Embracing AI Transformation: 5 Ways to Succeed
The experts have declared that we are leaving the age of digital transformation and entering a new era of AI transformation. The good news is that the groundwork from earlier digital change programs, from cloud computing implementations to forays into machine learning, will provide a strong bedrock to build new AI transformations.
However, the shift to an age of AI will involve overcoming significant technological and cultural challenges.
1. Don’t Work in a Silo
Helene Kollnig, Freshworks global applications lead at recruitment specialist Hays, advises professionals to seek advice from as many experts as possible.
"Look at what other people are doing," she said. "Never work in a silo and prepare to be wrong in terms of how you’ve set the technology up." Kollnig and her colleagues have implemented the Freshworks Customer Service Suite, an omnichannel support software with AI-powered chatbots and ticketing.
2. Build the Confidence of Others
Nick Woods, CIO at airport group MAG, said leading an AI transformation isn’t straightforward, and executives must ensure their organization makes a successful cultural shift.
"There’s a big hearts-and-minds piece to this work," he said. Woods explained to ZDNET how he’s working with startups and combining insight with sensor data to develop the AI-enabled future of air travel.
3. Get the Business to Generate Ideas
Anastasiia Stefanska, data analyst for analytics and AI at travel giant TUI, recognizes anyone can suggest great ways to exploit emerging technology.
"Everybody at TUI, not just everybody in IT, is enabled to work with AI at the level their role expects," she said. "We’ve been working on that approach for the past year. We want to bridge the gap between the business professionals and our technological knowledge in the data team."
4. Be Sensible
Dave Moyes, partner for information and digital systems at architecture firm SimpsonHaugh, said every business and digital leader must prepare for AI transformation.
"It’s coming," he told ZDNET. "You can’t bury your head in the sand and ignore AI."
5. Work Within Your Constraints
Roger Joys, vice president of enterprise cloud platform at Alaskan telecom company GCI, said his organization is eager to explore AI in the right circumstances.
"It’s everything from simple use cases, such as using chatbots to help reduce our call center costs by helping people self-serve, to more sophisticated data analysis in customer demographics, merging many different pieces of data, and being able to answer questions about, ‘Who are the best candidates to throw a marketing campaign at?’"
Conclusion
Embracing AI transformation requires a collaborative effort from business and digital leaders. By seeking advice from experts, building confidence in others, generating ideas from the business, being sensible, and working within constraints, organizations can overcome the challenges of this new era and unlock the potential of AI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key challenges in embracing AI transformation?
A: The shift to an age of AI will involve overcoming significant technological and cultural challenges.
Q: How can I overcome these challenges?
A: By seeking advice from experts, building confidence in others, generating ideas from the business, being sensible, and working within constraints.
Q: What is the role of AI in the future of air travel?
A: AI is being used to develop the AI-enabled future of air travel, combining insight with sensor data to improve passenger experience and reduce delays.
Q: How can I ensure the success of AI transformation in my organization?
A: By working collaboratively with experts, building confidence in others, generating ideas from the business, being sensible, and working within constraints.
