Digital and IA are everywhere. Virtually every company has already implemented, is implementing, or plans to implement one. But how do we make these changes lasting? Dealing with hundreds of Artificial Intelligence projects in Flexa Cloud I observed some critical elements for restructuring an organization, making fundamental changes in talent, operating models, and technology and data capabilities.
The Executive Challenge: Implementation at Scale
Executives often face challenges when trying to harness the potential of technology at scale. Successful experiments and pilots don't always impact the company's overall performance. The real challenge isn't technology, but talent and data. How can we organize to deliver results at scale? Organizational change is where the major surgery needs to take place.
The Starting Point: Business Problems
Digital and AI transformation should always begin with the business problem you want to solve. When you start this way, the outcome tends to be positive, as the problem is linked to better serving customers and generating more value for the company. Identifying the problem to be solved with technology facilitates the creation of an effective technology roadmap.
Generative AI: Technology in Search of a Problem?
Many conversations these days seem to treat generative AI as a technology in search of a problem to solve. While fascinating, it's essential to go back to basics: what are the company's pain points? Generative AI isn't always the ideal starting point. Technology should be a response to an existing problem, not the other way around.
Talent: Essential Pillar for Success
Companies serious about digital transformation can attract the right talent, but they need to offer a modern technological environment. Professionals want to ensure their skills won't atrophy due to the use of outdated technologies. They seek environments that value their expertise and offer opportunities for continuous development.
Developing Internal Talents
Innovative companies have successfully developed internal talent to manage new products and digital solutions. The most important thing is to understand the business problems and have a clear vision of how technology can solve them. Additional training is necessary, but business experience is crucial.
Internal Technology Development: Strategic Partnerships
Developing technology internally can be productive, but it's also strategic for companies to partner with recognized AI companies. For example, Flexa Cloud is internationally recognized for its successful AI cases. Having proven partners allows companies to accelerate innovation and maintain a competitive edge by leveraging the expertise and resources of industry leaders.
Mindset Change: Seeing the Organization as a Technology Company
Some companies fully embrace the vision of becoming technology companies. For those that don't, however, being proficient in software development is essential to achieving competitive differentiation.
Distributed Digital Innovation: A New Approach
In the ideal state of "distributed digital innovation," teams across multiple areas of the organization develop technological solutions to solve specific problems. IT becomes a distributed function, supporting innovation across the enterprise.
New Role for IT
IT must evolve to provide the foundation for cybersecurity and distribute the tools and data needed for innovation. IT's role is transforming from being the sole driver of innovation to becoming a platform capability.
Executive Team Transformation
All members of the executive team play a crucial role in digital transformation. The CIO must empower the organization to innovate safely, while HR must focus on talent acquisition and development. Funding is also changing, shifting from individual projects to a persistent funding model.
Simplifying IT Complexity
To alleviate concerns about IT complexity, it's important to establish a common language and a basic understanding of technology among executives. Investing time in learning about and visiting companies that are advanced in digital transformation can inspire and align the team, facilitating leadership in technological transformation.
Digitally transforming a company is a true corporate sport, and everyone must actively participate to make it work. Collective understanding and collaboration are key to achieving success in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.
