TCDI’s AI approach has always been people-centric. For our AI-driven legal workflows, that means putting people at the center of even the most advanced automation. When we talk about Process-Driven AI and SMART data, we’re not talking about removing humans from the equation. In fact, the opposite is true. The most powerful, efficient, and accurate eDiscovery solutions today are those that blend AI capabilities with expert human validation. This is the core of what’s known as the “Human-in-the-Loop” approach.

What is Human-in-the-Loop?

Human-in-the-Loop means incorporating human judgment at critical points in an AI-driven process. In document review and SMART data processing, this means trained reviewers or specialists step in to validate AI outputs, catch edge cases, and provide real-time feedback that improves future performance and outcomes. This isn’t a safety net – It’s a strategic partnership between machine intelligence and human expertise.

Where Humans Play a Role in Process-Driven AI

At TCDI, we use Process-Driven and People-Centric AI in many facets of document review and SMART data processing. A few of the areas where the human-in-the-loop approach is critical are:

  • Document Review: Whether AI identifies privilege, responsiveness, or PII, human reviewers confirm accuracy before final decisions are made through Random and Stratified sampling and targeted searches based on outcomes and expert knowledge.
  • SMART Data Processing of Images: Poor quality scans, complex layouts, or skewed images still trip up even the best AI models. Human oversight ensures data isn’t lost in translation.
  • SMART OCR and SMART Handwriting Analysis: AI can extract text from typed documents, but for handwritten notes or messy scans, human correction is essential to ensure accuracy. AI will get us much closer than we can with non-AI tools, but it too still needs some help.
  • SMART Translation and Transcription: Multilingual content is increasingly common in investigations and document reviews. AI tools have really moved the needle on machine translations, but native and foreign language reviewers finalize critical translations to avoid misinterpretation.
  • Training Feedback Loops: Human reviewers help improve AI tools over time by flagging misclassifications, guiding model fine-tuning, and shaping smarter systems.

Why It Matters: Accuracy, Efficiency, and Cost

Many assume the purpose of AI is to replace human labor. But in the legal world, where accuracy and defensibility matter most, the goal is actually to optimize and aid human effort. 

By combining AI with human oversight, which is the people-centric AI approach, organizations can streamline review and data processes by automating repetitive, high-volume tasks while reserving human expertise for complex decisions. This not only saves time and reduces costly errors (especially those involving legal nuance or formatting), but also lowers overall review costs by focusing human effort where it’s most impactful.

The Bottom Line

Process-Driven AI isn’t just about technology; it’s about how humans and machines work together. A people-centric approach means building systems that are smart enough to automate while also building teams of Project Managers and specialists wise enough to know when and where a human touch is needed.

We apply Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles across our operations, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s smart. These principles help us design before we implement, measure before we act, and tailor solutions that are both efficient and comprehensive. We build intelligent, well-structured processes and integrate AI exactly where it can create the most value by improving efficiency, reducing manual effort, and eliminating unnecessary cost.

At TCDI, we don’t just incorporate AI into our workflows. We build our workflows around the people who make them work. That’s what People-Centric AI and our Human-in-the-Loop approach really means, and it’s grounded in TCDI’s 37 years of experience solving complex legal and data challenges for our clients.

Caragh Landry

Caragh Landry

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Caragh brings over 20 years of eDiscovery and Document Review experience to TCDI. In her role as Chief Legal Process Officer, she oversees workflow creation, service delivery, and  development strategy for our processing, hosting, review, production and litigation management applications. Caragh’s expertise in building new platforms aligns closely with TCDI’s strategy to increase innovation and improve workflow. Her diverse operational experience and hands on approach with clients is key to continually improving the TCDI user experience. Learn more about Caragh.