Only 8% of people use generative AI for work, according to a 2023 Deloitte Digital Consumer Trends survey. This low figure highlights the discrepancy between the opportunity of AI and leaders’ ability to act on it. So, how do you successfully implement AI throughout your organization to ensure you reap the benefits?
The need for accurate data
AI is only as good as the data used; without it your AI initiatives will struggle to get off the ground, never mind provide a competitive advantage for your organization.
However, data and analytics leaders often don’t consider all the necessary tasks involved in building data pipelines and the difficulties in sourcing the right data. According to the Board Brief on Generative AI from Gartner®, building data pipelines, for example, is a resource-intensive task that requires a strong focus on various activities, including:
- Data integration and optimized data structures
- Data quality and security
- Governance
By building robust data pipelines, leaders can build their AI strategies from the ground up. Access an AI pipeline framework recommended by Gartner.
Effective adoption and integration
To maximize the benefits of AI in a corporate setting, leaders also need to ensure effective adoption and integration across the organization. This involves not just the implementation of technology but also fostering an organizational culture that embraces AI-driven changes. But practically, how do you achieve that?
Capability-based planning:
- Identify the core capabilities that drive your business value. Understanding these will help to align AI initiatives with your strategic goals.
- Where applicable, focus on solving real customer pain points, including using AI to better understand customer needs and behaviors, and tailor services accordingly.
- Develop a clear roadmap that outlines how AI will enhance or transform these capabilities over time.
Scalable AI deployment:
- Begin with pilot projects to demonstrate value, then scale up based on learnings.
- Employ an agile methodology, allowing for flexible adaptation as new insights emerge.
Vision and leadership:
- Crucial for every team member to understand and be aligned with the shared vision for AI adoption.
- Leadership must effectively communicate this vision to keep all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the AI adoption process.
Culture of learning and adaptability:
- Promote a continuous learning culture to keep teams equipped for new AI-related challenges and technologies.
- Encourage an environment where learning new AI tools and techniques is part of the job.
Purchasing an AI solution will not magically transform an organization overnight. To truly reap the benefits of AI, leaders need to carefully plan their AI strategy, ensuring that the data used to train it is accurate and timely, and engaging stakeholders across the organization in its success.