Traditional IT approaches are not enough. It is common that the necessary knowledge does not exist within the walls of the company. AI is about human knowledge and science more than technology or data, which means that companies need to get better at investing in people with different talents, including AI engineers, strategists, designers and legal experts.
Difficulty moving from pilot projects to production. We see quite a few pilots, but fewer projects where companies manage to take the step to generate real value. My advice is to act a little more long-term in connection with generative AI. In addition, you need to take into account technical, ethical and strategic aspects. However, it is important not to forget that a solid foundation remains the most important prerequisite for success. In this context, it is about establishing robust data governance before you even scale AI applications.
Beware of non-compliant solutions. Compliance and ethics must be included in projects from the beginning so that AI initiatives are in sync with the company’s values. It may also be easier to start with a solution like Copilot, which is already integrated into existing Microsoft solutions. We are seeing a lot of standard solutions emerging such as Copilot within M365, or Copilot targeted at specific functions. You can also build a custom version with Copilot Studio so that the solution is tailored to your organization.
Ambiguity is a potential risk. How can AI make a difference in a specific sector? The entire AI process stands and falls with the fundamental insight. Look beyond productivity gains to seize generative AI opportunities; focus on AI applications that improve customer and employee experiences while managing critical business processes. The more critical the process, the greater the opportunity. Generative AI can undoubtedly play a significant role in a customer’s banking experience or in gaining insights across a supply chain.
Generative AI offers organizations new ways to increase revenue, improve operational efficiency, innovate their offerings, and redefine their businesses. However, turning generative AI pilots into tangible value requires the company to take a holistic approach to skills, processes, and structures beyond technology.
By Gregory Verlinden,
Cognizant
