Often to my detriment more than my benefit, I’ve historically been someone who
challenged the conventional acceptance of doing things simply because “that’s the
way we’ve always done them.” Accepting that there will be headwinds, this mindset
is more relevant now than ever given the rapid pace of technological advancements.
From artificial intelligence and supercomputing to autonomous driving and
unmanned aerial systems, the world as we know it is changing exponentially
quickly. With this awareness, we should be asking ourselves “Why?” and “What is
within the realm of possible?” at every stage of our daily workflows, especially if we
want our businesses to remain viable and successful.
Focusing on the insurance and construction sectors where Deft calls home, there
are two recent examples I’d like to share that answer these questions:

AI Weather Forecasting
While much attention has recently been paid to the impacts of the current
administration slashing NOAA’s budget, grassroots AI is transforming weather
forecasting by replacing traditional methods with more accurate and timely
predictions. Traditional forecasting, which relies on physical models and human
analysis of complex weather systems, has limitations. In contrast, AI uses machine
learning to process vast datasets quickly, identifying patterns that human
forecasters might miss. By seamlessly leveraging data from satellites, radar, and
weather stations, AI can deliver faster, more precise predictions. Furthermore, these
models continuously improve, adapting to new weather patterns and providing real-
time updates. This is not a dismissal of the forecasting industry’s inevitable
casualties but rather an example of progress achieved by asking, “Why?” and “What
is within the realm of possible?” Instead of fighting to maintain conventional
methodology, should we not embrace and integrate AI’s data aggregation and
workflow advantages? The outcome could be real-time property-level forecasting
which is far more accurate than the status quo within a matter of months.

Drone Building Cleaning
Next, drones continue to emerge as a superior solution to conventional methods of
cleaning the exteriors of multi-story buildings. Deft has been working closely with
Drone Washing Dynamics, who dared to ask the crucial questions. While not the
first, they are part of the pioneering wave of startups questioning why we still clean
buildings with squeegees while drones capable of performing the task more safely,
cost-effectively, and with less risk of damage to the structures are available and
proven. Drones designed for exterior cleaning can navigate the building’s surface
with precision, using cleaning solutions to remove dirt and grime. Equipped with
advanced cameras and sensors, these drones also map out the building’s exterior,
ensuring every section is cleaned efficiently (think a robot vacuum, but for the
outside of a structure). As drone technology advances, these systems will become
even more sophisticated, enabling real-time monitoring and remote operation.
Both examples could be unpacked in much greater detail, but the key point I want to
make is not about the superiority of these technologies themselves but the
possibilities unlocked by asking, “Why?” and “What is within the realm of possible?”

-Jeremiah Kiefer