows ongoing workflows.
Google Gemini: A powerful AI assistant with deep integration into Google Workspace, designed for writing, summarizing, and analyzing data.
Microsoft Copilot: Perfect for businesses already in the Microsoft ecosystem, with tools for Excel, Word, and Teams.
Task-Specific AI
For niche workflows, explore tools like:
Jasper AI: AI-powered copywriting for marketing teams.
Grammarly: Advanced editing and clarity tools for writing.
DALL-E: AI-generated images for creative needs.
Customizable AI Platforms
If you are at a large enough company, a custom buildout may be required:
AWS AI Services: Build custom AI solutions for automation, analytics, and more.
Azure AI: Microsoft’s AI suite for custom applications.
Google Cloud AI: Scalable AI solutions with Google’s machine learning models.
Step 3: Evaluate Features
When comparing platforms, focus on these key features:
Ease of Use: Is the interface intuitive? Will your team actually use it?
Integration: Does it sync with tools like Excel, Notion, or Google Drive?
Customization: Can you tailor it to your specific needs?
Scalability: Can it handle more complex workflows as your business grows?
Support: What kind of training or customer support is available?
Step 4: Test and Compare
Most AI platforms offer free trials or demo versions. Use this time to test the platform with real-world tasks. During your trial, consider:
Speed: Does it save time compared to your current workflows?
Accuracy: Are its insights or outputs reliable?
ROI: Is the cost justified by the value it adds?
Step 5: Mix and Match (If Needed)
Sometimes, no single platform will cover all your needs. For example:
Use ChatGPT for brainstorming and report writing.
Use Google Gemini for summarizing project documents and managing schedules.
Use Grammarly to polish your writing.
The key is creating a tech stack that works seamlessly together.
Real-World Example: AI in Construction Management
Let’s say you’re a project manager juggling multiple jobsites, bids, and pay apps. Here’s what an optimized AI stack might look like:
ChatGPT: Draft emails, RFIs, summarize meeting notes, and brainstorm solutions for scheduling delays.
Google Notebook: Load files and search them with AI.
Grammarly: Ensure all your reports and emails are clear and professional.
Each tool serves a distinct purpose, but together they streamline your entire workflow.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right AI platform (or platforms) can feel like a big decision, but it’s worth the effort. The right tools don’t just make your life easier—they make your business more efficient, competitive, and ready for whatever comes next.
Take the time to evaluate your needs, test your options, and build a tech stack that works for you. AI isn’t the future anymore—it’s here, and it’s changing the game.
Stay sharp,
The Ground-Up PM
"From green grass to grand opening"
Using AI is like reading to gain knowledge. Or using Google. Most can do it. Some can do it well. But the really successful people can do it excellently.