Why PMs Should Embrace—Not Fear—Artificial Intelligence

Following 20 years at a large Canadian telecommunications firm, Bruce established the project management consulting firm Solutions Management Inc (SMI). Since 1999, he has provided contract project/program management services, been a source for project management support personnel and created/delivered courses to over 7,000 participants in Canada, the United States and England.

  Artificial Intelligence  

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing numerous fields, and project management is no exception. However, contrary to the fears of automation leading to job displacement, AI serves more as an augmentative force that can assist project managers rather than replacing them.

In time, by handling routine tasks and offering advanced analytical capabilities, AI will allow project managers to focus on strategic, creative, and interpersonal aspects of their roles—skills that are beyond the current capabilities of AI.

When I reflect on my decades of project management experience, I recognize that my early years involved “banging square pegs through round holes.” My role seemed to be more about ensuring work was simply completed rather than providing broader value to my employer and our clients.

As I moved to a consultant/contractor role, I spent far too much time creating Gantt charts and status reports rather than delivering strategic value. This article explores how AI can offload some of the lesser-value work—and what the impact may be for project managers.

AI's Role in Routine Project Management Tasks
AI excels in automating repetitive and data-intensive tasks, significantly enhancing efficiency and accuracy. These tasks include scheduling, data collection, progress tracking, and reporting. Let’s briefly look at each category:

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