Hello there!
Welcome to the first issue of “The Reef.” As President of Blacktip, I’m pleased to introduce this first edition, which features engaging articles and expert insights. We aim to inspire curiosity and conversations on key technology topics. Please enjoy the prescribed content.
As this is the inaugural issue, I would like to provide some context behind why we’re delivering this content in a traditional print form. Everyone is inundated with hundreds of email messages daily, most of which are noise or not very useful. We believe that returning to a traditional communication mechanism brings back a sense of wonder. And, more importantly, a real connection.
I have been in the high-technology world since I was a teenager. It’s been fun to watch multiple decades (or waves) of change. In the past few years, we’ve seen the most recent (and significant) wave – artificial intelligence (AI). The team at Blacktip is very excited about AI and what it can do for enhancing business process.
AI, like any other tool, must have a clearly defined (and understood) purpose. Without it, businesses will make malinvestments and have unexpected outcomes. You will learn more about this in “Preparing Your Organization for AI”.
When I think about AI, I reflect about how AI integrates into an overall technology platform. As a nine-year veteran of Microsoft, my technology worldview is platforms.
When considering any technology change, including AI, these are the key questions that I ask:
- What are the business outcomes we want to achieve?
- Do we have the right people in place to achieve those outcomes?
- Do we have the right processes defined to achieve those outcomes?
- Do we have the right technology platform to execute and ensure those outcomes?
- Have we defined the right data governance (AKA – the rules) to ensure that AI knows its boundaries?
AI doesn’t succeed without clear answers to the above questions. I’ll give you an example: without the right technology platform and defined governance, AI can wreak havoc in your workplace. Employees, external partners and potentially competitors gain access to sensitive information. This can cause a business-ending event.
What does a clear AI implementation plan look like? For every business, this is unique. Before you begin with AI, you should define governance and consider the potential pitfalls about your data (think documents, databases, financials, etc.). We’ve articulated what this looks like here: “Security, Regulatory, and Compliance Considerations When Using AI Tools”.
Let’s go back to the people and process side of AI. Training and upskilling are critical to the success of using AI. Your people might know where to start or are possibly being provided advice from other sources. To help provide you with a better path, learn more about updating your business process before implementing AI via “Building Reliable Data Foundations for AI: Workflows, Platforms, and Product Thinking.”
I am a big believer in the uniformity of product and/or service delivery. To do so, you must have the right technology platform: a unified system that is a) simple to use and b) simple (albeit powerful enough) to execute on business outcomes.
Think of a platform like this: if you have a house, you need/want consistent doors and windows. Having different shapes and sizes makes it awkward for ingress and egress. When you apply that methodology to technology, having a unified toolset enhances your ability to execute. Conversely, if you have a plethora of loosely integrated tools (including AI), your business becomes hampered.
Riding another technology wave can be exhilarating or it can be exhausting. Ideally, with the content provided in this issue, you’ll be better prepared for the AI transition. You’ll think more about purpose and outcomes. You’ll realize that building the right technology platform enhances the business and improves employee productivity.
Thank you for your consideration.