SAS has unveiled a new approach for organisations to tackle business challenges head-on with packaged AI models.

Announced at the SAS Innovate event currently taking place is Las Vegas, the industry-specific AI models for individual license are designed to enable organisations to rapidly deploy AI technology for real-world use in an efficient manner. 

According to SAS, in today’s market, the consumption of models is primarily focused on large language models (LLMs) for generative AI. In reality, LLMs are a very small part of the modeling needs of real-world production deployments of AI and decision making for businesses. 

With the new offering, SAS is moving beyond LLMs and delivering industry-proven deterministic AI models for industries that span use cases such as fraud detection, supply chain optimisation, entity management, document conversation and health care payment integrity and more.

Unlike traditional AI implementations that can be cumbersome and time-consuming, SAS industry-specific models are engineered for quick integration, enabling organisations to  operationalise trustworthy AI technology and accelerate the realisation of tangible benefits and trusted results.

Expanding market footprint

In an era where organisations are vying to compete efficiently and AI skills shortages are impacting staffing of data science teams, businesses are demanding agility in utilising AI to solve problems. Here, SAS's easy-to-use yet powerful models tuned for the enterprise can come to the rescue, helping organisations leverage SAS's half-century industry leadership.

Delivering industry models as packaged offerings is one outcome of SAS commitment of $1 billion to AI- powered industry solutions. As outlined in the May 2023 announcement, the investment in AI builds on SAS’ decades-long focus on providing packaged solutions to address industry challenges in banking, government, health care and more.

“Models are the perfect complement to our existing solutions and SAS Viya platform offerings and cater to diverse business needs across various audiences, ensuring that innovation reaches every corner of our ecosystem,” says Udo Sglavo, Vice President for AI and Analytics, SAS. 

“By tailoring our approach to understanding specific industry needs, our frameworks empower businesses to flourish in their distinctive environments,” he says.

Bringing AI to the masses

SAS is democratising AI by offering out-of-the-box, lightweight AI models making AI accessible regardless of skill set starting with an AI assistant for warehouse space optimisation. Leveraging technology like large language models, these assistants cater to nontechnical users, translating interactions into optimised workflows seamlessly and aiding in faster planning decisions.

“SAS Models provide organisations with flexible, timely and accessible AI that aligns with industry challenges,” says Sglavo. 

“Whether you’re embarking on your AI journey or seeking to accelerate the expansion of AI across your enterprise, SAS offers unparalleled depth and breadth in addressing your businesss unique needs.”

The first SAS Models are expected to be generally available later this year.