Dell boss: 'AI will transform and redefine business in Limerick'

THE managing director of Raheen firm Dell Technologies has predicted 2025 will be the year when artificial intelligence will “redefine and transform the way business in Limerick operates.”

Jason Ward, who heads Dell, which remains one of Limerick’s largest employers, has predicted a massive leap forward for the technology.

Commonly abbreviated to AI, it refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only a human could do, such as reasoning, making decisions, or solving problems.

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Mr Ward believes AI and other emerging technologies are to move from “experimentation to execution”.

It will, the business leader predicts, become an essential driver of business transformation.

“The era of trial and error in AI has come to an end, with businesses of all sizes moving to adopt AI to enhance productivity, efficiency and growth,” he said.

Mr Ward said local firms must have a clear strategy, modern infrastructure and a commitment to upskilling their workforce in order to remain competitive.

He said Dell’s team of technologists and experts based in Raheen can help this happen.

“We are helping organisations in every sector to accelerate their AI journey and make it a success,” he said.

This year, the executive predicts, will see the rise of AI agents, with abilities which go beyond chatbots or virtual assistance which are often used to help customers without the need for human intervention.

AI agents are software systems designed to plan, make decisions, and execute actions to achieve specific goals.

“Unlike traditional chatbots we know today, these systems will execute tasks autonomously, offering dynamic and creative solutions. By resolving detailed customer inquiries and tailoring real-time marketing campaigns, AI agents will become integral tools of employees across the country,” Mr Ward has predicted.

The shape of work into the future will be shaped by artificial intelligence, he added.

“In 2025, AI-powered PCs will enhance productivity for Irish businesses and shape the future of work. These devices, equipped with embedded AI, will handle tasks like drafting follow-ups, organising to-do lists, and summarising emails before the workday even begins,” he believes.

“With 2025 likely to bring a big PC refresh, an AI accelerator, or Neural Processing Unit will be found in nearly every device, meaning PCs will be capable of running AI workloads and apps,” the Dell boss said.

Neural Processing Units, or NPUs are specialised computer microprocessors designed to mimic the processing function of the human brain.

AI will also join up with other emerging technologies in 2025, Mr Ward predicted.

This, he said: “will unlock groundbreaking advancements across a growing number of sectors in Ireland. The integration of AI with 6G’s high-speed connectivity will empower smart factories to make real-time decisions, boosting production efficiency and enabling predictive maintenance.”

As a result of all this, upskilling staff to ensure they are fluent in artificial intelligence systems is vital, Mr Ward added.

Despite fears AI will wipe out some jobs, the Dell managing director says new positions will become available.

“From advanced programmers and prompt engineers to AI content editors, new AI tasks and jobs will also emerge. In 2025, organisations in Limerick will need to prioritise the upskilling of their employees and putting in place dedicated workforce transformation plans to stay competitive,” he reiterated.