Beyond the Buzzwords

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Hello everyone, and welcome back to SAP & Beyond: Inside IT with the next part of AI Diaries!

In this newsletter, I will continue exploring themes around the companys data strategies when we explore AI. Do we spend enough time to understand the business issue/opportunities and be clear about which capabilities your business needs, and the people in the AI project?

AI in Action—Data First, Then Automation Magic

What Matters: Okay, lets be real. AI is powerful, but its not magic. We need to look at two things: First, those time-consuming tasks that could be automated. Second, and this is crucial, your data strategy. Youve got to sort out your data issues before you even think about AI.

✅ Questions to Ask: "Which tasks are draining our time and energy?" and "How can we make sure our data is clean, organized, and ready for AI?" Also, "How do we ensure that the AI solutions, and the data they use, align with our overall business goals?"

✅ Team Tip: Dont just dump AI tools on your team and expect them to figure it out. Invest in data literacy training. Help everyone understand why data quality matters and how they can contribute. And, of course, train them on how to use those AI tools effectively. Make it a team effort.

✅ From My Experience: Ive seen it firsthand: AI is only as good as the data its fed. If your data is a mess, AI will just amplify that mess. Its like trying to get accurate directions with a blurry map. Without governed, high-quality data, AI adoption becomes an expensive gamble, not a strategic advantage. Its not just about having a lot of data; its about having the right data, organized in the right way.

 

What about: Start with a project around data-cleaning and data-organizing powered by Generative AI

 

What is the Problem – the "Why?" Behind the Tech

What Really Matters: Often, there is the tendency to immediately dive into technology discussions. If you want to transform your business, begin with a clear understanding of the specific challenges, opportunities, and business KPIs. Whats actually slowing you down? Its not just about noticing the symptoms; its about finding the root cause.

Remember: AI makes sense only for specific cases.

⭕ Ask Smart Questions: What are the specific outcomes our team wants to achieve with AI? What metrics will help us measure success?

⭕Team Tips: Allocate more time to discuss the problem we aim to solve or the opportunity we want to enable.

⭕ From My Experience: I’ve seen companies investing a lot in state-of-the-art control systems, IoT devices, and robotics, with just one outcome: struggling because they did not measure the right processes, the right process data was not collected, and integrated.

In the video below, my team discusses what happens after the problem is defined, including how to select the right AI model and how to effectively address specific challenges. But also some of the critical issues, such as data quality, permissions, and intellectual property concerns, that arise when transitioning data into AI systems.

Collaborative Solutions and Team Dynamics

What Really Matters: Recognize each team member’s strengths and expertise. Make sure everyone understands their role in the collaborative problem-solving process.

✅ Ask Smart Questions: What unique insights can each team member bring to the table? How can we use each others knowledge to elevate our project outcomes?

✅ Team Tips: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and challenges, promoting active dialogue that can lead to deeper insights.

✅ From My Experience:

The Power of Diversity: I have frequently seen diverse teams generate more creative solutions than homogeneous groups, as varied perspectives contribute to richer discussions and outcomes.

Remember: If people don’t embrace what you are trying to do with AI, there will be no change, no matter how smart the solution is going to be.

If you have questions about how to make AI part of your business or whether you need it to begin with, get in touch - we will help you make the right call.

And remember, the journey of integrating AI is not just about technology but also about the people and processes behind it.

 

Best,

Borislav Minkov

CEO, Novarto

(Your Digital Transformation Partner)