A subset of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) is the area of computational science that focuses on analyzing and interpreting patterns and structures in data to enable learning, reasoning, and decision making outside of human interaction. Simply put, machine learning allows the user to feed a computer algorithm an immense amount of data and have the computer analyze and make data-driven recommendations and decisions based on only the input data. If any corrections are identified, the algorithm can incorporate that information to improve its future decision making.
What Is Machine Learning?
How Does Machine Learning Work?
Machine learning is made up of three parts:
- The computational algorithm at the core of making determinations.
- Variables and features that make up the decision.
- Base knowledge for which the answer is known that enables (trains) the system to learn.
Initially, the model is fed parameter data for which the answer is known. The algorithm is then run, and adjustments are made until the algorithm’s output (learning) agrees with the known answer. At this point, increasing amounts of data are input to help the system learn and process higher computational decisions.
Why Is Machine Learning Important?
Data is the lifeblood of all business. Data-driven decisions increasingly make the difference between keeping up with competition or falling further behind. Machine learning can be the key to unlocking the value of corporate and customer data and enacting decisions that keep a company ahead of the competition.
Machine Learning Use Cases
Advancements in AI for applications like natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision (CV) are helping industries like financial services, healthcare, and automotive accelerate innovation, improve customer experience, and reduce costs. Machine learning has applications in all types of industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare and life sciences, travel and hospitality, financial services, and energy, feedstock, and utilities. Use cases include:
- Manufacturing. Predictive maintenance and condition monitoring
- Retail. Upselling and cross-channel marketing
- Healthcare and life sciences. Disease identification and risk satisfaction
- Travel and hospitality. Dynamic pricing
- Financial services. Risk analytics and regulation
- Energy. Energy demand and supply optimization
