Generative AI has already begun to change the game. The question isn’t whether you should use AI, but “do you know how to talk to it?” Prompt engineering, the art of giving AI the right instructions, is no longer reserved for the IT department. It’s a strategic competency that determines whether AI becomes an asset in your business or not. Implema’s Jesper Lindsten shares insights on the importance of being able to “communicate with AI in AI’s way.”
With tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Joule and other generative AI solutions, the way we work is fundamentally changing. But to truly benefit from the technology requires more than just access to the tools: it requires the ability to communicate with AI in the right way. This is where Prompt Engineering comes in.
– Prompt engineering is about communicating effectively with AI. Fundamentally, it’s the art of giving clear, contextual instructions to get useful output. It sounds simple, but it’s actually a new, strategic skill, says Jesper Lindsten.
What is Prompt Engineering?
Prompt engineering means you formulate questions or instructions to an AI model, such as ChatGPT, so that you get correct, relevant and useful answers. This can involve everything from simple information searches to complex tasks like generating code, analyzing data, designing process flows or creating customer communication.
– It’s about more than just what you ask, it’s about how you ask. You need to understand both what AI is capable of, and what you actually need as output. That’s where business value is created, says Jesper.
Why Does it Matter?
Because AI doesn’t think for itself. If you feed it vague, sloppy or unclear instructions, you get… exactly that, less accurate results. When AI becomes an integrated part of our workflows, the prompt determines what value you get from the technology. The right question can save hours of work, provide new insights or automate an entire task. The wrong question gives… nothing. Or in the worst case, completely incorrect answers.
– AI is powerful. But you need to control it with precision. Prompt engineering is exactly that, control, says Jesper. Think of generative AI as a super-competent colleague with incredible capacity, but who only does exactly what you ask for. The better you instruct, the more you get back. That’s why prompt engineering is a business-critical capability.
A New Language for a New Era
Prompt engineering is therefore not just a technical skill. It’s a new form of digital language, where business understanding, communication and analytical thinking meet.
– This isn’t just something for developers. It’s equally relevant for an accountant, a marketer or a purchaser. It’s a cross-functional competency that we believe will become as natural as being able to navigate a business system, says Jesper.
AI + ERP = Powerful Opportunities
At Implema, which among other things helps customers implement and develop business systems like SAP and Microsoft Dynamics, it’s particularly clear how AI can strengthen the entire digital business when used correctly. Here, prompt engineering has already been integrated into both internal training and customer projects. The technology is used in project management, analysis, documentation, and to streamline development work.
– We see this as a future core competency, just like we all once learned Excel, PowerPoint and our business systems. Now we need to learn to collaborate with AI, and prompt engineering is the key to that collaboration, explains Jesper.
– We see how AI can support everything from reporting and troubleshooting to decision support and real-time user guides. It frees up time, increases quality and reduces errors. But the key is being able to control AI through smart, business-focused prompts.
A New Type of Digital Literacy
Prompt engineering is a new type of digital literacy. It will permeate finance, procurement, sales, logistics, HR, customer service.
– We see prompt engineering as a bridge between business processes and intelligent agents. Those who understand both worlds have an enormous advantage, says Jesper.
The Future is Conversation-Driven
AI won’t completely replace humans as some claim, but those who can use AI effectively will have a clear advantage. Prompt engineering is the first step.
– Soon it will be as natural to talk to an AI assistant as it is to search on Google. Then it’s important to know how to ask questions that actually drive the business forward. That’s why we’re investing in this, for our customers’ sake, for our own development and to future-proof our competency, says Jesper.
Future systems will have AI built in as a natural part of the user interface, whether through a chat window, voice or other conversation-based interfaces. Then the ability to express yourself clearly and effectively to AI becomes a key skill for using systems optimally and getting maximum business value.
– This competency is also completely transferable, meaning it can be used everywhere you prompt regardless of system or program. Learning to prompt is relevant right now, even if the organization doesn’t yet use AI fully. Because when it does come, it’s the users who are prepared that get the advantage.
Three Reasons why Prompt Engineering is Business-Critical
- It determines the quality of AI results
- It builds a bridge between business logic and technology
- It creates real competitive advantage
