Kirsten Poon is an artificial intelligence analyst based in Edmonton. With years of experience working on AI systems for commercial and industrial clients, Kirsten Poon helps businesses move forward by building practical tools powered by data. Her day-to-day work involves solving problems, leading teams, and working closely with other tech professionals to get useful results. She is focused on clear outcomes and making sure AI is used in ways that actually help people do their jobs better.

If you're a business owner in Edmonton, here are seven strategies Kirsten Poon recommends for working with AI.

1. Start Small and Stay Focused

AI doesn't have to start with a massive project. Small wins can lead to bigger changes. Pick one process that causes delays or errors, like scheduling, inventory tracking, or customer inquiries, and try applying AI there. Get feedback from your team and build from that base. Starting small keeps the cost low and helps you stay focused on what matters.

2. Keep the Data Clean

Before thinking about AI models or systems, make sure your data is organized and reliable. Incorrect information leads to poor results. Label things clearly. Fix errors. Remove outdated records. She often sees businesses struggle with AI projects simply because their data is hard to work with. Clean data makes everything easier later on.

3. Choose Tools You Can Manage

It's easy to get caught up in the hype around complex platforms, but it's better to choose tools your team can understand. If your staff can't maintain or update the system, it becomes a problem. Use tools with good support, clear documentation, and active communities. According to her, the best tools are the ones that fit your business, not the ones with the flashiest features.

4. Talk to Your Team Early

AI projects often fail because the people using them aren't involved from the start. Get input from the people who will work with the system every day. Ask them what problems they face, what works well, and what slows them down. Kirsten Poon recommends regular check-ins during development to make sure the system is useful and not just another thing to manage.

5. Don't Automate Everything

Some tasks are better handled by people. Automating too much can hurt the experience for customers and frustrate employees. AI works best when it supports people, not replaces them. Find the balance between speed and human judgment. For example, use AI to sort tickets or flag issues, but let a person handle the final response.

6. Check the Results Regularly

Once an AI tool is running, don't ignore it. Things change. Patterns shift. What worked last month might not work today. Check the system's output, watch for errors, and adjust when needed. She points out that AI is not a “set it and forget it” tool. Regular reviews help keep things on track and prevent bigger problems down the road.

7. Work With People Who Understand Both Sides

AI is part tech and part business. You need people who can connect both. Look for partners or team members who understand coding but also get how your business works. They can help spot risks early and come up with smarter ways to solve problems. She often acts as a bridge between tech experts and business leaders to keep projects moving in the right direction.

Final Thoughts

For companies in Edmonton looking to stay ahead, AI is more than a trend. It's a tool. These strategies offer a clear and simple way to begin using AI without overcomplicating things. With guidance from people like Kirsten Poon, businesses can make steady progress by focusing on what works.