Artificial intelligence and automation are two technologies that have a significant impact on business productivity. Conor Whelan, chief information and operations officer at Experian, highlights how automation has been integrated into its core plans, with the company now looking to incorporate AI and machine learning to improve its automation capabilities.
The challenge of balancing innovation and stability
While innovation is essential to remain competitive, companies must also ensure that they maintain stability and protect their core operations. Andy Caddy, Group CIO of PureGym, highlights the importance of finding the right balance between driving innovation and safeguarding the organisation’s core business.
However, as Christina Scott, director of product and technology at OVO Energy, warns, “the danger in a crisis is that you go into full cost-cutting mode.” This approach can hinder an organization’s ability to recover and thrive in the long term.
Instead, technology leaders should continually evaluate their business strategies and ensure that they are allocating resources both to maintain their core operations and to invest in innovative solutions that drive growth.
Development of agile and adaptable organizations
Paul Smith, Amnesty International’s CIO, highlights the importance of having an “agile mindset” to respond effectively to external events and challenges. “Crisis management and agility is also becoming the norm for us,” he said.
By adopting a more agile approach, companies can better navigate uncertain times, respond quickly to emerging opportunities, and drive innovation across the organization.
Collaboration and breaking silos
Fostering a culture of collaboration and breaking down silos within an organization is crucial to maximizing the potential of technology to drive productivity. As Channel 4’s Brackenborough Global CISO emphasizes, technology leaders should focus on implementing solutions that benefit the entire organization rather than meeting the needs of individual departments.
Technology has the power to deliver significant business productivity gains, but only if organizations take a strategic and forward-thinking approach to its implementation. By focusing on data-driven insights, leveraging AI and automation, striking a balance between innovation and stability, fostering agility and adaptability, and promoting cross-departmental collaboration, companies can leverage technology to boost productivity and growth.
As Leon Gauhman, director of product and strategy at Elsewhen points out, organizations should make the most of the data they already have to drive innovation.
In conclusion, sustainable business growth requires a balanced approach to technology adoption that fosters innovation while maintaining stability. By embracing agility, adaptability and collaboration, organizations can unlock the full potential of technology.