Members of channel trade association the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) were yesterday urged to “start small” on their data and AI journey.
At its inaugural ChannelCon EMEA event, the GTIA launched its Data & AI Guidebook.
It is designed to provide a clear, actionable framework for understanding how data and AI can be used to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency and deliver long-term value.
“A call to action for the GTIA community”
Its launch came as GTIA CEO Dan Wensley talked up the “unprecedented” value-to-cost ratio the body can offer members following the sale of the CompTIA brand and certification/training business in January.
This includes the millions of dollars it is spending on research and resources such as this guidebook.
The guidebook was unveiled by Hollie Whittles, a director of data analytics and AI consultancy Purple Frog Systems and Vice Chair for GTIA’s UK&I Executive Council.
Whittles characterised the guide as “a call to action for the GTIA community to lead on insight, integrity and impact” when it comes to data and AI.
“Realising this potential requires more than investment in technology,” she told the audience.
“It demands visionary leadership, cultural change and top-down commitment to embed that data and AI strategy into your organisational DNA.”
The Data & AI Guidebook walks GTIA members through every step of the data and AI journey. It splits this journey down into eight sections:
- Business Objectives
Organisations must begin with clearly defined business objectives to unlock the full potential of data analytics and AI, the GTIA said.
- Current State Assessment
Before embarking on any data and AI transformation journey, organisations must first assess their existing capabilities, identify strengths and weaknesses and highlight growth opportunities, the GTIA counselled.
- Data Architecture, Governance and Security
In this section, the GTIA highlights best practices when it comes to building a strong data foundation.
- Data Analytics and Big Data
Here, the GTIA discusses a clear and actionable framework for understanding how data analytics and big data can drive innovation.
- AI Technologies and Real-World Applications
This section gives an overview of key AI technologies.
- Ethics and Responsible Data Use
Here, the GTIA outlines the key ethical principles and practical guidelines for responsible data and AI use.
- Implementation Roadmap and Skills Development
In this penultimate segment, the GTIA outlines a phased approach to implementation, identifies key skill sets and provides guidance on training and development.
- Future Trends and Innovations
Finally, the GTIA digs into the key developments shaping the future of data and AI, along with predictions that will influence how businesses operate in the coming years.
“Start simple”
Talking ChannelCon EMEA attendees through the journey, Whittles stressed that leaders must consider the ethics around data and AI governance.
“There are strong ethical principles to consider such as fairness, transparency, privacy, accountability, safety and reliability,” she said.
When it comes to the speed of implementation, Whittles advised members to “start simple”.
“Start with a pilot project to validate the value and feasibility of what you’re about to undergo, and then scale, integrate and expand those pilots into other business areas,” she said.
The implementation phase is also about identifying what new roles are needed to make a success of it.
“Do you need data scientists? Do you need engineers? Do you need analysts? Do you need governance leads? Do you need IT and security specialists? Or do you want to outsource to a company that specialises in this type of thing?” Whittles said.
“This guidebook will walk you through all those different stages of progress.”
Whittles advised members to “start small”, while also warning that AI will one day soon be “ubiquitous”.
“We really need to get a grip on this now. You need to get a handle on your data governance and your approach to adopting AI,” she said.
Gaining executive buy in is essential, Whittles counselled.
“For it to be a success, you must engage stakeholders and business units across the entire business, and a key element is to get board-level buy in,” she said.
“You need that top-level down direction, otherwise it’ll be overtaken by every other high priority you have in the business.”
This article was produced in association with the GTIA and is classified as partner content. What is partner content? See more here.
