What is prompt engineering and why does it matter?

MCS Influencer Holly Gotfredson says that successfully utilizing AI depends on the knowledge of the operator in how to properly input information.

One of the ways that the MetalCoffeeShop™ is proud to connect the industry is through our influencer program. This brings together experts from across the industry to share the knowledge and experience they have gained through their careers. With the rise of artificial intellegence in our day-to-day lives, we wanted to facilitate a discussion on where these influencer see it being used in business.

This is what Holly Gotfredson from American Metalcraft and Finishing Dynamics had to share about artificial intelligence in the metal industry:

"A lot of the AI that’s currently on the market is a great fit for OEM shops and shops that make a lot of the same types of parts; however, in the next 24 months I think we’ll see more solutions that meet the needs of custom fabricators. We have added AI tools to our efforts in marketing and advertising. There’s a lot of really great applications that take power point presentations, social media posts, video editing and website design to the next level. Chat GPT and Chat Smith both act as prompt engineers for us when finding the right words, content or imagery becomes challenging.

Conversely, when our team is looking for a specific resource or more information on a topic, we’ve learned to be input-prompt engineers in order to receive the right information from AI. My good friend Brent Williams spoke about the concept of “prompt engineering” at the CSI Southeast Regional conference this year. The difference between success and failure in utilizing AI depends on the knowledge of the operator in how to properly input information in order to receive the desired result. Those that develop this skillset will achieve their goals and then some."