Outdated technology is impeding your IA progress. How will you overcome this obstacle?

To improve your technology, first thoroughly check your current setup to find outdated parts and understand their limits. Then, make a detailed plan to upgrade, focusing on the most important areas that will greatly boost your progress.

Technology and processes are 2 different subjects. It is fairly possible to upgrade existing technology to make them Intelligent. It is much more difficult to re-design processes to become 100% digital. Biassed thinking and old behaviors are to be overcome. Go for digital and abandon the past.

To upgrade technology smoothly, do it in phases to avoid disruptions. Begin with small pilot projects to test new systems and then gradually expand. Use middleware and APIs to connect old systems with new technology, ensuring everything works together seamlessly during the transition.

In my previous role, our team faced significant challenges due to outdated technology. We prioritized our budget by first upgrading our data storage and processing capabilities, which were the backbone of our AI operations. By investing in scalable cloud solutions and more powerful processing tools, we significantly improved our data handling efficiency. We also focused on training our team on these new technologies to maximize the return on our investment. While this approach required a considerable initial outlay, the long-term benefits in terms of reduced downtime, improved project delivery times, and enhanced data insights far outweighed the costs.

There is a natural resistance against new technology within any large organisation. Instead guessing make sure you identify all people involved in technology selection not only those on official org chart and with big sounding titles but real ones. You might be surprised how often “big hairy” transformation is discussed only on top level (board, c-level) but will become train wreck because for example some Admin managing a business critical system - will not feel comfortable with proposed change because he wasn’t consulted in the first place. Hence he convince his boss it’s not safe to move and decision will reach top - and stop project in its tracks. So be sure you know all key people not only those you think will make decision.

To access advanced solutions and support, partner with technology vendors. Collaborate with other organizations in your industry to share best practices and tackle technology challenges together.